Since 2005 Excellence in the Community has produced over 1,200 concerts at 36 venue locations throughout Utah. Musicians perform in 40 different musical styles. Next year Excellence is planning on 140 or more concerts. All of this is made possible by generous donations from their sponsors. The mission of Excellence in the Community is to “Enhance Utah’s quality of life.”  

Utah’s free concerts feature both live concerts and livestream concerts. Generous sponsors make it possible for anyone to attend these performances, free of charge. Those who would like to make a financial contribution to the effort can purchase a season membership through Joy Nation.  

The 501c3 nonprofit has won City Weekly Best of Utah, SLC Chamber Achievement Award and Sandy Chamber Best Nonprofit of the Year Award. 

Recently there have been 36 - 62 million viewers on Live-Stream Concerts. There are media followers of 18,000 and 3,000 weekly newsletter subscribers. There are 1,000 plus people attending the concerts.  

Excellence Concert Series are performed in different venues throughout Utah. In West Jordan concerts are held the first Friday of every month at the Viridian Event Center (8030 S. 1825 West). Gallivan Center in Salt Lake City features many bands and dance series. The Egyptian Theater in Ogden has performances once a month, all ages are welcome. There is also a venue in Provo. Concerts are held every Wednesday night, live or livestreamed on Facebook. 

“People sometimes ask, how does this all work? It works because of sponsors. We want to thank people and institutions who make these concerts possible,” Managing Director Jeff Whiteley said. Daynes Music donates a $150,000 grand piano to the concerts, and it is delivered in pieces. Then the piano is removed in pieces and delivered back to Daynes Music, then it will be donated again. 

“The piano is kind of a symbol of everything we do. People want the musicians downtown to sound good in a nice place like the Gallivan Center,” Whiteley said. The aim is to “increase the quality of life in Utah for you, for your children, for Utah artists and travelers, everybody wins. If you like what we are doing then come and bring your friends. We want people to listen to Utah talent. We want people to come together and harmonize instead of shouting. Instead of putting up divisions in our society, music invites everyone to share the same experience. Music illustrates the best part of human nature.” 

Music can bring people together. Excellence in the Community is a great place to enjoy relaxing with Utah’s best musicians. Go to excellenceconcerts.org for more information.   λ