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SALT LAKE CITY — Thursday evening was supposed to be the beginning of the 35th annual Salt Lake City Twilight Series, but the season will have to wait a few more weeks after the first headline performer abruptly backed out hours before the show.
The Salt Lake City Arts Council sent out an email Thursday morning announcing that the show, featuring the indie rock band Rainbow Kitten Surprise, was canceled "due to unforeseen circumstances," and won't be rescheduled. All single-show tickets will be refunded.
At about the same time, the North Carolina-based band took to Twitter to announce it has also canceled the rest of its shows scheduled in July and August, citing mental health issues related to touring.
Per its website, Rainbow Kitten Surprise started a small tour in April. After a short break, the band performed a few shows in May and their current tour began at the end of June, according to the band's website. The group last performed at the Red Rock Amphitheatre in Colorado on Tuesday.
"After being off the last couple of years due to the pandemic, we were excited to hit the ground running with touring. As amazing as it has been singing and dancing with you every night, the toll of life on the road has finally reached its breaking point," said lead vocalist Ela Melo in a statement. "I have decided it is in my and our best interest to take this time to regroup and focus on my mental health."
At least a half-dozen shows were also canceled in addition to Thursday's scheduled Salt Lake City Twilight Series event.
The series' 35th season will instead launch on Aug. 6 with The Wild Hearts Tour, featuring the singer-songwriters Sharon Van Etten, Angel Olsen and Julien Baker. Quinn Christopherson, the 2019 winner of NPR's Tiny Desk Contest, is scheduled to open.
