Utah Voter Education & Outreach Campaign

Yesterday was National Voter Registration Day, and with Election Day just 41 days away, the Utah Lt. Governor's Office launched its mass media campaign to encourage all eligible Utahns to register to vote and become informed voters.

"More than ever before, Utah voters have robust resources to educate themselves about candidates and issues on the 2012 ballot, as well as many options to cast their ballots," said Lt. Governor Greg Bell.

"We want to ensure that all eligible Utahns are able to participate as well-informed voters."

The Lt. Governor's Office operates vote.utah.gov, the state's premier source for election-related information. Utahns who visit the site can register to vote, view and update their registration information, request an absentee ballot, find their polling place, research candidates and issues, review a personalized sample ballot, see Early Voting locations and times in their county, and more.

Building on the momentum of its previous award-winning outreach campaign, the Lt. Governor's Office is utilizing a series of dynamic television, radio, and online ads, as well as billboards, to encourage Utahns to visit vote.utah.gov. Created by Salt Lake-based Love Communications, the campaign shows how anyone can be a "hero" by educating himself or herself about the 2012 election.

Important upcoming dates related to the 2012 election:

• October 9: Deadline to register to vote by-mail
• October 22: Deadline to register in person or online 
• October 23: Early Voting begins 
• November 2: Early Voting ends; last day to request a by-mail ballot
• November 6: General Election Day

Register to vote today!

Sneak Peek: Filmed in Utah

What do Planet of the Apes, Footloose, and Forrest Gump all have in common?

That's right. They were each filmed - either all or in part - in Utah! 

Come check out the new Filmed in Utah exhibit in the Capitol's fourth floor gallery. This unique display celebrates the vibrant history and modern industry of Utah film. Catch a glimpse of Forrest Gump's running shoes, Jack Sparrow's compass, and other film finds.

Exhibit courtesy of the Utah Film Commission. On display now. Admission is free. Visit our website or call 801-538-1800 for hours and details.

Become a Utah State Capitol Tour Guide

The Utah State Capitol Visitors Service program is seeking volunteers to join its dynamic, motivated docent team.

What is a docent?
The word “docent” derives from the Latin word “do oere,” meaning “to teach.” For more than 100 years, docents have been a vital link between the history and collections of public buildings and their visitors.

What does a docent do?
Our docents help visitors learn about the Capitol through guided tours that highlight history, artwork, artifacts, exhibits, and events.

In addition to providing an indispensable service to thousands of Capitol visitors, docents gain the opportunity to meet people from across the U.S. and around the globe. Docents learn the ins and outs of the Capitol community, attending quarterly training workshops and volunteer socials.

Sign me up!
To find out more about volunteering at the Capitol, please call the Visitor Services Center at 801-538-1800 or email us at capitoltours@utah.gov.

In the Capitol Gallery: Dean Fausett drawings of the infamous Major Powell expedition

Art Meets History
On May 24, 1869, ten men in four boats left Green River, Wyoming, to explore one of the last unmapped areas of the United States: the Green and Colorado River systems, and the Grand Canyon. Three months later, six men and two boats came out of the canyon, making their way into history.  

This expedition, led by Major John Wesley Powell, has become one of the most important events of exploration in the West.  Filled with hardships and peril, the expedition accomplished what was perceived to be impossible.

In 1964, the United States Bureau of Reclamation commissioned artist William Dean Fausett (1913-1998) to record the pioneer spirit of Major Powell and the majestic grandeur of the country he explored. Now on view in the Capitol's fourth floor gallery, Fausett's sepia drawings provide a captivating look into the Powell expedition.

About the Artist

Born and raised in Price, Utah, William Dean Fausett (1913-1998) studied at Brigham Young University, New York's Students League, and the Beaux Art Institute of Design.  He painted award-winning murals in the nation’s Capitol building in Washington, D.C., and his works are represented in many of the finest art collections in the country.

Exhibit courtesy of the Utah Division of Arts and Museums. Now through September 18, 2012. Admission is free. Visit our website or call 801-538-1800 for more details.

Final Movie of the 2012 Season

This season of Movie Under the Stars has been the best yet! We are so excited to have the world famous Desert Wind open for Sandlot this Friday. 

Wind gives a world beat with a jazz-rock twist that will sweep you off your feet. They are highly acclaimed throughout Middle Eastern/Mediterranean dance markets with 12 CDs currently selling worldwide. Desert Wind is made up of very talented musicians who not only play music but live it as well. This Friday the band will include Alan Scott Bachman, Keyboards / Vocals, Terence Hansen, Guitars / Vocals, Vincent Oles, Trap Drums, Andalin Bachman, Flutes / Wind Synth, Rajab Juma, Middle Eastern Percussion and Shawn Vincent, Bass. Desert Wind is an independent, self-produced recording label created by Alan Scott Bachman. To learn more about them visit their website and facebook page: http://www.desertwindmusic.com and http://www.facebook.com/desertwindmusic. 

The locally filmed movie, The Sandlot, was one that we simply could not pass up showing for our last movie. Not only is it widely know for it's classic one-liners, but also for the meaningful story of summer friendship. 

Please join us this Friday evening as we watch this classic Utah film. All musical performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Then at dusk, we will begin our featured film.  FREE popcorn has been provided by Harmons Grocery and is available while supplies last.  Come and enjoy the magic of Movie Under the Stars!!

Round 2!!

On July 13th the forecast for Salt Lake City said 30% of rain. With rain on the mind, we went forward with Movie Under the Stars. As rain clouds came we hung tight, covering our equipment to wait out the storm. We soon called Kevin Eubank to get his take on the weather and were given to “green light” to show the movie.  Due to rain however, our performer Beau Stephenson, was unable to preform. As a result of this we have brought him back to preform this Friday!!

Beau is from Southeastern Washington and grew up with a bug to play. Taking chances along the way to perform in choirs, plays, and in various musical groups, it allowed Beau to grow as a performer and musician. Having battled a series of lung setbacks, Beau is healthy and happily married and singing hard. Keeping a sense of humor and a bright disposition on the forefront, his music is about life, love, and laughter. Beau has also competed on  American Idol. Last year he competed in an Official American Idol Competition in Florida and was runner up singing “Ain’t No Sunshine”.

This Friday’s movie tells the story of war-weary, former military captain John Carter who is inexplicably transported to Mars where he becomes reluctantly embroiled in a conflict of epic proportions amongst the inhabitants of the planet, including Tars Tarkas  and the captivating Princess Dejah Thoris . In a world on the brink of collapse, Carter rediscovers his humanity when he realizes that the survival of Barsoom and its people rests in his hands.

All musical performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Then at dusk, we will begin our featured film.  FREE popcorn has been provided by Harmons Grocery and is available while supplies last.  Come and enjoy the magic of Movie Under the Stars!!

Wayward Molly and The Muppets

This Friday we are excited for Wayward Molly to open for our featured film, The Muppets! When 3 Muppet fans learn that Tex Richman wants to drill under the Muppet Theater for oil, Gary, Mary and Walter set out to find the Muppets who have been split up for years so that they can put on one last show and save the Muppet Theater.

Wayward Molly is Jani Gamble, Allison Ottley, Nicki Singleton and Mona Stevens. The three vocalists were thrown together for a one time performance in 2009, and although they come from varied musical backgrounds, they blended so well and had such a blast that they decided to give it another go.  Their sound is based on tight three part harmony enhanced by varied instrumental acoustic accompaniment, drawing on an eclectic mix of folk, Celtic, and whatever else they feel like.  Wayward Molly had their "coming out" concert in March 2012 to a packed house and two standing ovations while raising funds for the American Cancer Society and recently performed at the Ogden Music Festival in June.



 All musical performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Then at dusk, we will begin our featured film.  FREE popcorn has been provided by Harmons Grocery and is available while supplies last.  Come and enjoy the magic of Movie Under the Stars!!

AS……YOU…...WISH…..

 

We are so excited for this Friday’s movie, Princess Bride. Opening for us this Friday evening is the ever to very talented, Beau Stephenson!

Beau is from Southeastern Washington and grew up with a bug to play. Taking chances along the way to perform in choirs, plays, and in various musical groups, it allowed Beau to grow as a performer and musician. Having battled a series of lung setbacks, Beau is healthy and happily married and singing hard. Keeping a sense of humor and a bright disposition on the forefront, his music is about life, love, and laughter.

 

The Princess Bride is a wonderful story. A kindly grandfather sits down with his ill grandson and reads him a story. The story is one that has been passed down from father to son for generations. As the grandfather reads the story, the action comes alive. The story is a classic tale of love and adventure as the beautiful Buttercup, engaged to the odious Prince Humperdinck, is kidnapped and held against her will in order to start a war, It is up to Westley (her childhood beau, now returned as the Dread Pirate Roberts) to save her. On the way he meets a thief and his hired helpers, an accomplished swordsman and a huge, super strong giant, both of whom become Westley's companions in his quest.

All musical performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Then at dusk, we will begin our featured film.  FREE popcorn has been provided by Harmons Grocery and is available while supplies last.  Come and enjoy the magic of Movie Under the Stars!!