Fork Fest • June 8, 2024 • Art Dye Park
Reviewed and Photographed by Mark Duluz
Summer has made its debut to 2024 with the heat reminding us about the beauty of air conditioning and pools. But, as we get closer to the solstice stands the Fork Fest! This was my first Fork Fest and I’m so disappointed in my past self for not knowing about it sooner. Fork Fest stands out to me as it highlights the local artists in settings that befits their sound.
Fork Fest had three stages at the festival. The Mountain & Pelion stages were right next to each other which streamlined the artist transition process and didn’t require a massive walk to get from one stage to another. The third stage, The Forest Stage, was you guessed it! In a forest. It wasn’t that far from the main two stages but it definitely felt like you transitioned from one venue to another. You walk through a little gateway arch that transports you to a forest where the center lies couches, picnic blankets, and chairs under the bandana roof, cooled by the shade of the trees.
The backdrop for the bands who got to play here was straight out of a musical. The area made the music and the connection to the artist much more intimate besides a plethora of music choices. Fork Fest was a great chance to go around and see all kinds of stalls and food trucks. From startup businesses to a thrift-store-like bus, then walking over to get some tacos or waffles. There was truly something for everyone’s needs.
Liam Lars
After a slow day at work and going on a quick go-kart adventure. The first band I had the pleasure of seeing (after I got my bearings at the venue), was Liam Lars at the Forest Stage. Liam Lars is a Utah-based indie pop artist who also mixes a bit of jazz and funk into his music. While you could still hear the bands playing on the main two stages, Liam was able to draw you in and make it a show between you and him. In my opinion, a lot of indie pop songs sound familiar but Liam breaks that mold, making something that’s really authentic to him. After that I made my way to the main stage to get my grasp on where the main events were taking place.
Beeson
The first band I got to see on the main stages was the band Beeson. She was the first artist I got to see on the Mountain stage, Beeson took the stage and instantly there was a wave of excitement. Beeson’s band consists of Mitch Romney on drums, Carson Ripley on guitar, Avery Davis on bass, and Beeson playing guitar and singing. Beeson and her band perform succinctly together and it’s obvious that they were enjoying every moment on stage interacting with the crowd. Fan favorite songs of the day included “Best Case Girl,” and “Online Issues”. If you haven’t seen Beeson yet, be sure to go to her next show.
Cardinal Bloom
Up next was my personal favorite of the whole lineup. Cardinal Bloom. This is a band one that I love seeing and this show would mark the seventh time I would be attending their shows. Like every single concert before, it never disappoints. Coming from Salt Lake City, Utah, Cardinal Bloom is an indie/alternative rock band made up of Joey St. John (lead vocals, guitar), Josh Thomas (lead guitar), Jacob Silvester (vocals, bass), and Nathan Adair (drums). The band leans heave toward the rock portion of their genre with awe-striking guitar solos and a stage presence that gets you hooked.
Once on stage, they immediately got the attention of the audience and managed to get fans in a trance throughout the whole show. They played favorites such as “She’s Just a Friend”, “To Love Someone”, and “Waste Your Time”. They are truly an amazing band and one you should put on your radar.
Local Kin
Moving over to the shaded Forest Stage was a blessing as I got to escape the blistering sun as well as listening to Local Kin. The 5 piece band that originally hailed from Rexburg Idaho, now based in Utah and winners of the 2023 Velour Battle of the Bands graced us with their music giving us the tight stomp-and-holler folk we’re used to. For those who have never given their songs a listen, think of early Mumford & Sons and you’ll get a good grasp on their sound. Their songwriting is definitely one thing that sets them apart from other acts as it was full of drama and cinematic storytelling. The crowd definitely had a great time and we’re full of genuine jubilation.
The New Electric Sound
As the sun started to set, I moved towards the Mountain Stage to hear The New Electric Sound for the first time. I’ve heard of a majority of the acts playing at Fork Fest but the New Electric Sound was one I’ve never heard of before. They are an American Rock band from Provo, Utah that draws inspiration from Early Rock and Roll to surf rock. As well as some modern sound such as the Strokes and The Kooks.
According to one of the band members, it has been a couple of years since they have performed so that left me intrigued for what was to come. I was not disappointed however as the blends of sounds were executed perfectly. Songs like “Suitcase” & “Tango” really left a good impression on me and had me putting their songs on my playlists backstage. The audience as well took to their sound nicely as looking around, I could see everyone having a good time and moving along to the music.
Seaslak
The crowd was starting to get bigger by the minute so I decided to move to the Forest Stage before I committed to the two bigger stages for the rest of the night. It was a good time to do that however as a band that I loved seeing was about to perform. That band being Seaslak. The band is relatively new, coming into the music world in early 2022 when I first found them at Velour’s Battle of the Bands.
What I find special about this band is that they give each member to shine. The lead singer has an amazing voice that has a little bit of raspy-ness to it that adds to the folk sound, their guitarist adds his sound by injecting blue-style riffs into the mix. The keys, drums, and bass players add as a great foundation to their sound. For those who saw them for the first time, I know that Seaslak won them over.
The Moth & The Flame
Making my permanent stay at the Mountain/Pelion stages. As the penultimate act of the night, The Moth & the Flame got right to business. As the only band I knew of but never heard the music, I enjoyed immediately hearing the sounds of rock soul. Their lead singer has incredible charisma like the rest of their band. The members of the band had the best engagement with the audience in my opinion. Many times I saw the lead singer make an effort to look at each member of the crowd individually and sing to them. I find artists who do this leave an incredible impression.
I Don’t Know How But They Found Me
Before I knew it, it was pitch black. The crowd couldn’t contain their excitement and the photographers in the pit were getting ready. Ready for what you might ask? Well, the headliner I Don’t Know How But They Found Me (IDKHOW for short) was going to make their return home. Once they made their arrival one stage, absolute chaos ensued. Backed by minimalist lighting and the build up energy of the instrumental in the song “SPKOTHDVL”, hearing the lead singer’s voice enter turned everyone feral.
Lead singer Dallon Weekes, a towering figure with a magnetic stage presence, wasted no time in establishing a deep connection with the audience. Throughout the night, the band effortlessly balanced musical moments of high energy with heartfelt intimacy, culminating in an unforgettable encore that left the audience craving even more. With tracks like “DOWNSIDE” and “Choke,” the band delivered a master class in musical storytelling, each song a testament to their ability to evoke emotion in their audience. As the final chords of “Boring” (The Brobecks Cover) faded into the night, Weekes stood alone on stage, basking in the adoration of the crowd, a moment of pure, silent, unfiltered link between performer and audience. With a toss of his pick and a wave, Weekes bid farewell to a night that will forever be etched in the memories of all who were fortunate enough to bear witness.
