Story By Montana Peterson

Local musicians came together in support of the Utah Food Bank’s fight against hunger on Thursday, Dec. 1, at Salt Lake City’s Sorensen Unity Center.

The Can Jam, a benefit concert put on by University of Utah students, was created with the goal to unite the community of Salt Lake City while providing food for the hungry.  All proceeds from the concert were donated to the Utah Food Bank.  The Can Jam raised over $400 in donations and 150 cans for the Utah Food Bank.

Four local bands preformed for the benefit concert. The bands that performed were: Eric Brough, Kyley Jean, 48 Hours and Daisy and the Moonshines.

“I’m excited with the turn out,” said Rhett Hansen, a band member of Daisy and the Moonshines. “I’m glad I could do my part in supporting the [Utah] Food Bank this holiday.”

The Can Jam was able to attract the attention of more than just those who attended. The students who put on the event lined up sponsorships from local companies for door prizes, including: Alta, Park City Ski resort, Rockstar, Flowrider, IFly and IRock.

“I can’t believe how much support the community has given us. This has been a great project to work on,” said Kyle Harmon, a student of the University of Utah and part of the Can Jam team.

Although the community backed the event, it was not all smooth sailing.
“We had a lot of last minute difficulties to work through,” said Erin Miller, a student of the University of Utah and leader of the Can Jam team. “It has been a busy night, but it is all coming together great.”

Last minute complications arose when a windstorm knocked out the power to the planned venue two hours before doors were supposed to open.  However, they were able to find a back up venue provided by the Sorensen Unity Center.

“The venue turned out great. The Sorenson Center has been so supportive in giving us this venue last minute,” said Chase de Jong, a student of the University of Utah and part of the Can Jam team.

The night was complicated even further when one of the planned solo artist could no longer perform.   The Can Jam team was left to find a back up artist to cover the time slot.  Kyley Jean was able to step in and perform for the benefit concert in place of the cancelled artist.

Despite the complications, the Can Jam team persevered and put on their event successfully.

“Everything worked out fantastic, all of our bands preformed amazingly. The audience really seemed to really enjoy it,” said Jenny Reichhold, a student of the University of Utah and part of the Can Jam team.

The Can Jam team members were not the only ones satisfied by the finished product: Those in attendance enjoyed themselves as well.

“Tonight was really great. All the bands were really fun,” Sean Colvin, an attendant of the can jam concert. “Hearing the bands live was even better that I expected.“