2025 Westside CultureFest Vendors

Listed in alphabetical order

Adria Odibo and Kyla Williams – Quilting, embroidery, watercolor, painting, and graphite art

Bio: I was born in Granger, Utah and have lived in Utah my entire life. Although I moved around a lot as a child, I have enjoyed living in West Jordan for over 25 years. I have raised my family here and plan to stay here and watch the city and surrounding area continue to grow and develop its own unique culture and activities. I would also like to feature some of my daughter’s artwork. Kyla was born in West Jordan and graduated from Copper Hills High School in 2019. Her mediums are painting and graphic art. This will be our first year participating in an art festival. 

Social: @adriaodibo on Facebook, @Adria4lasertag on Instagram

 

The Author Cooperative – Books for sale by local authors

Bio: The Author Cooperative is a group of independent authors working together to make indie publishing more accessible and bring more amazing books to readers.

 

Charsimpressions – Polymer clay custom jewelry and fairy houses

Bio: I’ve been a professional artist since the 80’s. When living on the Navajo Reservation I painted desert landscapes in oils. My painting style changed when we moved, and I focused on the lush greens of the Midwest with my oil paintings. Then branched out to making custom jewelry, incorporating recycled items, such as electrical components, diodes, resisters, wire, washers and nuts. The last few years I’ve added sculpture, using clay I create doll heads, dragons, jewelry, and much more. In this show I plan to showcase clay jewelry, miniatures, fairy houses and small stuff jars. These are made out of recycled glass, clay and recycled cardboard.

 

Eyebrow and Henna Art by Monika – Henna tattoos 

Bio: Henna tattoo artist having 27 years of experience.

Social / Website: @eyebrowandhennaartbymonika on Facebook, @eyebrow_and_hennaart_by_monika and Instagram

 

Funky Frame Friends – Quirky illustrations in custom frames 

Bio: As a guy in a wheelchair, growing up on a farm I couldn’t do much. So, learning to draw & create gave me something to do. And I had plenty of time to work on my skills. I’ve continued to develop my talent throughout my life, but just recently decided to try and turn my love of drawing into a side business. I’ve also recently learned to create stuff on a 3D printer. And so it hit me one day – I could create and sell fun and unique works of art, combining my fun, whimsical illustrations with custom designed 3D printed frames.

Social / Website: @travis.eberhard on Facebook, @traviseberhard on Instagram, https://traviseberhard.myportfolio.com

 

Hand Drawn Photo Booth

Bio: The Hand Drawn Photo Booth is a pretend photo booth where the artist draws your 4 poses! Each patron strikes and briefly holds 4 poses which are quickly sketched, in pen, on a strip of paper. The finished drawings is delivered out of the slot on the booth marked “photo out” complete with mouth-powered machine sounds! Each custom 4-pose strip takes about 10-15 minutes to complete and we charge $20-$25 per sitting.

Social / Website: @hand_drawn_photobooth on Instagram, www.handdrawnphotobooth.com

 

Hilary Allan Fine Art – Original pastel paintings and diamond dot magnets 

Bio: Hilary is a pastel artist based in Kearns, UT Inspired by the subtle beauty of the natural world, she creates vibrant and textured landscapes that capture fleeting moments of light and atmosphere. Having painted for approximately six years, Hilary’s work explores themes of river water and mini paintings. Her pieces aim to evoke a sense of serenity and invite viewers to connect with the quiet poetry of the everyday.

Social / Website: @hilaryallan.art on Instagram, https://www.allanpastel.art/

 

Isabell’s Umbrella – Whimsical stickers, prints, and handmade accessories

Bio: Born from a love of illustration, design and an obsession with all things cute, Isabell’s Umbrella is a boutique paper goods design studio located in Salt
Lake City, Utah. Ashley Giessing, together with her husband, Mathew, make up the creative team behind this brand. Specializing in paper goods, stickers, and a collection of other delightful goodies, Isabell’s Umbrella strives to create items that are both endearing and sustainable.

Social / Website: @isabellsumbrella on Instagram, Http://isabells-umbrella.com

 

Jeremy Pearce – Bold and colorful multimedia art

Bio: Jeremy Pearce is a Utah based multi media artist that enjoys the challenges of using oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, etc. Jeremy’s ideas, thoughts, and feelings propel him into different artistic journeys that warrant experimentation in depicting what is brewing inside his mind. Unwilling to stick to one theme, Jeremy ‘s art runs the gamut of depicting the macabre, the human figure, landscapes, and narrative pieces that allow the viewer to create their own story.

Jeremy was a Navy brat and lived all over the U.S. The different American cultures he lived in created an endless curiosity and contributed to his eclectic subject matter and use of different mediums. Jeremy is interested in what is happening within his own mind and what he encounters around him. Jeremy is involved with a work study program at the Visual Art Institute. This enables him to help a non-profit art school in Utah as well as learn new art mediums, techniques, and abilities to help foster his growth as an artist.

Social: @jpearceart on Facebook and Instagram

 

Make Salt Lake – Unique crafts made by local maker-space members

Bio: Make Salt Lake is Utah’s non-profit, community makerspace. We are dedicated to providing affordable access to the space, tools, and knowledge to transform ideas into physical creations. We offer our members a comprehensive collection of tools and equipment in nine different workspaces so that anyone—with any skill set—can dream, design, learn, invent, and build.

Social / Website: @makesaltlake on Facebook and Instagram, https://makesaltlake.org/

 

Neena Plant Pottery – Wheel thrown and hand built pottery pieces

Bio: My artistic focus is unique wheel-thrown and hand-built pottery. I started my journey as a potter nearly eight years ago. I volunteer with Clay Arts Utah. My pottery is currently available at Art at the Main Gallery at Library Square, Beehive Naturals in Ogden and at Beespoke in Lehi.

Social / Website: @neenaplantpotterynew on Facebook, @neena_plant_pottery on Instagram, https://neenaplant.com/

 

Oleander Oliver – Eerie, enchanting oddities

Bio: Oleander Oliver is an Armenian Trans Artist focusing on Momento Mori art styles with a flare for the unusual and unique. His art is featured in Universities and homes all over Utah.

Social: @oleander_oliver on Instagram

 

Qualia Studio – Botanical inks, photography, and paintings 

Bio: Qiaoxi Li is a multidisciplinary artist and designer whose work spans landscape photography and botanical ink illustration. As a Chinese American who has lived in nearly every corner of the U.S., her creative voice is shaped by a blend of cultural layers, geographic transitions, and quiet observations from life on the move.
Now based in Utah, Qiaoxi finds herself endlessly inspired by the state’s raw, open spaces and striking contrasts—from sun-drenched deserts to alpine lakes and windswept plains. Her photography captures these natural moods in thoughtful, still moments, while her ink floral drawings explore structure, softness, and the poetic tension between order and wildness. Her work is a reflection of her journey—rooted in many places, yet deeply at home in the West.

Yachan Yuan’s artwork bridges digital design and traditional painting, celebrating cultural nuance through form, color, and emotion. Her pieces range from ethereal floral compositions like First Light and Dance of Shades, which evoke meditative beauty through digital brushwork, to vibrant abstract prints such as Digital Harmony and Fragmented Vision, which explore identity in the age of technology. Alongside these are her expressive paintings, Lemon Still Life and Reflections, which honor classical techniques while offering quiet moments of introspection. Together, these works invite viewers into a richly layered world where innovation meets tradition, and personal memory becomes universal expression.

Social: @thequaliahours on Instagram

 

R&R Pine Needle Baskets 

Bio: I am a retired Utah Army National Guard Veteran of 35 years and am a substitute teacher in Jordan School District. The pine needles used to make my baskets are primarily found beneath Ponderosa Pines in various Veterans parks throughout west side of the valley. I use innovative new and meaningful ways to express my art in building my baskets. The pine needles are gathered, cleaned and boiled to make them flexible to put in coils. A centerpiece is artistically chosen and the needles are stitched with beeswax thread. Each basket takes about six hours to build.

Social: @rrneedlebaskets on Instagram

 

Rainbow Shrimp Art – Oil and acrylic paintings and embroidery

Bio: Utah born traditional artist, Alexandria Yaa is Ghanaian-American creating new age symbolism. Her unconventional “studios” are scattered across Utah. She has studied art in Belgium, Amsterdam, New York, and LA. Her work goes beyond dialogue, it lights a fire and tells tales of an intimate visual novella. Gentle but colourful scenes display divine bodies of work that represent the refusal to give up on one’s humanity and an unnamable place in the uncanny valley. Through the lens of intercultural surreal fantasia, Alexandria seeks to create a love letter to life through works of art that reverently bring the viewer to experience; ” what we have become”

Social: @rainbow_shrimp.art on Instagram

 

Rose Torres Art – Watercolor and graphite botanical art

Bio: Rose Torres is a Botanical artist based in Salt Lake, Utah. She uses watercolor on paper or vellum, graphite and silverpoint. She has spent much of her life exploring and learning about the mountains, deserts, and wildflowers. Rose is a Master Gardener, steward over 40 acres of mountain land, and Mother to 6 children. She graduated from the Society of Botanical Artists Diploma Course, with Distinction, in 2023, and was invited to be an SBA Fellow the same year. Rose is passionate about and seeks to bring attention to the unique plants that call Utah home, particularly the threatened and endangered plants that need public awareness to conserve their habitat.

Social / Website: @rosetorresart on Facebook and Instagram, Rosetorresart.com

 

The Art of Scott Tuckfield – Acrylic paintings

Bio: I was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, and have been passionate about creating art for as long as I can remember. My first forays into painting happened in middle school, and then really took off in high school. My first encounter with the work of Salvador Dali, sometime in 10th grade, blew my mind and shook me to the core, and I fell in love with creating surreal, psychological, metaphysical, otherworldly art.

Social / Website: @ScottTuckfieldArt on Facebook, @scotttuckfield on Instagram, www.scotttuckfield.com

 

Super Cool and Stuff – Pins, stickers, comics, and shirts

Bio: Ricky Vigil is an artist and educator from Salt Lake City, UT. He has been making the autobiographical comic zine Super Cool and Stuff since 2011. Ricky’s art is equally informed by the fun and nostalgia of Saturday morning cartoons and the creative rebelliousness of punk rock. Ricky’s art has been featured in SLUG Magazine and City Weekly and he has created art for local and national touring musicians such as Wicked Bears, The Slackers and Murder By Death.

Social / Website: @supercoolnstuff on Instagram, rickyvigil.com

 

Tony and Lorena Pottery – Mata ortiz pottery

 

Yawar Cotton – Handcrafted garments that blend contemporary design with traditional Peruvian textiles

Bio: All Yawar products are designed by Cynthia Ponce, and handcrafted in collaboration with skilled women artisans in Peru. Each piece is either handwoven on traditional Andean looms or hand-embroidered, ensuring that every item is unique and rooted in ancestral craftsmanship. While I personally create the designs, the production process involves artisans who bring them to life using techniques passed down through generations.

Since Yawar is dedicated to preserving Peruvian textile heritage, our materials, such as Pima cotton and alpaca wool, are ethically sourced and woven in Peru. Although production is not based in Utah, my role as the designer and creative director ensures that every piece embodies the spirit of handmade artistry and sustainability.

Social: @Yawardesigns on Facebook and Instagram, www.yawardesigns.com

August 15th & 16th 2025, 5-10pm

FULL FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 15

HEADLINERS

• 8:15-8:45pm, Outdoor Stage | OPENING MUSICAL HEADLINER | Marqueza | Genre-blending experimental electronic music
• 9:00-9:45pm, Outdoor Stage | MUSICAL HEADLINER | Theia | Alt art rock with ethereal indigenous influences

 

ONGOING

• 5:00-8:30pm, North Studio | Bad Dog Arts | Interactive art activities
• 5:00-9:00pm, Lobby | Cirque du Salt Lake | Aerial performances (occasional breaks)

 

BUSKERS

• 5:00-7:00pm | Allie Violin | Roaming electric violin
• 5:00-9:00pm | Mariah Salazar’s Flower Character | Roaming flower character
• 7:00-9:00pm | The “Great” Demonio | Roaming comedy magic

 

PERFORMANCES BY HOUR

5pm hour

• 5:00-6:15pm, Centennial Room | Spy Hop Cinema | Short films by local teens
• 5:00-6:00pm, Outdoor Stage | Runestomper | Electronic music
• 5:45-6:30pm, Studio 5400 | Salt Lake Children’s Theatre | Hook vs. Pan: A Battle for Neverland

6pm hour

• 6:00-6:45pm, Main Stage | Halau Ku Pono I Kamalani | Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander dance
• 6:15-6:45pm, Outdoor Stage | The Alpines | Indie rock band
• 6:45-7:30pm, Centennial Room | Fa’onelua Dance Studio – Workshop | Tongan dance workshop and performance

7pm hour

• 7:00-7:45pm, Studio 5400 | Divya School of Dance | Indian classical, folk, and Bollywood dances
• 7:15-7:45pm, Outdoor Stage | Zac Ivie | Hip hop and spoken word
• 7:30-8:15pm, Main Stage | Samba Fogo | Brazilian music and dance

8pm hour

• 8:00-9:45pm, Centennial Room | Spy Hop Cinema | Short films by local teens
• 8:15-8:45pm, Outdoor Stage | OPENING MUSICAL HEADLINER | Marqueza | Genre-blending experimental electronic music
• 8:30-9:00pm, Studio 5400 | West Valley Arts Foundation | Theater performance

9pm hour

• 8:00-9:45pm, Centennial Room | Spy Hop Cinema | Short films by local teens
• 9:00-9:45pm, Outdoor Stage | MUSICAL HEADLINER | Theia | Alt art rock with ethereal indigenous influences

 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 16

HEADLINER

• 9:00-9:45pm, Outdoor Stage | EXPERIENCE HEADLINER | Malialole Polynesian Cultural Arts Ensemble | Dance and music of Polynesia

 

ONGOING

• 5:00-9:45pm, Lobby | Cirque du Salt Lake | Aerial performances (occasional breaks)
• 5:00-8:30pm, North Studio | Bad Dog Arts | Interactive art activities

 

BUSKERS

• 5:00-7:00pm | Mariah Salazar’s Flower Character | Roaming flower character
• 5:00-9:00pm | Allie Violin | Roaming electric violin
• 7:00-9:00pm | The “Great” Demonio | Roaming comedy magic

 

PERFORMANCES BY HOUR

5pm hour

• 5:00-5:45pm, Outdoor Stage | DJ SkratchMo | DJ set
• 5:30-6:15pm, Main Stage | Mi Viejo San Simón | Bolivian Caporales dance
• 5:45-6:30pm, Studio 5400 | Salt Lake Ballet Coop | Contemporary dance and music

6pm hour

• 6:00-6:30pm, Outdoor Stage | Mel Soul | Acoustic singer songwriter
• 6:00-6:45pm, Centennial Room | WestSide Dance – Workshop | Traditional Mexican folk dance workshop and performance
• 6:45-7:30pm, Main Stage | Chitrakaavya Dance | Traditional Bharatanatyam dance

7pm hour

• 7:00-7:30pm, Outdoor Stage | Murphy & the Giant | Folk punk band
• 7:00-7:45pm, Studio 5400 | Tablado Flamenco Dance Company | Flamenco dance and music
• 7:15-9:45pm, Centennial Room | Spy Hop Cinema | Short films by local teens

8pm hour

• 7:15-9:45pm, Centennial Room | Spy Hop Cinema | Short films by local teens
• 8:00-8:30pm, Outdoor Stage | The Alex Elggren Band | Country rock band
• 8:00-8:45pm, Main Stage | Danza y Color | Traditional Mexican folk dance
• 8:15-9:00pm, Studio 5400 | Carnaval de Barranquilla en Utah | Colombian dance

9pm hour

• 7:15-9:45pm, Centennial Room | Spy Hop Cinema | Short films by local teens
• 9:00-9:45pm, Outdoor Stage | EXPERIENCE HEADLINER | Malialole Polynesian Cultural Arts Ensemble | Dance and music of Polynesia

 

2025 Westside CultureFest Performers

 

FRIDAY NIGHT MUSICAL HEADLINERS

Headliner | Theia – Alt art rock with ethereal indigenous influences

Performance: Friday, August 15, 9-9:45pm on the Outdoor Stage
Bio: Māori singer and songwriter Theia makes trailblazing alternative music with ethereal folk, Indigenous soul, and art rock influences.Theia is a fierce proponent for the revitalisation of Māori language and culture and is known for weaving her native tongue into her politically charged anthems, including her recently released tracks Hoki Whenua Mai (Return The Land) and BALDH3AD! which was nominated for ‘Single of the Year’ at this year’s Aotearoa Music Awards. A mesmerizing performer, Theia has toured extensively across Australasia, Canada and the USA. Recent live highlights include WOMAD, Splore, Women’s Freedom Festival (LA), Block Heater (Calgary), SheFest (San Diego), Missoula Pride, Sum of Us (California), Pioneer Fest (Seattle) and Belltown Bloom (Seattle). 
Social: @theiaofficialxo on Instagram, @Theia on Facebook

 

Opening headliner | Marqueza – Genre-blending experimental electronic music

Performance: Friday, August 15, 8:15-8:45pm on the Outdoor Stage
Bio: Marqueza is the genderfluid deep sea angler fish that swam up from the dark ocean just in time to witness the sun. A Japanese-Venezuelan singer, songwriter, music producer, dancer, and multi-disciplinary visual artist, they are coming out of a year+ long hiatus to perform new music for you. Musically transitioning between diverse influences in jazz, rock, rnb, pop, club, and more, they write and produce everything electronically, always chasing a one-of-a-kind sound that is both experimental and personal. Marqueza – “I know it’s been a minute, but I’m back and I’m ready to share my art with the world again.”
Social: @mar.queza.m on Instagram

 

SATURDAY NIGHT EXPERIENCE HEADLINER

Malialole Polynesian Cultural Arts Ensemble – Dance and music of Polynesia

Performance: Saturday, August 16, 9-9:45pm on the Outdoor Stage
Bio: Our performance is a vibrant celebration of the Pacific Islands, sharing the rich traditions and stories of Polynesia and beyond. Through traditional and contemporary dances from Hawai‘i, Samoa, Tonga, Tahiti, Aotearoa (New Zealand), Fiji, and more, we honor the beauty, strength, and unity of our cultures.

Each piece is rooted in storytelling—brought to life through movement, rhythm, and colorful costume. From the graceful sway of hula to the fierce energy of the haka and the powerful beats of the Fijian meke and Tongan tauʻolunga, every dance connects the audience to the heart of our heritage.

Our shows are family-friendly, interactive, and deeply meaningful. Whether you’re dancing with us or watching from your seat, our goal is to make you feel welcomed, uplifted, and inspired by the spirit of the islands.

Social: @UtahLuau

 

All performers listed in alphabetical order

The Alex Elggren Band – Country Rock Band

Performance: Saturday, August 16, 8-8:30pm on the Outdoor Stage
Bio: We are Utah’s newest country band, with members between the ages of 14 and 18. We’ve been playing together since February and have been able to perform in venues such as the Velour, Tooele’s Friday Nights on Vine, Riverton Town Days, Freedom Fest, and Open Streets downtown SLC. We are having the time of our lives and are so grateful for our supportive fans!
Social / Website: @AlexElggren on Facebook, @alex_elggren on Instagram, www.alexelggren.com/team-3

 

Allie Violin – Electric Violin Busking Artist

Performances: 5-7pm on Friday, August 15 and 5-9pm on Saturday, August 16 as a busker throughout the festival.
Bio: Since graduating with a Bachelor’s in Music (Violin performance) in 2018, Allie has become an established musician in the Salt Lake City music scene. She has performed with various artists, including Kurt Bestor, Jon Batiste, Olivia Rodrigo, Lindsey Stirling, and more. Allie takes pride in her versatility as a violinist, and has a refined repertoire of classical, pop, rock, and jazz music. As both an ensemble member and a soloist, Allie is passionate about performing.
Social / Website: @alliviolin, www.allieviolin.studio

 

The Alpines – Indie Rock Band

Performance: Friday, August 15, 6:15-6:45 pm on the Outdoor Stage
Bio: The Alpines are an alternative rock band from Salt Lake City, Utah, blending influences of Americana, psychedelic, dance, folk, synth, and indie to create a unique and dynamic sound. With impassioned female vocals, bold guitar solos, groovy basslines, and dynamic drums, their debut album, Heading North, tells the tale of four weary travelers seeking a new home in a post-apocalyptic world. Their second album, Dying Star, explores the tension between destruction and rebirth, reflecting on the sacrifices we make for new beginnings. The Alpines craft a powerful, immersive performance that reveal hidden truths as seasons shift and stories unfold.
The Alpines will be performing as a duo at Westside Culture Fest and are looking forward to debuting some new material.
Social / Website: @thealpinesmusic, www.thealpinesmusic.wixsite.com/the-alpines

 

Bad Dog Arts – Interactive Art Activities

Festival Participation: Interactive art activities from 5-8:30pm both days in the North Studio
Bio: Bad Dog Arts is a nonprofit organization located in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. We provide programs for all ages by creating a safe space to engage in confidence-building and highly creative activities in our studio, in school classrooms and across the community. 
Social / Website: @baddogarts, www.baddogarts.com

 

Carnaval de Barranquilla en Utah – Columbian Dance

Performance: Saturday, August 16, 8:15-9pm in Studio 5400
Bio: The Barranquilla Carnival is the most important folklore and cultural festival in Colombia and the second largest in the Americas. It has two titles: Cultural Heritage of the Nation and Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, awarded by UNESCO. We are its representatives in this state and its surrounding areas. Our group’s goal is to make you feel at home, and it’s a pleasure to share a bit of our culture with all of you. We hope you enjoy it.
Social / Website: @carnavaldebarranquillautah

 

Chitrakaavya Dance – Traditional Bharatanatyam Dance

Performance: Saturday, August 16, 6:45-7:30pm in Main Stage Theatre
Bio: Chitrakaavya Dance is primarily focused in exploring, highlighting, and investigating Indian Classical Dance, with a specialization in Bharatanatyam, a South Indian classical form. ChitraKaavya Dance conceptualizes movement as a means of visual poetry.
Our mission is: 1. to help create and nurture strong intercultural connections between the Indian diaspora and the many vibrant cultures in the Salt lake Valley through the use of visual and performing arts, primarily dance; 2. importantly, from the perspective of the next generation of the Indian diaspora, providing relevance and interpretability to the dance forms to nurture the complex sense of identity beyond the exotic or esoteric.
Social / Website: @chitrakaavyadance on Facebook, @chitrakaavya_dance on Instagram, www.chitrakaavyadance.org

 

Cirque du Salt Lake – Aerial Performances

Performances: Cirque du Salt Lake will perform from 5-10 pm both days of the Westside CultureFest in the Main Lobby.
Bio: We are a group of local acrobats who love to perform! Our goal is to create an inclusive performance community where everyone can have opportunities to share their art.
Social / Website: @cirquedusaltlake

 

Danza y Color Utah – Traditional Mexican Folk Dance

Performance: Saturday, August 16, 8-8:45pm in the Main Stage Theatre
Bio: Founded in 2018, the folkloric dance group, Danza y Color Utah, is dedicated to learning, growing, and sharing mexican folklore. With the purpose of sticking to traditions and origins of folkloric dance from the different regions of mexico, committing to bring mexican folklore to the community.
Social / Website: @danzaycolorutah

 

Divya School of Dance – Indian Classical, Folk, and Bollywood Dances

Performance: Friday, August 15, 7-7:45pm in Studio 5400
Bio: Divya School of Dance has been in Utah for the past 18 years and has been instrumental in over 800 performances at prominent institutions. Divya Narayanan, the founder and director of Divya school of dance, teaches Indian classical dances, Indian folk dances and Bollywood dance routines at Herriman and Salt Lake City, Utah.

Divya Narayanan, with over 30 years of expertise in the field, is an accomplished artist, choreographer, and teacher. She is also a triple scholar recipient in the Indian Classical Dances – Bharathanatyam, Mohiniattom, Kathakali, and in many folk dances of India including Bollywood dance. She is also a national graded artist in India.

At Divya School of Dance, we celebrate the rich tapestry of Indian dance through various art forms, including the graceful Bharatanatyam, the lyrical Mohiniyattam, the dramatic Kathakali, and the vibrant Bollywood. Each style tells a story, from ancient epics to contemporary expressions, and is practiced by individuals of all ages and backgrounds. For us, these dances are a way to connect with our heritage, express ourselves creatively, and build a community through the joy of movement.

Social / Website: @DivyaSchoolOfDance on Facebook, @divyaschoolofdnce on Instagram, www.divyaschoolofdance.com

 

DJ SkratchMo 

Performance: Saturday, August 16, 5-5:45pm on the Outdoor Stage
Bio: DJ SkratchMo developed an ear for good music by raiding his parents’ record collection from a young age, listening to everything from Swing to Progressive Rock. As he found his way onto a set of turntables and a mixer, his musical background helped him shape his scratch style and unique approach to DJing, pulling from multiple genres to weave a tapestry of unique sounds. Expect to hear selections of Pop, Rock, Funk, Hip-Hop, New Wave, Boogie, House, Future Beats, and more, seamlessly blended together that will please your ears and soul.
Social / Website: @divyaschoolofdnce, www.divyaschoolofdance.com

 

Fa’onelua Dance Studio – Tongan Dance Workshop and Performance

Performance: Friday, August 15, 6:45-7:30pm in the Centennial Room
Bio: Fa’onelua School of Confidence is a cultural dance studio led by Deeno, a passionate instructor with over 20 years of experience teaching Tongan dance. More than just movement, Fa’onelua empowers students of all ages to build confidence, embrace their identity, and connect to their roots. Through Tau’olunga and storytelling, Deeno creates a safe, uplifting space where students come shy and leave proud. Every lesson inspires pride, presence, and purpose — on stage and in life.
Social / Website: @FaoneluaTonganTauolunga on Facebook, @faonelua412saltlakecity on Instagram

 

The “Great” Demonio – Comedy Magic Busking Artist

Performance: Friday, August 15 and Saturday August 16, 7-9pm throughout the festival
Bio: The Great Demonio’s Bizarre Magic Show: A weird, wacky, and wonderfully spooky ride for brave kids and bold parents alike! Filled with creepy comedy and jaw-dropping tricks, this show delivers laughs, gasps, and a little dose of dark fun, perfect for families who love something different.
Social / Website: www.thegreatdemonio.com

 

Halau Ku Pono I Kamalani – Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Dance

Performance: Friday, August 15, 6-6:45pm in the Main Stage Theatre
Bio: In 2008, Halau Ku Pono I Kamalani began teaching hula and other Pacific Island cultures in Davis County, UT. Our group has children from age 3 to adult. We have performed throughout Utah, Wyoming, Idaho and competed in several hula competitions in the United States. We believe in perpetuating the Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island cultures through sharing knowledge. We accomplish doing so through the dances we perform. We want the world to see the cultures through our eyes.
We look forward to bringing a touch of paradise to you!
Social / Website: @halaukuponoikamalani on Facebook, @utahhula on Instagram, Kuponoikamalani.com

 

Mariah Salazar’s Flower Character – Roaming Character

Performances: 5-9pm on Friday, August 15 and 5-7pm on Saturday, August 16 throughout the festival
Bio: Mariah Salazar Booking is a premier character performance company specializing in unforgettable, interactive entertainment for all ages. From beloved princesses and storybook characters to whimsical specialty acts, our performers bring magic to every event. This season we are blooming with excitement to present our life size Flower Performer, a stunning living sculpture that dances, delights, and surprises with every petal. Get ready for a truly enchanting encounter.
Social / Website: @MariahSalazarBooking

 

Mel Soul – Acoustic Singer Songwriter

Performance: Saturday, August 16, 6-6:30pm on the Outdoor Stage
Bio: Ever since Mel was a little girl listening to Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings with her grandfather, music has been a part of her soul. Singing along to girl bands on MTV back in the early 90’s made her realize she had a passion for singing in front of a crowd! Her training as a singer started in High School. One of her proudest performances was when her high school chamber choir sang at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Songwriting started out as a curiosity after learning how to play guitar. After finishing her first song, she knew this was her calling. Mel Soul is more than one specific genre to define her performance. She creates music for your soul.
Social / Website: @Mel-Soul-And-The-Heartbeat on Facebook, @melsoulandtheheartbeat on Instagram, https://linktr.ee/melsoulandtheheartbeat

 

Mi Viejo San Simón – Bolivian Caporales Dance

Performance: Saturday, August 16, 5:30-6:15pm in the Main Stage Theatre
Bio: We are an international Bolivian Caporales dance group known all throughout South America, Europe, and Canada. Our vision is to share the amazing Latino Culture through dance and music! In 2019, We made Utah history by having & presenting the FIRST MACHAS CAPORALES! In 2023, we were honored to be crowned Caporales Champions at the first Utah’s Caporales competition.
Director: Martha Flores
Choreographers: Martha Flores and Brianna Flores Villaalta
Social / Website: @miviejosansimonutah on Facebook, @mvsansimonutah on Instagram, https://miviejosansimonutah.com/

 

Murphy & the Giant – Folk Punk Band

Performance: Saturday, August 16, 7-7:30pm on the Outdoor Stage
Bio: Hailing from the back streets of Salt Lake City, Utah, Murphy & the Giant is a wild bunch of misfits who blend the chaos of punk rock with a dark unruly spirit of folk music.
Social / Website: @murphyandthegiant

 

Runestomper – Electronic Music DJ

Performance: Friday, August 15, 5-6pm on the Outdoor Stage
Bio: Chris (Runestomper) is an electronic music producer hailing from Salt Lake City. His musical journey began in the vibrant local band scene, where he honed his skills on the guitar and bass. Fast forward to the present, Chris, under the moniker Runestomper, remains deeply committed to his musical education, constantly seeking new knowledge and techniques in music production. To this day, he’s bringing a heavy edge to synthwave, leaving you with a brand new outlook in life.
Social / Website: @runestomper, www.runestomper.com

 

Salt Lake Ballet Coop – Contemporary Dance and Music

Performance: Saturday, August 16, 5:45-6:30pm in Studio 5400
Bio: Salt Lake Ballet Cooperative (SLBC) was established in 2022, with the mission to create community projects guided by a collaborative artistic vision. SLBC offers affordable and accessible dance classes and performances, with an emphasis on collaborating with local artists. SLBC is a program of Deseret Experimental Opera (DEXO), which formed in 2013. DEXO’s mission is to create professional opportunities for local unestablished artists and to create original works for and about our Utah community.
Social / Website: @DeseretExperimentalOperaCompany on Facebook, @deseretexopera on Instagram, www.deseretopera.org

 

Salt Lake Children’s Theatre – Hook vs. Pan: A Battle for Neverland

Performance: Friday, August 15, 5:45-6:30pm in Studio 5400
Bio: Hook vs. Pan: A Battle for Neverland is a fun, fast-paced adventure where Peter Pan and Tinkerbell outsmart the bumbling Captain Hook and Smee in a hilarious battle for the Lost Boys’ Tree House. Packed with audience interaction, magic, and plenty of laughs, this original show by local playwright Mindy Curtis invites kids and families to cheer, shout, and help save Neverland. It’s a playful, high-energy adventure perfect for fans of pirates, fairies, and fun!

Salt Lake Children’s Theatre is dedicated to magical and interactive performances for young audiences ensuring that every child in the Salt Lake Valley can experience the magic of theatre free of financial barriers.
Social / Website: @Salt-Lake-Childrens-Theatre on Facebook, @salt_lake_childrens_theatre on Instagram, www.saltlakechildrenstheatre.org

 

Spy Hop Cinema – Short Films by Local Teens

Performance: Friday, August 15 and Saturday, August 16 from 5-9pm in the Centennial Room
Bio: Spy Hop offers hands-on project-based programming in Salt Lake City and across the state of Utah for students 9-19 of all skill levels and aspirations. We meet young people where they are in their lives and invite them to tell their stories through film, music, audio and design. Our model combines youth development, arts education, and career preparation to empower young people to gain the skills they need to be successful.
Social / Website: @spyhop on Facebook, @spy_hop on Instagram, www.spyhop.org

 

Tablado Flamenco Dance Company – Flamenco Dance and Music

Performance: Saturday, August 16, 7-7:45pm in Studio 5400
Bio: Founded in 2001 and directed by Solange Gomes, Tablado Dance Company combines the vigor and passion of traditional flamenco with the vitality of the modern style. Drawing from the variety of styles performed by Tablado’s dancers and musicians, their concerts blend aesthetics, meld genres and connect to your heart.
Social / Website: @tablado.utah on Facebook, @tdcflamencout on Instagram, www.spyhop.org

 

West Valley Arts Foundation – Theater Performance

Performance: Friday, August 15, 8:30-9pm in Studio 5400
Bio: West Valley Arts Foundation is dedicated to fostering creativity, connection, and opportunity for the residents of West Side. As the region’s leading semi-professional theatre, they are committed to producing high-quality theatrical experiences, cultivating the next generation of artists, and breaking down barriers to arts access. From their home at the West Valley Performing Arts Center, they celebrate the power of the arts to connect, transform, and reflect the vibrant tapestry of the region.
Social / Website: @wvcarts, www.wvcarts.org

 

WestSide Dance – Traditional Mexican Folk Dance Workshop and Performance

Performance: Saturday, August 16, 6-6:45pm in the Centennial Room
Bio: WestSide Dance is Utah’s first all exclusive youth Ballet Folklorico. Founded in 1997 in Salt Lake City and named by the first students in honor of their pride in the community. Over the span of 28+ years WestSide Dance has shared the beautiful, vibrant culture with over 500 children.
Social / Website: @westsidedanceutah

 

Zac Ivie – Hip Hop and Spoken Word

Performance: Friday, August 15, 7-7:45pm on the Outdoor Stage
Bio: Salt Lake City based artist Zac Ivie who has performed with artists such as GZA , GhostFace Killah, Masta Ace and Marco Polo, grieves, krs one, Pharcyde, and many more. Touring since 2017 he has had multiple US tours as well as adding an international European tour in 2024 alongside Masta Ace and Marco Polo but will always represent where he’s from.. Utah!
Social / Website: @zacivie, www.Getitwriterecords.com

Festival FAQ

When is the festival?

Westside CultureFest is August 15-16, 2025 from 5:00-10:00 pm MDT at Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center in Taylorsville, UT.

Is the festival free to attend?

Yes! Westside CultureFest is free to attend and does not require a ticket.

Is there parking at Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center?

Yes, there is free parking at Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. It is located on the North side of the building.

Is there food and drink at the festival?

Yes, there are food trucks and concessions, including a festival bar located outdoors for patrons 21+. Friday night’s food trucks are: Yoshi’s Japanese Grill, Ye Olde Brat Haus, and Habanero Taqueria. Saturday night’s food trucks are: Sol Food BBQ & Grill, Ye Olde Brat Haus, and Habanero Taqueria. The indoor concessions also features snacks and drinks for purchase.

Is the festival indoors or outdoors?

Both! There are performances indoors and outdoors, including interactive workshops for all ages.

Is the festival ADA accessible?

Yes, Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center is ADA accessible. All Westside CultureFest programming is accessible from the first floor of the venue. Accessible bathrooms are located inside on the first floor.

The Main Stage and Studio 5400 have dedicated ADA seating. The lobby, Centennial Room, and North Studio have flexible seating options with ample space for wheelchairs or other mobility aids. The Outdoor Stage does not have set seating.

Who can I contact for Accessibility Accommodations?

For Accessibility Accommodations please contact Krystal Cardenas 385-468-1135 or KCardenas@slco.org.

What should I bring to attend Westside CultureFest?

We recommend bringing water, sunscreen, and money (if you wish to purchase food, drink, or artwork). All performances and interactive workshops are free. This festival is appropriate for all ages.

I’ve never been to Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center before. What is it?

Located in Taylorsville, the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center brings premiere performance and rehearsal spaces to the middle and southwest sections of the valley.

This thoughtfully designed venue includes the 400-seat Main-Stage Theatre; the 200-seat Studio 5400 black box theater; and the Centennial Room, a fully functional rehearsal and event space; and professional theater staff and services. Mid-Valley provides the opportunity for performing organizations to showcase their art in this fast-growing area of Salt Lake County.

Who is putting on the festival?

Westside CultureFest is produced by Salt Lake County Arts & Culture. As a division of Salt Lake County, Salt Lake County Arts & Culture has supported arts organizations with our spaces, places, and services since 1977.

Our Places are among the premier performance venues in Utah: Maurice Abravanel Hall, Janet Quinney Lawson Capitol Theatre, George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater, Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center, and Rose Wagner Performing Arts Center. As County operated facilities, our venues give home to the arts and gathering places to the community.

We also provide Spaces and Services to arts organizations and the public alike, including performance, rehearsal, event, and reception spaces; and ArtTix ticketing, event and technical services, the Art in Public Places program, and our Residency program.

This festival was created and run for the first two years in partnership with Utah Arts Alliance. We are honored to have had them as partners and are excited to continue the festival.