The Renovated State Capitol Building and Salt Lake Farmer's Market

The Tuesday night concert that is normally held in the Brigham Young Historic Park got moved to the Assembly Hall on Temple Square because of rain.  It was a beautiful, rainy night and we walked home in the rain saved from getting drenched because we had our umbrellas.  The concert was a husband-wife vocal duo: Broadway and jazz to country, pop, and children's movie tunes.  These two people could both sing; in fact, they were over the top.

Kelly and Laura Griffiths

The State Capitol Building in Salt Lake City underwent a major renovation project from 2003 to 2009 to the tune of $237 M including making it earthquake proof.  When the building was originally built it cost $2 M. The building can sway as much as 2 feet in any direction without incurring any structural damage.We saw a small model of the giant "seismic" devices that were put under the building to accomplish the task.  If you'd like to see some professional pictures here's the web address: http://www.vcbo.com/utah-state-capitol.html.

State of Utah Capitol Building

Lion on the west side of the building
(It's Byde standing underneath)

Every state was given a replica of the Liberty Bell that is in Philadelphia;
Utah's is beautifully displayed in the Capitol building.

The women's restroom has marble walls all around, 
simple and beautiful (I couldn't resist the picture)

The "Gold Room" all restored to the original - GORGEOUS
(The Utahns wanted to show the folks on the East Coast
that they had CLASS)

Sego Lily on top Beehive on bottom - throughout building on stairwells

Large pillars are one carved piece of marble

Our guide for our "private" tour

Picture of an arch in North Carolina - largest arch in US

Notice the Sego Lillies around the arch

Close up of the Sego Lillies

Skylights above the stairway (all earthquake proof)

Gallery seating above the Chamber

House Chambers

House Chamber

House Chamber
 

Small Light in the Justice Court, when green the attorney can talk, when yellow he has 3 minutes, when red - THAT'S IT

Beautiful chandelier in the center of the building

Skylights (original) encased to make them earthquake proof

The Friday night concert in the park was a group of 4 siblings from Japan called Bless 4. They are a pop group and favorite in Japan. They were extremely energetic as they sang and danced.

Bless 4 (sibling group from Japan)

On Saturday morning we attended the Farmer's Market in downtown Salt Lake and I took lots of pictures so you could get a flavor of what goes on there.  In addition to all kinds of fruits and vegetables there are vendors of all kinds. There are also groups and individuals who are singing and asking for money.  We got some delicious tamales there as well as cantaloupe and peaches. If you're in Salt Lake City on Saturday morning during the summer the market is a must do activity!

Jewelry made from silverware

Crowds at the market

Bikes parked at the Market

More Vendors

More vendors

Mom in background encouraging young player to smile (her violin case was open in front of her)

Young violinist performing at Farmer's Market

Eating area in the center - lots of food vendors

With the large crowd need lots of Port-a-Johns

Last but not least was a great concert on Saturday night in the Assembly Hall by a husband and wife duo: Justin Bills, tenor and Cecily Ellis-Bills, soprano. They titled their program "Where Music Comes From." It included songs from The Secret Garden, Carousel, Ragtime, A Damsel in Distress, Meet Me in St Louis, The Light in the Piazza, and Into the Woods. For the song "Come to My Garden" they had a young man come to the stage and sing with Cecily. Apparently they had performed together in The Secret Garden.  Cecily has performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in "Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir" in 2005 and 2006 and also at Radio City Music Hall.

Justin Bills, tenor; Cecily Ellis-Bills, soprano, pianist, Kelly DeHaan

Nate Free was on Temple Square after the Saturday night concert

When we came out of the concert on Saturday night walking by the Tabernacle we heard some one call our names - Nate Free and a friend were walking on Temple Square and we had a nice visit with him.  He is attending school in Provo.