The Utah Arts Festival is pleased to announce the national headliners line-up for 2008. 

Chicago Afrobeat

Chicago Afrobeat’s range of influences — funk, rock,  jazz, afro-cuban, high life and juju music – settle into a hypnotic, dance-compelling pulse at the core of Chicago Afrobeat Project.. The group layers a fiery originality around this core through high-energy rock and experimental jazz.

Friday, 9:30-11:00 pm – Festival Stage

Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper

A four-time winner of the International Bluegrass Music Association's Fiddle Player of the Year award, Mike and his talented band present a program of tight vocal trios and duos, blistering instrumentals, and fiddle-and-banjo duets that echo the first-generation stars of bluegrass.

Sunday, 9:45-11:00 pm – Festival Stage

>> Read more about Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper.

Javier Garcia

An inventive and highly energetic performer based in Miami, Javier Garcia is the picture of the complete artist: composer, arranger, producer, guitar & percussion player, and gifted singer.  It is these talents he brings to an incredibly diverse fusion of musical styles (with tastes of rock, hip-hop, ska, calypso, funk, reggae and tropical rhythms) that mesh together into a unique new pop sound paired with Javier’s positive lyrics.

Saturday, 9:45-11:00 pm – Amphitheater Stage

>> Read more about Javier Garcia.

Indigenous

Mato Nanji, the stellar guitarist, singer and songwriter of Indigenous is considered one of blues-rock’s most exciting talents, and is forging his own way as the face of Indigenous.

Mato first formed the band with his brothers and sister back in the late 90’s.  They released Things We Do in 1998 and the family band from Nakota Tribe of South Dakota never expected the mass reception they received from the blues and rock communities.

Thursday, 9:45-11:00 pm – Amphitheater Stage

>> Read more about Indigenous.

Janiva Magness

A three-decade darling of the blues genre, Janiva Magness is one of today’s most talented and recognized blues and roots vocalists.  Magness has a soulful, husky voice and absolute command over her material. Winner of the 2006 and 2007 Blues Music Awards for Best Contemporary Female Artist Of The Year, Magness’ steady ascension to the top of the blues world will undoubtedly continue its upward trajectory.  Billboard writes, “Magness carves out a niche by singing the blues with maturity and sophistication.”  “Her voice is sultry, smoky and strong with jazz, blues and soul textures enveloping it,” writes Singer Magazine.

Thursday, 9:15-9:15 pm – Amphitheater Stage

>> Read more about Janiva Magness.

Eric McFadden Trio with Bernie Worrell

Like protagonists from some epic western novel, Eric McFadden, James Whiton and Paulo Baldi, better known as the Eric McFadden Trio arrives on the jaded contemporary music scene preceded by anxious rumors and curious anticipation. Veterans of celebrated underground and above ground bands including P-Funk All Stars, Les Claypool’s Frog Brigade, Stockholm Syndrome, Cake, Eric Burden and the Animals, Liar, Taarka, Eric McFadden Experience, Alien Lovestock and IZM, EMT’s sinister songs, vampiric vocals and flamenco-rock guitar improvisations have made them an icon along America's western seaboard. On this visit to the Utah Arts Festival, EMT is touring with fellow Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee along with EMT’s “+1” special guest Bernie Worrell.

Time TBA

>> Read more about the Eric McFadden Trio with Bernie Worrell.

Passafire

Four years and multiple tours since their inception in the Spring of 2003, the Savannah, Georgia based reggae-rock outfit Passafire has enjoyed national recognition. Their 2006 self-titled debut and energetic live performances have created a noteworthy buzz across the country and beyond. Combining roots reggae, progressive rock, and experimental dub, Passafire has crafted a recognizable sound all their own.

Friday, 8:15-9:15 pm – Amphitheater Stage

>> Read more about Passafire.

Chuck Prophet

Chuck Prophet is an American singer, songwriter and electric guitarist based in San Francisco. Chuck’s recorded eight critically acclaimed solo records. He’s appeared on numerous television shows, has numerous film and television scoring credits, calls his Mom every week and says his prayers every night. "I love what I do—to wake up interested is really a blessing. I still get a kick out of playing music, it's the healthiest addiction I've ever had."

Friday, 9:45-11:00 pm – Amphitheater Stage

>> Read more about Chuck Prophet.