Dallas Robbins

Sunstone Symposium: City Weekly

The Salt Lake Sunstone Symposium is an annual gathering of scholars, historians, novelists, feminists, activists, and anyone intellectually curious about Mormon culture and history. Now in its 30th year, the symposium is a forum for liberals and conservatives, heretics and orthodox, atheists and believers, a place where free and open discussion is explored and encouraged.

Keith's Finale, Bernstein's MASS: City Weekly

With his all-American good looks and musical talent to burn, Keith Lockhart has given Utah music lovers more than their fair share of enjoyment. After inspiring us as conductor and musical director of the Utah Symphony since 1998, he now is bowing out from the Utah stage, leaving us all a little poorer.

In the World: Politics as Usual? in Sunstone

Inspired by Wilson Quarterly's "In Essence," I write a regular piece for Sunstone summarizing overlooked scholarship and writing that intersect with Mormon culture.  In the May 2009 issue I talk about two recent pieces on Mormons and politics:

David Copperfield: City Weekly

In the current milieu of “extreme” magic, David Copperfield seems downright old-fashioned. But his style has inspired countless magicians who have gone their own way, including rebels such as Chris Angel and David Blaine. And while presentation changes over time, the magic remains the same in attempting to connect to another person through story and wonder.

In the World: The Uncertainties of Faith in Sunstone

Inspired by Wilson Quarterly's "In Essence" section, I have a started a regular gig for Sunstone Magazine summarizing writing I've culled from overlooked sources, which I call "In the World."  Here is the introduction:

"Not many years ago, writings by and about Mormons were an irregular occasion in the popular and academic press.  But these days, Mormons are everywhere, from the national media to literary journals to handmade 'zines.  This column gathers some interesting and overlooked items, Mormon and otherwise."

In the the current issue, February 2009, the theme is "The Uncertainties of Faith," covering three articles by Matthew Bowman, Brian Evenson, and Christian Wiman.  Pick up an issue or subscribe.

Art of Siddarth Parasnis

In the painting of architecture, the subject is rarely revisited with a new, interesting perspective. Siddarth Parasnis brings something different that shakes our vision and shows unexceptional walls and windows as something more beautiful than we expect.

Utah Symphony: Mozart's Requiem

Before we get carried away with holiday cheer, the Utah Symphony is reminding us that some of the most soul-stirring music is not always about babes in mangers, reindeer or winter wonderlands. Mozart's Requiem is a funeral mass that became his own swan song, with the current performance marking the 217th anniversary of Mozart’s death.

Pendergast's Portraits of Malawi

What does a Buddhist orphanage in Africa have in common with a Park City art gallery? The artist Olivia “Holly” Mae Pendergast. On a recent trip to the country of Malawi, she created a new series of evocative and beautiful figurative paintings of people she encountered.

Downtown Farmers Market

Whether we think about it or not, during the winter months most of our bananas, broccoli, apples and strawberries come from a different state, and more likely a different country. But for the past 16 years, every Saturday morning during the summer, Pioneer Park has become the burgeoning Downtown Farmers Market, offering us locals a taste of what Utah farmers have.

Living Traditions Festival

Where can you eat Bosnian Cevapi, drink Tahitian Otai, and finish off with Scottish apple tarts for dessert, all at the same place? At the 2008 Living Traditions Festival, of course. But food is only the beginning at this annual celebration of Salt Lake City’s folk arts and ethnic culture. Musicians, dancers, artists, craft makers, storytellers and many more come together every May to offer attendees a unique experience.