Moab Grassroots Music Exchange (MGME) is wrapping up a season of collaboration next week with one final show on Tuesday, Oct. 27.
Several local musicians and featured artists are returning – this time in support of Salt Lake City’s Burnell Washburn.
Washburn is a cutting-edge hip-hop artist who has shared stages across the country with some of the industry’s most renowned artists, including Atmosphere, Snoop Dogg, Macklemore, Logic, Hieroglyphics, Living Legends, Pretty Lights, KRS-One, Immortal Technique, Nas and Dilated Peoples.
Both an eloquent lyricist and groundbreaking producer, Washburn has been charging into hip-hop culture with a refreshing and authentic energy, according to MGME coordinator Jenna Talbott.
Washburn fell in love with the Moab landscape when he traveled through the area as a young boy. Since then, he said he has come to feel connected to the people and culture of Moab through his experiences performing at the former Desert Rocks festival.
Washburn’s visit will be supplemented by his own team and a handful of other acts— some old, some brand new. Talbott said that the MGME community is looking forward to the return of whiskey and fun-loving Pixie and the Partygrass Boys, and funk-soul loop-station sensation, Simply B.
Showgoers are in for a treat with a new project out of Salt Lake City called Pigeon, featuring stand-up bass, mandolin and fiddle, and another brand-new musical project from Scott Ibex, she said. Local talent will also be represented by the Rogue Assets, Slim Pickins, Michael Dallin, and others.
MGME, which surfaced in the spring, has coordinated a series of community-based gatherings with local and touring musicians, artists and outdoor enthusiasts.
Every month since April, it has given music lovers in Moab a platform to collaborate and host one or more “featured artists” from out of town.
Featured artists have been housed, fed, entertained and supported by local businesses and community members alike. A total of eight have been welcomed onto the platform — several returning to Moab to follow through on connections and friendships made.
Talbott said that one of her favorite parts of the experience has been the collaboration with local musicians, who have been just as much a part of MGME as its guest artists.
“There is so much local talent in Moab, and when these guys and gals come out to celebrate and support these guest musicians, some pretty bad-ass jams can happen,” she said.
The harmonious diversity that makes up MGME extends beyond the music, she said. Art installations and interactive works have come from local artists Dre Carmen, MIK, John Schofield, Dax Clifford, and the infamous Moab Monkeys, to create a truly special and inspiring setting for live music.
Ibex, who volunteers his time and sound equipment for events, said he believes that MGME is a reflection of the flourishing art community that aims to facilitate healthy and creative collaborations.
Talbott said that MGME would like to thank the supporters and sponsors who have made a music-filled and memorable summer possible, including KZMU Community Radio, WabiSabi Thrift Boutique and Warehouse, Fresh Moab Coffee, Eddie McStiff’s Restaurant and Bar, Eklecticafe, the Lazy Lizard Hostel, Red River Adventures, Moab Beds and Bagels, Milt’s Stop & Eat, Silver Bear Boutique and the Moab Sun News.
For more information on how to get involved or prepared, go to
Oct. 27 event features SLC hip-hop artist Burnell Washburn
When: Tuesday, Oct. 27
Where: Go to www.facebook.com/moabgme for event location and other details
Cost: Free
For more information on how to get involved or prepared, go to www.facebook.com/moabgme.