Fork Fest 2025 Day One • June 6, 2025 • Art Dye Park, American Fork
Reviewed and Photographed by Matisse McMullin
On Friday, Fork Fest 2025 kicked off the summer season in Utah with an unforgettable celebration of music, art, and community. What makes Fork Fest unique is its blend of a serene mountain backdrop, a lively communal spirit, and a strong emphasis on showcasing local music.
Founded in 2010, Fork Fest was born out of a desire to create a festival that showcased Utah’s vibrant and growing music scene. This year’s event was, once again, held at the beloved Art Dye Park in American Fork and featured a lineup of 32 bands across multiple genres.
Just inside the gates, attendees explored the vendor village while waiting for the performances to begin. Food trucks lined the park’s walkways, serving everything from mini donuts and coffee to burgers, while a merch booth and art tent offered plenty to see and do. It gave festival goers a chance to grab a bite, browse local goods, and take in the creative atmosphere before the artists took the stage.
Firelight Kickoff
The weekend officially began with a Firelight Kickoff at the Forest Stage, one of the three stages spread across the festival grounds. Tucked beneath trees and nestled back behind the other two stages, the Forest Stage provides an intimate, laid-back atmosphere where music lovers gather to soak in the views and tunes, enjoying more acoustic and stripped down sets.
With eclectic, funky furniture scattered around for seating, a colorful canopy of bandanas hung overhead, and soft glow of lamps and fairy lights strung throughout the woods, attendees gradually made their way into the whimsical seating area. As the first performers took the stage, the forest came alive with sound, the beginning of a memorable weekend in the mountains.
Ysabelle + Garon Brett
The first artists to take the Forest Stage were an exclusive Forkfest collaboration: Ysablle and Garon Brett. This unique duo, performing together specifically for the festival, brought something truly special to the kickoff set. Ysabelle, a nurse by day, balances her profession with a deep passion for music, while Garon, also a seasoned performer, brings years of experience and talent to their partnership.
Their set was a dynamic fusion of genres that combined elements of pop, punk, R&B, and funk. The audience was immediately drawn in by their seamless vocal harmonies combined with edgy instrumentals. This contrast between soulful smoothness and strong rhythm created a captivating sound that allowed them to easily flow from their original work into creative covers.
One of the highlights of their performance was the way they transitioned from their original songs into unexpected, genre-bending covers. Without missing a beat, they moved into crowd favorites like “… Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears followed by “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls. These bold choices truly showcased their versatility and musical chemistry with one another.
Paul Jacobsen & The Madison Arm
The second act of the evening to take the stage was Paul Jacobsen & the Madison Arm. I was immediately intrigued by their distinctive sound, which could be described as folk rock or even alternative country. The band created an enchanting combination of guitars, keys, and synth for a rich and textured sound. The blend of soulful melodies and strong, raspy vocals was reminiscent of Dave Matthews Band. Their unique sound captivated the audience.
Their songs featured vivid, visual lyrics that drew listeners in from the start. Paired with a smooth, steady beat and gradually building instrumentals, the band delivered an immersive and memorable set.
Mindy Gledhill
Before even hearing Mindy’s voice, her stage presence drew me in immediately. Dressed in bright, eye-catching colors, adorned with sparkling jewelry, and wearing a rainbow guitar strap, she exuded a magnetic energy. Her bubbly demeanor and smile created an upbeat atmosphere that set the tone for her entire performance.
When she began to play, her music seemed deeply heartfelt and touching. Her lyrics seemed to have a wishful and introspective tone, as she invited the audience into her personal journey.
Mindy shared that the songs in her set were inspired by phone messages she wished she could send to her younger self. The music contained intimate, encouraging words filled with self-reflection. This creative approach added a layer of emotional depth to Gledhill’s performance, making it not just a concert, but a moment of vulnerability and connection with the audience.
Her most recent album, as she explained, was a project designed to help her reconnect with her inner child. That intention was evident in her whimsical melodies, playful rhythms, and lyrics filled with hope, wonder, and a sense of rediscovery. The combination of her expressive storytelling and radiance made for a moving experience.
Book on Tape Worm
At dusk, Provo-based indie folk band, Book on Tape Worm, took the stage. As the sun slipped below the mountains, the lights strung through the trees began to glimmer, casting a warm, ambient glow that set the perfect mood for the rest of the evening.
What first drew me in were the raw, emotional vocals layered over the cinematic quality of the strings. Beyond the music, the surrounding woods seemed to be silent as if nature itself were pausing to listen.
Little Moon
If I had one word to describe Little Moon’s set, it would be magical. From the moment she stepped onto the stage, the audience was wrapped in anticipation, hanging onto every note that followed.
Little Moon is the stage name of vocalist Emma Hardyman- a nickname she was given as a child. As a listener, I feel that this name perfectly encapsulates her ethereal presence and gentle strength she brings to her performance.
Hardymann’s powerful, feminine vocals perfectly complemented the intensity of the bold drums and horns. The intricate fluctuations of her voice blended beautifully with the shimmering notes of the harp as well, creating a powerful and deeply moving sound that the audience listened to and watched in awe.
