"One of the main attractions will be a preview of a work-in-progress by the Utah Symphony & Opera," said Nelson. " 'The Grapes of Wrath' (composed by Ricky Ian Gordon with libretti written by Michael Korie) was commissioned by the Utah Opera and the Minnesota Opera. The completed work will debut in 2007 in both Minnesota and Salt Lake City, but Utah audiences will be able to get a sneak peak with Gordon and Korie on Friday at the amphitheater stage."

Another new feature is a sound installation by performer Gary Vlasic. "He is usually a theater guy, but this time he's going to be putting together a sound installation with the help of electronic musician Jesse Walker and producer Erik Dodd-Tong. We're lucky to have the quality of artists like these in our midst."

Returning UAF favorite features will include the Big Mouth Cafe, which will include spoken-word performances by Alex Caldiero, Diane Fouts and Kimberly Grob, and the Fear No Film screenings, which will screen independent films from Utah, California, Vermont, New York and Norway.

There will also be a children's area for youngsters and their families to create hats, paint and put together all different kinds of arts and crafts.

"It gets bigger and better with each year," said Nelson. "The trick is making sure we find new exciting artists, but keep some of the favorites. I'm looking down the road to another 30 years, and I like what I see."

If you go

• What: Utah Arts Festival

• Where: Library Square, 200 East and 400 South

• When: Thursday through June 25, noon-11 p.m.

• How much: adults, $8; senior citizens, $5;

children (12 and younger), free

Phone: 801-322-5912

Web: www.uaf.org

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E-mail: scott@desnews.com

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