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Look Ahead: Local events and things to do this week, August 28-September 3

Look Ahead: Local events and things to do this week, August 28-September 3

The Killers play at The Viv, the Chili Affair returns, and RSL looks to win one at Rio Tinto Stadium.

(Courtesy of Rob Loud) Brandon Flowers, right, and guitarist Ted Sablay of The Killers — seen here in a 2018 performance at Vivint Smart Home Arena — are scheduled to return to The Viv on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022.

August 30

The Killers, back in Utah

The alt-rock band The Killers started in Las Vegas, but Utah has always claimed them as their own because of lead vocalist Brandon Flowers’ upbringing in Nephi, Utah. That Utah childhood was the inspiration for the songs on the band’s folk-tinged 2021 album “Pressure Machine.” The Killers return to Utah, for a show Tuesday, August 30, at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City. Johnny Marr, legendary guitarist for The Smiths, is the opening act. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at vivintarena.com.

August 31

Serving chili, for a good cause

After going virtual for the last couple years because of COVID-19, the Great Salt Lake Chili Affair is back and in person this year, on Wednesday, Aug. 31, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Salt Palace Convention Center, 100 S. West Temple, Salt Lake City. The Road Home has hosted the event since 1986, to support the organization’s programs and services to help people step out of homelessness. For more information, and to buy tickets or sponsorships, go to theroadhome.org.

August 31

How strong is ‘The Fortress’?

Real Salt Lake fans like to call their home pitch, Rio Tinto Stadium, as “The Fortress,” an intimidating place for other teams to visit. But the RioT hasn’t been that mighty of late. RSL hasn’t won there since July 17, and since then has tallied two losses and two draws. The team hopes to turn those fortunes around with a rare Wednesday night game on Aug. 31, facing Minnesota United. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at rsl.com.

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Look Ahead: Local events and things to do this week, July 24-30

Look Ahead: Local events and things to do this week, July 24-30

Pie ‘N’ Beer Day, a melodious pop singer and a country superstar.

(Christopher Smith | Associated Press file photo) Singer Josh Groban, seen here in 2018, is scheduled to perform July 27, 2022, at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City.

July 24

The other Utah holiday

July 24 is celebrated in Utah as Pioneer Day, honoring the date in 1847 when the first Latter-day Saint settlers arrived in the Salt Lake Valley. This year, July 24 is on a Sunday, and the usual festivities — namely as the Days of ‘47 Parade — were scheduled for Saturday. Thus, July 24 has been taken over by the alternative holiday, Pie ‘N’ Beer Day, which pairs dough-encased pastries with hops-based beverages. The biggest celebration will assemble two dozen pie makers with two dozen breweries, along with live music, at The Gateway, in downtown Salt Lake City, from noon to 6 p.m.

July 27

Josh Groban at The Viv

In his 20-plus years of performing, singer Josh Groban has developed a strong following by crossing from classical to pop styles. He’s on tour to support his ninth studio album, “Harmony,” which was released in November 2020. Groban will bring his tour to Salt Lake City, with a show Wednesday, July 27, starting at 7 p.m., at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Go to vivintarena.com for ticket information.

July 28

Kenny Chesney at Usana

Country superstar Kenny Chesney — known for such hits as “Summertime,” “Don’t Blink,” “Come Over,” “Somewhere With You,” and many others — is on his “Here and Now” tour, and lands at Usana Amphitheater in West Valley City on Thursday, July 28. Opening the show is Carly Pearce. Show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at LiveNation.com.

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Look Ahead: Local events and things to do this week, April 24-30

Look Ahead: Local events and things to do this week, April 24-30

A Broadway legend, a look at ‘dark matter,’ and a country star.

(Rick Scuteri | Associated Press file photo) Country star Eric Church, seen here performing in 2017, is scheduled to perform Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City.

April 25

Symphony honors a major supporter

The Utah Symphony pays tribute to real estate mogul and symphony benefactor Kem Gardner on Monday night at 7 p.m. at Abravanel Hall, 123 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City. Headlining the show is Broadway legend Brian Stokes Mitchell. Some tickets, at $50 ($25 for students), are still available, at utahsymphony.org.

April 27, 28

Shedding light on dark matter

Scientists say dark matter is what holds the universe together — but they don’t know a lot about this most abundant form of matter. Dr. Pearl Sandick, a theoretical astrophysicist and associate professor at the University of Utah, explains dark matter in two lectures that will conclude the Natural History Museum of Utah’s 2022 lecture series, “Inspired by Color.” The lectures will happen Wednesday, 7 p.m., at the Viridian Center, 8030 S. 1825 West, West Jordan, and Thursday, 7 p.m., at NHMU, 301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City. Both events are free, but in-person registration is required; go to nhmu.utah.edu. to register.

April 30

Eric Church, with his band this time

Country star Eric Church strives to make every concert memorable, but he outdid himself during a show in Salt Lake City in 2015. His band and stage crew were hit with a stomach bug, so Church performed the whole arena show as a mostly-solo acoustic set. Church is expected to have the full band accompanying him Saturday, when he brings his “Gather Again” tour to Vivint Smart Home Arena, 301 W. South Temple, Salt Lake City. Tickets, starting at $35, available at vivintarena.com.