Movie Under the Stars weather update!

The weather is threatening, but the show will still go on. Movie Under the Stars will take place inside the Capitol tonight. What better setting for Hotel Transylvania than the dimly lit interior of the Capitol on a stormy night?

We are setting up our movie screen under the majestic dome of the Rotunda, on the second floor of the Capitol building. The Heartstrings will take stage at 7:30 p.m., as planned. Hotel Transylvania will begin immediately after their performance.

Please bring extra blankets, pillows, and cushions, as the Rotunda floor isn't as quite as soft as the Capitol lawn! If you bring chairs, please make sure they are low-backed. Chairs must be set up off of the glass floor in the Rotunda.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at 801-538-1800.

Last But Not Least: Hotel Transylvania featuring The Heartstrings

The Heartstrings

On August 23rd, 7:30 p.m., the Heartstrings will open our final Movie Under the Stars night of 2013. The Heartstrings are an indie rock group based in Provo, Utah. Just 6 short months ago, the Heartstrings came together as band full of songwriters and music lovers. They found their sound through a mixture of pop, folk, and even Motown. The Heartstrings blend these genres together to create an electrifying collection of songs. Their upbeat melodies and catchy lyrics will have you singing along in no time! To learn more about this incredible group, check out their Facebook page. 

Hotel Transylvania

The final film of the summer rolls at sunset tonight! We all know the story of Count Dracula, but the fact that he built a high-end hotel for monsters usually isn't included in his bio. Dracula builds this resort to keep his daughter, Mavis, safe from the frightening humans that monsters are forced to scare away. However, Dracula's plan is foiled when a 21-year-old human backpacker, Jonathan, stumbles upon the hotel just in time for Mavis' 118th birthday party. They fall in love, which leaves Dracula without a plan.

Photo recap: Movie Under the Stars Night 2

Our second Movie Under the Stars, held on July 26, was another great success! The crowd topped 1500 guests, and people visited from as far as Canada and Mexico. 

Crowds arrived as early as 6 p.m. to set up for the evening’s activities of music, games, prizes, and outdoor screening of Wreck-it Ralph.

Many families came early to picnic and play games with their loved ones before the festivities began. We had more than 7 guests celebrating their birthday with us that night! The Salt Lake Community College also provides a concession stand where hamburgers, fruit, cookies, bratwursts, and a variety of candy can be purchased. 

Local music duo Chad & Kristo  gave an outstanding performance for an hour before the movie began. Check out this clip of their performance!

Thanks to all of those who came out, and we hope to see you on August 9.

Wreck-It Ralph featuring Chad & Kristo

Chad & Kristo

At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 26, Chad & Kristo will launch our second night of Movie Under the Stars. Chad & Kristo is a folk-inspired duo based in Salt Lake City. Both Chad and Kristo have been playing local shows individually for about 10 years, but in 2011 they joined forces to create the musical sensation of "Chad & Kristo". A wise man once said that if Chad & Kristo's music were medicine we'd finally have a cure for ugly. That statement is as true today as ever. So sit back, relax, and prepare yourself for some ear candy that would make even Willy Wonka jealous. They have recently released a new CD, and we are delighted to have them perform at our screening of Wreck-it Ralph. For more information on Chad & Kristo, visit their facebook page and check them out on iTunes. 

Wreck-It Ralph

We are excited to screen Wreck-it Ralph, a family-comedy. Ralph is an arcade game villain who strives to become a hero. He rebels against his traditional role as a villain, and in doing so he creates a dire threat to the arcade that he and his friends call home. He must prove to everyone that he has become a hero by eliminating the threat that he created. Nominated for the Golden Globe Award for best Animated feature, as well as the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, this movie is sure to delight. The movie will begin after sunset.

Photo recap: Movie Under the Stars, Night 1

Last Friday marked the beginning of Utah State Capitol’s 2013 Movie Under the Stars series. Although the evening’s activities weren't scheduled to start until 7:30 p.m., families began arriving as early as 4:30 to lay out their blankets and chairs in preparation for the evening’s events of music, games, prizes, and an outdoor movie.

Missed the event? Here are a few of our favorite photos from the evening.

Date night at Movie Under the Stars.  The best part about this date idea is that it’s FREE!

Movie Under the Stars is great for all ages. Children, teenagers, and adults love it!

The band LoveCapades started the evening off with a rockin’ performance. Listen to their music and learn more about the band.

Marshall Moore, director of the Utah Film Commission, hosted trivia games about movies filmed in Utah.  The audience members on stage were competing for tickets to the 20th anniversary special screenings of The Sandlot, taking place July 19-20.

Doing a voice impersonation of “plaaaaaay ball” from The Sandlot.

The Amazing Spider-man begins. Our event features two screens, all the better to accommodate more than 2,500 audience members.

Our next Movie Under the Stars night will be held on July 26. Stay tuned for our next blog post, and see you there!

We Present: The Amazing Spider-Man!

The LOVECAPADES

At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 12, the Lovecapades will kick off our first Movie Under the Stars evening of 2013. The Lovecapades are an emerging pop rock band based in Utah. In the past 18 months, the band has released two albums, and they have opened for mainstream acts such as The Rocket Summer, Hoobastank, He Is We and Hellogoodbye. The Lovecapades performed three tours; one in Southern California (including a show at the Hard Rock Cafe in San Diego), one in the western U.S. and one in the United Kingdom. Taking inspiration from bands such as The Killers, Oasis, Led Zeppelin and U2, the Lovecapades' energetic live show is not to be missed. Click here to hear more about this local treasure!

The Amazing Spider-Man

After sunset, the film begins! Watch Spider-Man, one of the world's most beloved superheros, take on Dr. Curt Connors, mad scientist. You will be on the edge of your seat as you see Peter Parker make the transition from typical teen to teenaged hero as he saves New York from the havoc Dr. Connors imposes on the city. Based on the Marvel Comic Book, this movie is sure to thrill and is great for all ages.

Movie Under the Stars 2013

The Utah State Capitol Preservation Board is excited to announce this year's Movie Under the stars feature event. Now that summer is upon us, the Capitol Preservation Board and the Utah Film Commission have teamed up to bring locals an enjoyable night filled with entertainment and music, perfect for all ages.

2013 Movie Line-up

• July 12: The Amazing Spider-man
• July 26: Wreck-it Ralph
• August 9: The World's Fastest Indian
• August 23: Hotel Transylvania

Event Information

These screenings will take place on the southwest corner of the Capitol lawn. Local bands will perform live shows starting at 7:30 pm, continuing until dusk when the movies begin. Admission is free, and seating is available on a first come, first served basis. Feel free to bring friends, snacks, and a blanket. Chairs are also allowed, as long as they are low to the ground and won't disrupt the view of other guests.

For questions or comments, please contact Visitor Services at 801-538-1800 or check out our facebook page. We can't wait to see you there!

See Utah landscapes all year with a 2013 calendar

The days in Utah are getting chilly and, believe it or not, 2012 is reaching its end. Even though digital calendars make the transition to a new year seamless, I still love printed calendars. Brilliant calendar photography can brighten up any home or office wall, and flipping the page each month (to a new, gorgeous photo) feels like a fresh start.

The 2013 edition of the Utah Life Elevated® Scenic Calendar is no exception. A colorful photo of Thor’s Hammer at Bryce Canyon National Park, taken by photographer Ed Riche, graces the cover. Nearly 80 images appear throughout the calendar, including all five national parks, national forests and recreation areas, many of Utah’s state parks, ski resorts, metropolitan attractions, annual events, and various outdoor activities.

Both professional and amateur photographers contributed to the calendar, and most of the production work was done "in-house" by the Utah Office of Tourism. 

Now in its 41st year, the Utah Scenic Calendar is recognized annually for design and photography by the National and World Calendar Awards competition. The 2012 and 2011 editions were honored with 13 awards in the competition, including a Gold Award for Best Graphic Design.

The gorgeous calendar is a great gift for clients, family, and friends - or a simple treat for yourself! Calendars are sold at Council Hall, and online at www.uotstore.com. 

If you have questions, please contact the Utah Office of Tourism at (801) 538-1900 or visit www.visitutah.com.

Movie Under the Stars: Puss in Boots and The Lovecapades

This Friday evening the Capitol Preservation Board, in partnership with the Utah Film Commission, will be hosting Movie Under the Stars. The first movie of the 2012 season will be Puss in Boots.  We all know the story of Shrek but this story takes place long before Puss ever met Shrek and his noble steed, Donkey. 

Also, before the movie begins on Friday evening, The Lovecapades will be performing live at 7:30 p.m. The Lovecapades have the whole package: quality music, a loyal growing fanbase (on five continents), a hugely impressive live show, and a powerful image. The band is an award-winning British/American alternative pop rock group that is attracting the attention of industry insiders. The band has spent the past two years successfully touring the States and the UK, taking time out only to record a full-length record. Check out their facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/thelovecapades

All musical performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Then, at dusk, we will begin our featured film. Come enjoy free popcorn provided by Harmons Grocery and enjoy the magic of Movie Under the Stars!

Movie Under the Stars!

The Utah State Capitol Preservation Board is proud to announce the 2012 Movie Under the Stars feature event. With summer just around the corner, the Capitol Preservation Board and Utah Film Commission have teamed up to bring locals an enjoyable event for all ages. Movies will run on the southwest Capitol lawn five times throughout the summer and are scheduled as follows:

• June 29 – Puss in Boots
• July 13 – Princess Bride
• July 27 – The Muppets
• August 3 – John Carter
• August 17 – The Sandlot

Live music from local bands will start each night at 7:30 P.M. and continue until the sun has set and movies begin. Admission is free and space is on a first come, first served basis. There will be free popcorn from Harmons and barbecue style dinner will be available for purchase from the Salt Lake Community College Culinary Arts Program at every event. Bring friends, family, snacks and a blanket. For questions or comments, please contact the Capitol Preservation Board office at 801-538-3074 or capitolscheduling@utah.gov or visit our website at www.utahstatecapitol.utah.gov.

Movie Under the Stars

The time has finally come!!! We are more than pleased to announce the schedule for Movie Under the Stars 2012:

June 29th: Puss in Boots
July 13th: Princess Bride
July 27th: The Muppets
August 3rd: John Carter
August 17th: Sandlot

Make sure to put the above dates on your calendar. Free admission and popcorn!

Become a Capitol Docent!

If you want a fun summer activity, think about becoming a docent at the Utah State Capitol! We have hundreds of tours every year and it is because of people like you that make this possible. Please contact the Visitor Services office for more information. capitoltours@utah.gov, 801-538-1800. Don't forget about our upcoming "Movie Under the Stars" at the Utah State Capitol events as well. Our movies will be released soon!