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The hidden musical gems in your own backyard might just be the best-kept secret in entertainment. Utah Burgess, founder of Shady Lady Studio and the American rock/alt country band Noble Hops, joins us to reveal how local music scenes thrive beneath the mainstream radar.

Utah's musical journey began with his mother's guitar playing, introducing him to country and bluegrass before he found his own path through saxophone, drums, and eventually guitar. After founding Noble Hops in 2010 as a bar band duo, personal tragedy sparked a creative awakening when he lost fellow musician Mo Nelson in 2020. "He left behind a great catalog of music," Utah reflects, "and it just let me know that I've done nothing with my music. Time is short, life has no guarantees." This pivotal moment transformed his band into a vehicle for original expression rather than cover songs.

Beyond his own musical endeavors, Utah has become a passionate advocate for local talent. His radio show on 97.7 FM has produced over 670 episodes spotlighting regional musicians since 2012. "The talent in this area is incredible," he explains. "People get lucky and get noticed and become superstars, and other people work a job while playing music at night like I do—that doesn't mean the music isn't as good as anything you hear on a national scene." This philosophy extends to his three-day music festival at Cooper's Lake Campground, which draws fans from eight different states to enjoy fishing, camping, and exceptional local performances.

When asked about his influences, Utah cites Led Zeppelin and Neil Diamond, but quickly returns to praising the musicians in his immediate community. "I'm always in awe of the people right here in my neighborhood—they blow me away with their talent and songwriting." His closing message resonates with genuine conviction: "The best value for your entertainment dollar is local music. I don't know why you're dropping two, three hundred bucks on tickets and paying for fifteen-dollar beers when you can see great music right in your own backyard."

Visit noblehopsmusic.com or thebandjam.com to connect with Utah's musical world and discover the thriving scene he champions. Support the artists creating extraordinary music just around the corner from where you live—they might just surprise you with their world-class talent.

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