I’ve spent a lot of time on stages across Utah, from high-end Kamas lounges to the bustling bars of downtown Salt Lake. But there is a specific kind of magic that only happens in a local pizza joint. It’s the smell of yeast and garlic, the sound of laughter over clinking soda glasses, and that unmistakable feeling of home.
Today, I’m officially kicking off a new series on the blog called the Community Spotlight. Why? Because as a musician, I don’t exist in a vacuum. I’m part of an ecosystem. When you see me playing a three-hour set, I’m standing on a floor provided by a local business owner, fueled by food made by a local chef, and playing for people who live just down the street.
We’re starting with a place that is incredibly near and dear to my heart: Este Pizza in Park City.
If you’ve followed my performance schedule lately, you know you can find me there almost every Saturday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. It has become my Saturday night tradition, and honestly? It’s often the highlight of my week.
The Best Crust in the State (No, Really)
Let’s get the most important thing out of the way first: the food.
I’m a bit of a pizza snob. I’ve traveled, I’ve tasted, and I’ve had my fair share of "okay" slices at 1 AM. But Este Pizza is different. They specialize in New York Style pizza, and they absolutely nail it. We’re talking about a local, family-owned and operated business that actually cares about the craft.
The secret is in the dough. It’s homemade, hand-tossed, and has: in my humble, musician-who-eats-too-much-takeout opinion: the best crust in the state. It has that perfect pull, that slight char, and the structural integrity to hold up a mountain of toppings without folding like a cheap card table.
They use fresh, high-quality ingredients, and you can tell. The vegetables are chopped daily, the sauces are homemade, and they don’t cut corners. They even offer vegan and gluten-free options, which is a lifesaver for groups with different dietary needs. (I’ve seen plenty of families come in where one person is strictly gluten-free and the other is a pepperoni fiend: everyone leaves happy).
They were actually voted "Best Pizza" by City Weekly back-to-back in the past, and honestly, they should probably just keep the trophy forever.
The Saturday Night Vibe
There’s a specific energy at Este Pizza on a Saturday night. It’s casual. It’s loud in the best way possible. It’s the kind of place where you can show up in your ski gear, your work clothes, or your Saturday best and feel completely at ease.
Playing music there is a unique challenge and a total joy. When I’m setting up my gear (usually around 4:30 PM), the dinner rush is just starting to simmer. By 6:00 PM, the room is humming.
Because I have a repertoire of over 600 songs, I love the "reading the room" aspect of this gig. One Saturday might be full of families with kids who want to hear something upbeat and recognizable. The next might be a younger crowd looking for indie-folk vibes. I’ve written before about the art of reading the room, and Este is the perfect laboratory for that.
I’ve had people come up to me mid-slice to request a deep cut from the 70s, and I’ve had kids stand five feet away just staring at my fingers on the guitar strings. It’s intimate. It’s real. There’s no "backstage" here: just me, my guitar, and a room full of people enjoying a meal together.
Why "Support Local" is More Than a Slogan
We hear the phrase "Support Local" all the time. It’s on tote bags and bumper stickers. But for those of us in the Utah live music scene, it’s the literal lifeblood of what we do.
When you choose to eat at a local spot like Este Pizza instead of a national chain, your money stays here. It helps the owner pay their staff, sure. But it also allows them to have a budget for live entertainment.
If local businesses don't thrive, live music venues disappear. It's that simple.
I’ve seen it happen. A town loses its "third place": that spot that isn't work and isn't home: and suddenly the culture feels a little thinner. Park City is a world-class destination, but it’s the local gems like Este that give it a soul beyond the tourist attractions. They provide a platform for guys like me to do what we love.
When you support a local business, you’re directly supporting the arts. You’re making it possible for a singer-songwriter to keep his strings fresh and his van running. You’re keeping the "live" in live music.
A Place for the Community
One of the things I love most about Este is their commitment to the Park City community. They aren't just trying to flip tables and maximize profit; they genuinely want to be a gathering spot.
I’ve seen them host fundraisers, support local schools, and create an atmosphere that feels inclusive. Whether it’s the free WiFi, the outdoor seating during those beautiful Utah summers, or just the friendly face behind the counter, they make you feel like you belong there.
It reminds me of why I love playing house concerts. There’s no pretension. It’s just about the connection between the food, the music, and the people.
Why You Should Visit (This Saturday!)
If you haven’t been to Este Pizza in Park City yet, consider this your formal invitation.
Whether you’re a local looking for a new regular spot or a visitor wanting to experience the "real" Park City away from the Main Street madness, this is it.
Here is the game plan:
- Show up around 5:30 PM this Saturday.
- Order a large pie (the crust will change your life, I promise).
- Grab a seat where you can see the "stage" area.
- Say hi! I love meeting people who read the blog or follow the music.
Supporting local spots like this makes our community stronger, our bellies fuller, and our weekend soundtracks much, much better.
I’m so grateful to the team at Este for having me back week after week. It’s a privilege to be the "soundtrack" to so many family dinners and first dates.
If you're a local business owner interested in bringing live music to your space, or if you're planning an event and want to bring that same "Este vibe" to your venue, feel free to reach out to me. I’m always looking for new ways to connect with the Utah community.
In the meantime, go get yourself a slice. Support local. Keep the music playing.
I’ll see you on Saturday.
