Artist Spotlights
2023

January 2023
Alli Barker
With a bubbly personality, catchy lyrics, and music that warms the soul, Alli Barker
deserves a top spot on your favorite music playlist as you kick off a new year.
This month, we had the opportunity to sit down with Pleasant Grove resident and songwriter Alli Barker to hear about her experience growing up with music in her home, what inspired her to become a songwriter, and how she’s giving back to the local community with her musical talents.

February 2023
Leo Hoggard
With a flair for old western and country music, and a knack for energy-driven rockabilly
favorites, Leo Hoggard is a seasoned musician with notable honors and a caring neighbor
that lives just around the corner.
This month, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Leo to hear all about his life story and his passion for music. From his earliest memories of his family singing the Unicorn Song by the Irish Rovers and winning accordion lessons at the age of seven, to receiving Jazz Band honors playing the bass guitar in high school and performing during the 2022 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics, Leo has a rich history with music. And he’s just getting started…

March 2023
Addison Floyd
This month, we connect with Addison Floyd, a local musician, songwriter and composer.
Addison’s rich musical experience lends itself well to the creation of lush, intricate soundscapes that accompany his songwriting style. His broad interest in music genres along with his knack for creative expression in music leads to an interesting melodic music style that he calls his own.

April 2023
Emily Hammerstad
This month, we are speaking with Emily Hammerstad, a dedicated and passionate member of the local fine arts community.
Over the years, Emily has initiated growing opportunities for kids and adults to explore their creative prowess in fine arts across a variety of mediums. Learn more about how her journey led to the creation of the US and ART studio, which is located on historic Pleasant Grove Main street.

May 2023
Die Shiny
This month we connect with Die Shiny, a local music group based in Pleasant Grove and composed of Callie Crofts and Zac Bryant. Their music is often dark, edgy and intricate, with lush synth-heavy melody lines, attention-grabbing lyrics and unique vocal harmonies that grasp and hold your attention. Die Shiny is beginning to make waves in the local Utah scene, and we are excited to catch up with them to hear about their background, their creative process, and the direction that their music is moving.

June 2023
The Funeral Potatoes
This month, we connect with The Funeral Potatoes - a local folk music group based in Pleasant Grove. For the past 22 years, Funeral Potatoes have been captivating the Pleasant Grove community with uplifting music, with lush harmonies and thought-provoking stories. We sit down with The Funeral Potatoes to learn more about the long history of their group, and why they consider themselves “comfort music”.

July 2023
Camela and Sierra Kiser
This month, we speak with Camela Kiser and Sierra Kiser, distinguished members of the local fine arts community.
With a strong background in the arts, Camela and Sierra are proficient in many art mediums, and their inspiring artwork has been featured in several art shows and murals around the valley.

August 2023
Brady Hoggard
With a passion for music since a young age, and experience across multiple facets of the music industry, Brady Hoggard loves being a part of the music community in Pleasant Grove.
This month, we connect with Brady to learn about his experience in music over the years, how he’s made music his career today, and how he continues to be involved within the local community in music performance and providing opportunities to local artists and musicians.

September 2023
Calvin Sudar
With experience in music from a young age, Calvin Sudar has been making waves in the local music scene and has been releasing new music on a regular basis.
This month, we get to know Calvin, his unique music style, and his experience building a career in music within Utah. With lush, synth and guitar driven music, he’s bringing a retro 80’s feel back to popular music, with intricate and thought-provoking lyrics that are easy to connect to and feel.