S & S Presents: The Concert Cruise

The COVID-19 pandemic has hurt a lot of business but, as Utah begins to reopen for business, it’s unclear how musicians and music venues will be able reopen and join the economic recovery party. With social distancing restricting ticket sales, traditional concert hall events are not happening and it is unclear when they will return. In response to the problem, one Utah promoter has launched a series of concert cruise events that offers a safe, soft-reopening of the local music scene.

For close to 20 years, Sartain & Saunders (S&S Presents) have been promoting shows at venues like The Urban Lounge, Kilby Court, the Metro Music Hall and others. Their newly launched concert cruise events book 10 bands at 10 secret outdoor venues around town (split into two events), and rotate the audience through the venues in groups of 20. The format provides adequate space for social distancing, and brings in enough fans to make shows economically feasible.

When I first read about the Concert Cruise events I was skeptical to say the least. For starters, masks are required. I’m a bit claustrophobic and the thought of wearing a mask at an outside show, in downtown Salt Lake City with temps soaring in the 90s, did not seem appealing. In addition, at $30 the cruise events are not cheap.

I started to soften up to the idea when I learned a few friends were booked to perform at the Bowie tribute concert cruise. I also thought about all the self-employed musicians—many whom I know—who are really struggling right now. I hadn’t been spending money on shows for months, so I figured I had a reserve stash of music cash that I could spend. Now more than ever the local music scene needed my support. I was in!

I also thought about all the self-employed musicians—many whom I know—who are really struggling right now.

So, with my short-sighted initial objections neatly canceled, I signed up for the Bowie Concert Cruise.

For the typical concert cruise, each band performs a 20 minute set. For the Bowie Concert Cruise, the bands would be covering their favorite David Bowie tunes and playing their set every half hour or so, as each new group cames rolling in.

After I bought my ticket I received an email telling when and where to meet for the start my tour. The first stage of the show was held on a large, tucked away parking lot with so much space I was able to hike out to the north 40, ditch the mask, and perform my uber-social distancing routine. I’m a loner so it was easy.

Static Replica played a killer set that included China Girl, Space Oddity, and one of my favorites, Queen Bitch. At the end of the set, the band told us where to ride to see the next performance.

One highlight of the cruise was seeing Spirit Machines play a selection of tunes off Bowie’s last studio album Blackstar. Spirit Machines has a nice heavy prog thing going which seemed to pair well with what Spirit Machines guitarist dAve Crespo says was David Bowie’s most “insane album.”

…lead singer Major Tom Larsen captured well that nonchalant 70s’ Rock ‘n Roll bad boy character.

I closed out my concert cruise with Major Tom and the Moonboys, who put on a entertaining show as well. Acting a bit tipsy, lead singer Major Tom Larsen captured well that nonchalant 70s’ Rock ‘n Roll bad boy character. And the band was on fire. Larsen will do a great Mick Jagger at the upcoming Stones Concert Cruise on Aug. 1.

Despite a few hiccups I thoroughly enjoyed the Bowie Concert Cruise. I think bands work best in the cruise format, as opposed to a duo and solo act in the mix. In the heat, and despite performing well, neither were able to provide enough energy to hold my interest. Water was scarce as well, so bring plenty if you get on your bikes and ride.

Bottom line: it’s great seeing local music businesses come back with creative products. It’s even better seeing local bands playing live and getting paid! Cleary, the commitment by S&S to showcase local music during this crazy pandemic goes beyond just making a buck. Seems to me S&S also cares greatly about the music and the local artists.

There is an underestimated value to having a vibrant local music scene. Now more than ever, those of us who value local music need to get off the couch, get on your bikes and help get the music scene back on its feet.

For a list of upcoming Concert Cruise events, as we as traditional concert hall events coming in the future, visit sartainandsaunders.com.