_{By Zach Collier}

The Gateway mall in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah is holding their massive annual New Year’s Eve party this weekend. Entitled Last Hurrah 2023, this free event is open to the public on December 31 from 8 PM to midnight.

One of the most exciting elements of the celebration is the concert leading into the countdown to 2024. This year will feature two headliners: Cardinal Bloom and Blindlove.

Blindlove is an alt rock group fronted by seasoned Utah musician Brogan Kelby, with Conner Christensen on drums, Austin Cochran on guitar, and Michael Paulie Mervine on bass. The band recently toured with Sleeping With Sirens and The Used. Their debut single, “I Wanna Be Okay,” dropped during the pandemic and entered the top 40 alternative charts. They released their newest single, “Bad Timing,” on November 6.

Cardinal Bloom has made a name for themselves since winning Velour’s Winter 2021 Battle of the Bands. Their breakout hit, “She’s Just a Friend,” has racked up an impressive 2 million streams. It went viral on TikTok and landed on major Spotify editorial playlists like Today’s Indie Rock. Cardinal Bloom will head the countdown to the New Year.

The Gateway is home to over a million square feet of restaurants, retail, living, and office space. Draft beer, wine, hot cocktails and hot chocolate will be served in the main plaza.

Many of The Gateway’s merchants will also be open late. Bout Time Pub & Grub, Dave & Buster’s, Flanker Kitchen + Sporting Club, Seabird, and Pop Drinks & Sweet Rolled Tacos will all be open until 1 AM. HallPass Foodhall, Six Sailor Cider, The Store, and Urban Arts Gallery will be open until midnight. The Friends Experience, where fans of Friends can step into the world of the TV show, is happening at The Gateway and will be open until 9 PM.

While you’re waiting for the party to start, check out “Bad Timing” by Blindlove!