SLCene Suggests: Justin Townes Earle at the Gallivan Center

JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE, GALLIVAN CENTER, Saturday, July 20, 8:15 p.m., free

For years, the music-loving good people of the Intermountain Acoustic Music Association have thrown a summertime Folk & Bluegrass Festival that is always one of the season’s highlights, even as the event has bounced through different locations and set up different sorts of lineups. What never changes is the quality showcase of local, regional and national acts the IAMA puts on, and this year’s festival looks to be one of the best yet. Topping the bill is Justin Townes Earle, the brilliant offspring of roots musician Steve Earle who has put together a string of excellent albums over the past five years, including 2012’s Nothing’s Going to Change the Way You Feel About Me Now and 2010’s Harlem River Blues. Before Earle, though, there is a solid set of performers well worth your time–I’m particularly a fan of Amy Speace. Get there early and you can watch the contenders for the Susanne Millsaps Performing Songwriter Showcase, an excellent forum for catching local talent. Here is the complete music lineup:

• 11:00 AM – 01:00 PM Susanne Millsaps Performing Songwriter Showcase (Hosted by Marv Hamilton)
• 01:00 PM – 01:45 PM Melody & Tyler
• 01:45 PM – 02:00 PM Announcement of 2013 Susanne Millsaps Showcase Winner
• 02:00 PM – 02:45 PM Jeremiah Maxey
• 03:00 PM – 03:45 PM 2013 Susanne Millsaps Showcase Winner
• 04:00 PM – 04:45 PM Better Off With the Blues
• 05:00 PM – 05:00 PM Steve Seskin
• 06:00 PM – 06:45 PM Amy Speace
• 07:00 PM – 08:00 PM The Growling Old Men
• 08:15 PM – ONWARD Justin Townes Earle