Jewel in the Desert: Tuacahn Performing Arts

We are fortunate to live in a community where the arts are valued and where so many people go to great lengths to champion the development of the fine arts in our little community. Just over twenty years ago, Doug Stewart, one of those champions, stood in Padre Canyon and envisioned an outdoor amphitheatre at the base of towering cliffs where music could reverbrate against the walls and the majesty of the canyon could serve as an awe inspiring backdrop.

Twenty years later, we enjoy the fruits of his vision and labors at Tuacahn: Center for the Performing Arts. Tuachan pursues a dual purpose. First, they strive to provide quality performing arts education through Tuacahn High School. Second, they strive to provide inspiring, high quality entertainment.

Tuacahn High School is a charter, non-tuition school. It serves grades 9-12. Applications are required. The emphasis is, of course, on performing arts, so there are no sports teams, however, the number of groups and clubs to get involved in are numerous and their ensembles and troupes compete regularly.

The entertainment/production side of Tuacahn has grown and grown and continues to grow. From their single, summer show humble beginnings, they have grown to a flourishing year round production venue. They specifically produce their “summer series” which now runs into mid-October. They also produce Christmas in the Canyon (see below) through the December Holiday Season. In addition to Tuacahn productions, they are host to numerous groups of all types throughout the year. Check out their calendar to see upcoming performances for the rest of the year and into 2015.

Lastly, on a personal note, I have witnessed the generosity of Tuachan as they open their arms to the community to help smaller groups have places to perform. We have seen a packed house year after year as Tuacahn allows the Washington County elementary school choirs come and perform on their beautiful stage. And we have seen small dance companies allowed in the smaller amphitheatre at Christmas to show case their skills. Much thanks and gratitude to Tuacahn for what the bring to our community.

Performances:

Currently playing

• Disney’s Little Mermaid, The Wizard of Oz, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
• Time: Monday thru Saturday. All shows begin at 8:00 p.m. thru the end of September. Starting in October shows will beging at 7:30 p.m.
• Closing Nights are October 16 for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, October 17 for TheWizard of Oz, and October 18 for The Little Mermaid.

Upcoming Shows:

• Thriller: October 19 – November 1
• Sawyer Brown Concert: November 7
• Stayin’ Alive: One Night of Bee Gees: November 8
• Air supply: November 15
• Brian Regan: April 30 – May 2 (This one sells out fast every year)

Christmas in the Canyon

Christmas in the Canyon features

• A Live Nativity at 7:00 and 8:00 each night (Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday), $2 per person or $15 per family.
• Old Salty Train Ride
• Santa Claus from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m.
• Hot Chocolate and Concessions
• Christmas and Holiday Items for sale at the gift shop
• Christmas Lights & Holiday Music
• Open fire

Enjoy Tuacahn. It is an experience everyone must have.

Let our team

help you with all your real estate needs. When you fall in love with the red rocks surrounding Tuacahn, we can help you find the perfect home in the shadow of Red Mountain (or anywhere else).

Call Chris at 435-313-3966

Or Visit www.whystgeorge.com

Pioneer Day: Where Can We Celebrate the 24th of July?

(Scroll down for celebration sites and activities)

To most people in most states, July 24^th is just another day at the office, but in Utah, banks and many businesses close their doors and celebrate the 24^th of July, known as Pioneer Day or the Days of ’47 Celebration. This is our chance, whether we are multi-generational Utahns or 1^st generation Utahns, to celebrate the Pioneers who traveled West in the 1840s and began settling the Utah territory.

Today’s celebration include fireworks and parades. The Days of ’47 parade is broadcast on the local NBC station. People picnic, swim, hike or enjoy a lazy day in the comfort of their air conditioned house. A few years ago I laughed as I observed one of our local churches having a huge fair-like celebration outside in the sweltering St. George heat. I wondered if their pioneer progenitors weren’t rolling their eyes at these well meaning celebrants who could be inside enjoying modern cooling systems rather than melting in the heat of the day. Oh well, at least the kids enjoyed getting squirted by one of the local fire trucks.

I am in awe of the pioneers who were sent to settle St. George. Most were not volunteers but came by assignment to settle St. George and see if cotton could be grown here in the south. I love this desert, but I have adequate water supplies and climate controlled buildings. It is difficult to imagine, especially now as the sun and the heat beat upon us, what it would be like to live and raise a family without those basic comforts.

Click on the links to some of the Pioneer Day local events in the St. George area. (St. George City does not sponsor any specific events.) Happy 24th:

·         Ivins City Morning Celebration

Ø  Pancake Breakfast

Ø  Flag Raising Ceremony

Ø  Parade

Ø  Events in the Park

·         Washington City All Day Celebration

Ø  Flag Ceremony

Ø  Breakfast

Ø  Parade

Ø  Events in multiple Parks

Ø  Fireworks

·         Hurricane City Morning Celebration

Ø  5 K Run

Ø  Breakfast

Ø  Parade

Ø  Games

·         Enterprise All Day Celebration

Ø  Fun Run

Ø  Scout Pancake Breakfast

Ø  Parade

Ø  Program

Ø  Foot Races

Ø  Splash Party

Ø  Rodeo

·         Springdale Evening Celebration

Ø  Live Music

Ø  Dinner

Ø  Games

Contact me to find a place to settle and put down your roots.

Chris Jones 435-313-3966

Or

www.whystgeorge.com