We had a GREAT set at the Arts Festival, 2006.  It was only 30 minutes long, but the crowd was plentiful and was very excited about the performance.  We even received a standing ovation!We only had a 30 minute set, so we played Santa Fe, Saturday Matinee, 2325262729 (a new tune we’re in the process of recording), and Road to Burlington (slated for recording later in the summer.)

 We had a bunch of friends there, including CJ and Art Woolston (my mother and step-father), Temis Taylor (my beloved girlfriend) and her daughter, Maia, my sister Jill and husband Jon and son Joel, Kent’s wife and son Renel and Miles, plus Tony’s friend Lisa Davis, Temis’ sister Marissa, Bristol Sorensen, Angela Thompson, Rick and Annette Mead, Shane Duncan and his wife, James Trevino, and Derek Smith.  Forgive me if I missed anyone.  We appreciate the support of all our friends and family.

The big surprise was the size of the crowd!  It grew steadily from the first note.  Pretty soon, we had people spilling out of the Outdoor Café and onto the festival grounds.  Plus, we had people standing all around the perimeter of the stage.  We even had a guy dancing with his puppet.  (We felt strangely honored.)

The audience was very receptive to the music.  We usually play to people who are indifferent too stunned to applaud or boo or hiss.  But this show was different.  Everyone was very enthusiastic and complimentary.  After we had finished, a bunch of people came up to the stage to inquire about the band and the instruments.  It was a total success.

 And to make things even cooler, Temis and I met some friends for dinner the night after the show.  We were leaving the Red Iguana when someone grabbed me and inquired, “Weren’t you playing Theremin last night at the Arts Festival?”  Too cool.  I’m still on an emotional high.

On behalf of all of us, we’d like to thank the Utah Art’s Festival for allowing us the opportunity to play at the 2006 festival.  We’d love to play in 2007!

And finally, I’d like to thank my bandmates, Tony and Kent for 23 years of musical collaboration.  It is my honor and privilege to play with you.  You’re the best.

Matthew Loel T. Hepworth

PS  We’ll have mp3s, video, and photos from the show in the near future.  Please check back soon!