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- Julien Baker and Torres canceled their U.S. tour, missing Kilby Block Party.
- Baker cited health and well-being as reasons for stepping away from touring.
- Their debut album, "Send a Prayer My Way," was released last month to favorable reviews, scoring 77 out of 100 on aggregate review website Metacritic.
SALT LAKE CITY — Julien Baker and Torres won't be performing at this month's Kilby Block Party after they abruptly canceled the rest of their U.S. tour.
Citing "recent events," Baker is stepping away from touring to focus on "her well-being and taking time to focus on her health," according to a statement posted on the singer-songwriter's Instagram account Sunday.
"This decision was not made lightly, and we understand the disappointment this may cause for fans. We deeply appreciate your understanding," the statement said. "Thank you for your continued support and compassion."
Julien Baker and Torres launched their tour two weeks ago, to support their debut album "Send a Prayer My Way," which was released last month to favorable reviews, scoring 77 out of 100 on aggregate review website Metacritic.
They were scheduled to perform on the second night of the Kilby Block Party on May 16, serving as one of the more prominent names on the Salt Lake City festival's bill that day in support of the day's headliner, Beach House. Event organizers shared the statement online Sunday, adding that a replacement act will be announced "soon."
The indie singer-songwriter power duo formed the country project last year. A week after they were added to the Kilby Block Party lineup in December, they appeared on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" to launch their first single, "Sugar in the Tank." The song later peaked at No. 10 on Billboard's Adult Alternative Airplay list.
Baker has also amassed a fan following and critical acclaim as a solo artist. She has won three Grammy Awards as one-third of the indie supergroup Boygenius, alongside Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus.
The Kilby Block Party is now in its sixth year after starting as a 20th-anniversary celebration for the iconic Kilby Court music venue. It's become Utah's largest music festival, bringing over 25,000 attendees to the Utah State Fairpark each day last year. This year's festival is the first featuring four days of music, from May 15-18.
