2016 WorldStage! Summer Concert Series Lineup

By Michael Christensen, @FolkloreMike

​With humble beginnings, the WorldStage! Concerts at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center have grown into a premier showcasing of local community talent features all genres of music.  2016 is no different, featuring some old fan favorites and a few newcomers to our stage.
 
And what a stage it is.  The outdoor amphitheater is the ideal location for an evening out with family and friends.  The Wasatch mountain range sits right in your lap, and the theatre itself is intimate and friendly, providing excellent viewing options from both seats and grassy slope.
 
Concerts start a bit earlier this year, with gates opening at 6 p.m. and shows starting promptly at 7 p.m.  Come early and grab a bite to eat, and take some photos of Chinese Heritage Gate, or any of the other cultural amenities on site. 

West Valley Symphony, July 18

Starting off the 2016 is The West Valley Symphony, members of our Partners Program.  This community symphony features players from all ages and walks of life, stretching from Layton to Provo.  July 18.

World Travelers, August 1

WorldStage! will be partnering once again with Bountiful Davis Art Center, who will co-present the beloved World Travelers showcase, which features folk musicians and dancers from around the world.  Aug 1.  Below is a sample of the quality performances that have been held at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center.

The Soulistics, August 8

Bringin’ you some furious funk and the sweetest of soul classics, crowd favorites The Soulistics are back this summer, giving you a full-scale show of devilishly good music form the Motown era.  Aug 8.  Check out a number from their last performance in 2012 at the UCCC:

The Phoenix Jazz & Swing Band, August 15

New to the series this year is The Phoenix Jazz & Swing Band, who will be making their debut in the Cultural Center’s Great Hall.  Why move the show indoors?  Dancing of course!  Be ready to cut a rug on the dance floor we’ll have readied just for you and your dance partner.  Aug 15.  Here's a video of one of their recording sessions:

U.S. Navy Band: Country Current, August 23*

It has been 5 years since we last presented the U.S. Navy Band for our WorldStage! Concert Series.  You read that correctly, the United States Navy will be visiting again with their premier country-bluegrass band Country Current.  *This is a special Tuesday night engagement (we’re on a military schedule here, folks) so be sure and make note.  This group specializes in music from America’s heartland and is sure to please.  Aug 23.  Check out this great rendition of "Missouri" (recorded live at WAMU's Bluegrass Country):

So there you have it.  Symphonic, folk & ethnic, rhythm & blues, big band & swing, and country & bluegrass.  A pretty solid smattering of musical genres that are sure to please.  We hope to see you this summer at the WorldStage! Concert Series