Gag City stayed true to form on Friday, April 18, with one of the most unique nights of music and art that I can ever recall gracing Logan. Despite the fact that the “Got Me Gagged” event was held somewhat at the last minute at Stokes Nature Center, due to mitigating circumstances at their original venue, the band and their collaborators pulled off an incredible and well-thought-out evening of art and music.
Music with a purpose
In addition to Gag City, the event featured music from Shecock and Hockey House – and the energy between all three bands was one of defiance toward the powers that be and radical love for anyone who is particularly vulnerable under our current American police state.
To that end, a portion of proceeds from the event went to the Cache Refugee & Immigrant Connection (CRIC) – which aims to make Cache Valley a community for everyone by promoting integration, economic self-sufficiency, and positive connections between immigrants, refugees, and the wider Cache Valley community.
An art gallery unlike any other in Cache Valley
In addition to the music, several local artists provided thematic art for the event – much of it focused around patriarchy, feminism, and inclusion (or calling out the lack of it in our current systems). Featured artists included Karissa Krievins (who sourced the other artists, led the art initiatives, and oversaw the gallery arrangement), Jayda Gillette, Meg Beasterfield, Allison Bills, Sanda Escareno, Eliza Bell, Aislinn Jae, Skye Ferguson, Mallory Repscher, Alice Hall, and Mickenna Rasmussen.
Art formats included fascinating photograph sets, bold embroidery, brilliant collages, captivating screen prints, thought-provoking paintings, and more. And, much like the music, a portion of proceeds from sold art was donated to CRIC.
A magical atmosphere built on kindness
In addition to the official event itself, people also brought food and beverages which they happily shared with those in need. Seeing strangers feed strangers while coming together around music and art provided a great sense of hope in times that often feel hopeless.
And, honestly, I think the venue change, even if there weren’t mitigating circumstances, was a great idea. When I first heard that the venue was changing to Stokes Nature Center, I had some reservations. It’s a bit of a walk to get to the location and the venue itself didn’t strike me as large enough for what it was trying to achieve.
But I was so wrong. Not only was Stokes Nature Center a much larger and more spacious place than I remember it being, but the walk under the clear sky and stars added a sense of beauty and serenity to the event. When arriving at the building after a short hike along the Logan River, people were greeted by strings of lights that looked like something out of a painting or movie.
Having the event at Stokes Nature Center ultimately gave the night an extra bit of magic and mystique that I don’t think it would have had otherwise.
Can we get more events like this?
The whole night struck me as something that is desperately missing from Cache Valley. And maybe if it happened more often, it wouldn’t feel as special. But, at the same time, I would really like to see more events like “Got Me Gagged” around the area. I hope Stokes Nature Center, and similar venues, will continue to work with bands and artists who dream big to make it happen!
Kudos to Gag City, Stokes Nature Center, all the event organizers, all the bands, and all the artists for making it happen!