Athletes, music to merge at event

Pro-extreme sports athletes, music and gifts — what more could a family want?

Journey's Backyard Barbeque will kick off its national tour at the South Towne Center on Saturday, with such musical as Postcards Home, Ivy League, The Brobecks — and Salt Lake's own Meg & Dia, which has ust wrapped up its tour with Saves the Day.

Extreme-sports figures appearing at the event include skateboarders Elissa Steamer, Ronnie Creager, Eric Fletcher and Kyle Leeper. BMX riders include X Games gold medalist Jamie Bestwick and Mike "Rooftop" Escamilla. Also appearing will be freestyle motocross team Metal Mulisha.

Choosing Salt Lake City as the tour's launching pad was a no-brainer for tour director Brian Gass. "Salt Lake City is huge on outdoor sports," Gass said by phone from California. "We had to choose between Salt Lake City and Denver and decided Salt Lake would be the best. Not only does the culture have sports, it also has a love for music."

Headlining the event musically will be none other than Meg & Dia, who call Sandy their home. "They are going to be heading off on the Vans Warped Tour this summer," said Gass. "So we made sure we got them for this. I mean, they're from Utah. So it was a perfect fit."

Making the event free and open to all ages came about because there are not a lot of fun things families can attend together, said Gass. "It's important to us that this happens. And not only is the event free, but it has something for everyone. Everyone will go home with something.

"We will have gift giveaways, contests and demonstrations. And it will be free thanks to our sponsors — Journeys, Etnies and Converse."

If you go

What: Journey's Backyard Barbeque with Meg & Dia

Where: South Towne Center, 10450 S. State

When: Saturday, noon

How much: free

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E-mail: scott@desnews.com