Hockey, Or Music...? That Is The Question

 There's a building in downtown Salt Lake City that may not exist in the near future. Many of my friends cannot even consider the fact that anyone would want the building gone, but it's an option. You see, professional hockey is coming to town so that means changes.

I don't think anyone would believe those changes would go that far.

I have perhaps a unique perspective on the issue. You see, the two buildings at odds are the Abravanel Hall where the Utah Symphony performs, and the Delta Center, where the as-of-yet-named pro hockey team will play. In order to lure the team to Salt Lake City, changes in downtown need to be made, which means the symphony hall might have to go.

Why is my perspective unique?

Because I've performed at Abravanel Hall, and I've worked in the Delta Center. No, I was not a professional symphony member, nor did I play professional basketball, but I did sing with the symphony on several occasions and I did work with the Utah Jazz Dancers during the first two years of their existence. 

What's my opinion? I don't have all the facts. Apparently, the symphony hall needs major renovations--in other words, money. And the hockey establishment needs accommodations--in other words, money. I have many friends on social media, many from my performing days, and many sports enthusiasts. They have different views on what should happen...big time.

I have no idea what's going to happen. My hope they can both get what they need/want. However, whatever happens, a lot of money will need to be involved. 

Hockey or music? Time will tell.

SOPIK...The Utah Jazz Dancers Edition

For those of you who don't know, SOPIK stands for Some Old Photos I've Kept. The next bundle of photos I looked through chronicled the time I worked for the Utah Jazz Dancers.

Yes. I really did.

It was 1992 and I had just graduated with my first degree in H.R.  My friend was given the assignment of putting together a jazz dance troupe for the newly constructed Delta Center and I asked her if she would like some help with H.R. She agreed and for two years I went to all the home games as a part of the Utah Jazz Dancers.

Now, for the record, I didn't have a lot to do and that was fine since it wasn't a paid gig, but I did get to see all the games on the floor with my access pass (sorry the pictures I took were not the greatest quality...). I watched some great battles, even one where Michael Jordan almost single-handedly beat the Jazz after being down double digits in the fourth quarter--if I'm remembering things correctly.

Since it was the first year for both the Delta Center and the Jazz Dancers, everything was new. They tried putting together a televised aerobics class to play on KJZZ TV. It never got off the ground. They also held a Jazz Dancer Clinic at Bountiful High School. A lot of little kids (who are now fully grown adults now...) participated and several were chosen to dance at a Utah Jazz game.

It was hard to keep the job, mostly because it didn't pay, and because I ended up getting a position working graves. It's too bad because it was a lot of fun.