SALT LAKE CITY — Remember 1994? What a time that was: BYU’s Museum of Art opened, becoming a staple of Utah’s arts scene; “The Shawshank Redemption” was released and became one of its generation’s defining films; “Jurassic Park” came to home video.
You can glory in all of the above this weekend. BYU Museum of Art celebrates its 25th anniversary at a special “Art After Dark” event, the Utah Symphony honors the music of John Williams, and “The Shawshank Redemption” returns to theaters. But there’s other stuff this weekend too, including Utah’s Urban Arts Festival and a visit from Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard. Read on for details.
‘Art After Dark’ 25th anniversary celebration
The Museum of Art at Brigham Young University has been around for 25 years now. To celebrate the occasion, the museum kicks off its annual “Art After Dark” series. The event will include live music from Sam Payne & Savoy Jazz, as well as free refreshments. The new semi-permanent exhibit “Becoming America,” which includes pieces from Andy Warhol, Norman Rockwell and Roy Lichtenstein, will also be on full display. Sept. 20, 7-10 p.m., North Campus Dr., Provo, free (801-422-8287, moa.byu.edu).
Glen Hansard
Known best for his work in the Broadway musical and feature film “Once,” Glen Hansard brings his This Wild Willing Tour to the Eccles Theater, with special guest Diana DeMuth. He’ll be joined by a 10-piece band to play songs from his forthcoming album “The Wild Willing” as well as material from his back catalogue. Sept. 20, 8 p.m., Eccles Theater, 131 S. Main St., $26-$46 (artsaltlake.org, 385-468-1010)
Utah Symphony, ‘The Music of John Williams’
“Jurassic Park.” “E.T.” “Superman.” Is there anything this guy can’t score? The Utah Symphony honors the music of composer John Williams with two nights of special shows. Guests can arrive early to hang out with their favorite John Williams film characters in the lobby, such as Superman and Indiana Jones. Sept. 20-21, 7:30 p.m., Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple, $20-$92 for ages 5 and older (801-355-2787, artsaltlake.org)
Urban Arts Festival
The Urban Arts Festival is back for another year of dance, music, street art and much more. Hosted by the Utah Arts Alliance, this year’s two-day festival includes food trucks, a basketball tournament and low-rider showcase, among many other events. Sept. 20-21, noon-10 p.m. Sept. 20, noon-8 p.m. Sept. 21, Gallivan Plaza, 239 Main St., free (utaharts.org)
‘The Shawshank Redemption’
Escape the veritable prison that is weekend boredom, and head to select Cinemark and Megaplex theaters for special screenings of “The Shawshank Redemption.” The 1994 film, which stars Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, has become a cultural touchstone over the past 25 years. When it comes to prison dramas, it doesn’t get any better than this. Sept. 22, 4 p.m.; Sept. 24-25, 7 p.m., select Cinemark theaters, $5-$10 (cinemark.com/movies/events); and select Megaplex theaters, $6.44-$8.58 (megaplextheatres.com)