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Sugar House Journal

Music stroll orchestrates symphony of food, bands and fun

Jul 27, 2017 13h24 ● By Travis Barton

Local youth took advantage of the event to sell cupcakes and lemonade. (Travis Barton/City Journals)

While The Doobie Brothers told everyone to “listen to the music” 35 years ago, that same concept still applies, especially to a two-block radius in Sugar House on June 10. 

The sixth annual Heart and Soul Music Stroll returned to the Imperial Park neighborhood where 44 different musical performers shared their talents throughout the day. Bands played in 14 different locations, 13 of which were on front lawns and one at Imperial Park, placed between 2700 and 2900 South along Glenmare and Filmore Streets. 

“We had a ton of fun,” said Devin Burnett, who came with his wife and three-year-old daughter. Burnett said his favorite part was participating in a ukulele band using a shaker. 

Heart and Soul is a non-profit organization based out of Salt Lake City that aims to bring the “healing power of music” to people in isolation. Performers donate their time throughout the year performing at places like senior centers, prisons or hospitals. 

Streets were lined not only with hundreds of people but several food trucks as well from Apollo Burger to Sauce Boss. 

With cars parked for a few miles around the neighborhood, which was closed off to traffic, a bike valet station was also set up. 

Balloon animals were made for children and adults while a raffle was held where tickets were bought for prizes such as a six dinner and show package or a getaway trip to Moab. All proceeds went to Heart and Soul to continue performing live shows for people isolated from the community. 

Burnett, who is from West Jordan, said he heard about the stroll from his friend last year and wanted to check it out. 

“(My friend) couldn’t make it this time, and I think he missed out,” Burnett said. “It’d be cool if they did this like every month.” 

But possibly the coolest part was the cause behind the music stroll. 

“My grandma’s been alone ever since my grandpa died so transporting this (musical performers) to someone who can’t get out much is a really nice thing,” Burnett said. 

With dozens of sponsors making the event possible, Burnett plans to make this a tradition. 

“We’ll definitely be back next year,” he said.