BRI RAY Hits Covey Center Before NYC

_{By Mike Romero}

We’re only three months in, and 2023 has already been wild for Utah. From Sundance Film Festival to NBA Allstar Weekend and the upcoming Qualtrics X4 Summit (which I will personally be attending next week – HEYO), there’s been a lot to enjoy for everyone.

While each of these events offered varying experiences and attracted different crowds, the soundtracks at each have featured or will feature Utah native BRI RAY. BRI RAY showcased her award-winning original music live at each event, and also dropped covers of artists like Miss Lauryn Hill, Corinne Bailey Rae, Kehlani, Adele, and more.  

On March 13th, BRI RAY will perform at the Covey Center for the Arts in downtown Provo in partnership with Excellence in the Community—a nonprofit dedicated to Utah musicians. 

BRI RAY has performed as part of the weekly Excellence Concert series more than once, but each time the concert has been held at the Gallivan Center in downtown Salt Lake City. With her upcoming show taking place in Provo, RAY said this upcoming show feels extra special. 

“Provo feels like where it all started,” she says. “I have so many special memories from concerts I’ve done around town over the last 10+ years… from putting on small house shows to selling out Provo’s legendary local venue, Velour Live Music Gallery. I’m excited to invite the community (including some of my longest supporters and friends) to hang out with me at the Covey Center for the Arts on March 13th.” 

The doors for the concert open at 7 PM. Music starts at 7:30 PM. Admission is free. All tickets have been paid for by the generous sponsors of Excellence in the Community. 

Excellence in the Community is a non-profit created by Utah musicians for Utah musicians. They have produced over 1100 concerts that always feature Utah artists, and their shows have been free for the community since 2012.

When COVID hit, Excellence in the Community began providing livestream concerts in a safe environment. For many local musicians, this was the only gig in town. Over the last 3 years, Excellence in the Community has generated over 41 million views and over 19 million minutes of watch time as part of their Excellence Concert Series.

When I asked her what she hopes audience members will think about or remember when they leave the concert, RAY said, “The last three years haven’t been easy on anyone – myself included. I hope people can come to this concert to feel safe and loved. I hope they leave feeling a little lighter than when they came – that it can be a break from whatever they may need relief from. I hope at least one person will be impacted by the messages of the music. I already know this evening will be healing for me, and I just hope it can be a chance for us each to leave a little better than we came.”

Joining Bri Ray on stage for a few numbers is local music collective The King Will Come. The King Will Come is the group behind Warehouse Worship – a popular non-denominational music event designed to help everyone explore a personal relationship with God.

After this concert, both BRI RAY and The King Will Come take off to NYC to open for Brandon Flowers – fellow Utah native and lead singer of renowned rock band The Killers. They’ll also be joined by Utah favorite Ashley Hess. This show will take place at the Symphony Space in NYC as a benefit concert for the Center for Latter-day Saint Arts, a non-profit co-founded by renowned Mormon historian Richard Lyman Bushman.

Make sure to follow BRI RAY on Instagram. You can stream her song “Confidence” below.