SALT LAKE TANGO PROJECT
Excellence in the Community concert series’ organizers book shows with an eye toward multi-media collaborations, pairing dancers with musicians for performances that are thrilling on multiple levels. This month’s featured guests, Salt Lake Tango Project, draw on elements of jazz and classical music to rearrange sultry compositions by Argentine nuevo tango master, Astor Piazzolla. David Asman (woodwinds, keys), Steve Keen (accordion), classical guitarist Todd Woodbury, and violinist John Thompson have developed a set list that select Wasatch Tango Club members will interpret under the direction of Marco Bagnasacco. Grand Theatre, 1575 S. State, 7:30 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: ExcellenceConcerts.org
KARL DENSON’S TINY UNIVERSE
Karl Denson’s ode to the booty is even catchier than Sir Mix-A-Lot’s: “The proof’s in the pudding/ Check out that bounce/ You can see it from a mile away/ My baby’s got it where it counts.” It’s possible “where it counts” is more about his love’s inner qualities, but either way, the song will make your booty bounce. Denson is best known as the jazzy sax man behind Lenny Kravitz, as well as the leader of Sexual Chocolate, a fictional band featured in Eddie Murphy’s Coming to America. These days, he helms Greyboy Allstars, Karl Denson Trio and Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, a funk/R&B act with major dance appeal hitting town tonight in support of their latest release, Brother’s Keeper. Get ready to boogie with the best. The State Room, 638 S. State, 8 p.m. Tickets: TheStateRoomSLC.com
Wednesday 3.3
THE FOXES
Dante Hicks: “You love gatherings.” Randal Graves: “But I hate people—isn’t it ironic?” This memorable line from Clerks seems especially apropos considering Kevin Smith’s recent tangle with the friendly skies. The writer/director has apparently put on a bit of weight since his Clerks days, enough so to be grounded from Southwest Airlines for being “too fat to fly.” Randal’s sentiment rings true in The Foxes’ “Trauma Town,” a catchy ditty inspired by one too many nightmares on the tube: “I don’t want to use/ public transport/ because it’s full of twats.” The London-based band’s lead vocalist Nigel Thomas delivers his complaints with a swing in his step, turning a scathing rant into one catchy pop gem. The Foxes’ entire catalog is similarly full of such juxtapositions, which is good for listeners who love a fun show but could do without any underlying optimism. Cynics and dancers unite, tonight. And come hungry—those faux “tiger” fingers are pretty sweet. Vertical Diner, 2280 S. West Temple, 7 p.m. All-ages.
EILEEN IVERS
Say what you will about Riverdance: The show brought to the forefront talent that might otherwise have gone unnoticed by mainstream audiences. Celtic fiddle master Eileen Ivers reached next-level fame as one of Riverdance’s stand-out solo performers, and her involvement in the touring production inspired her to branch out with material that transcends traditional Irish culture. Though she begins and ends each of her solo concerts with a jig, Ivers draws on multiple genres, aided in part by a diverse backing band. Known for wading into the audience during sets, Ivers turns every venue into an Irish pub (minus the drunken bar fights). Kingsbury Hall, 1395 E. Presidents Circle, University of Utah, 7:30 p.m. All-ages. Tickets: KingsburyHall.org.
Coming Up
Swollen Members, Potluck (Urban Lounge, March 4); California Guitar Trio (The State Room, March 5); We Were Promised Jetpacks (Kilby Court, March 5); Great American Taxi (Star Bar, March 6); Atticus Metal Tour (In the Venue, March 8); Chick Corea (Salt Lake Sheraton, March 8); New Found Glory (In the Venue, March 9); Felix Cartel (W Lounge, March 10); Midlake (The State Room, March 10)