Excellence in the Community Inc

World-Class Music. Free for Everyone.

Excellence in the Community is a Utah-based nonprofit bringing Utah’s finest musicians to communities statewide through free, high-quality live concerts.

Our mission is clear:

• Create meaningful, professional performance opportunities for Utah artists.

• Ensure exceptional live music is accessible to everyone — regardless of age, income, or location.

It Started in the Streets of Paris

This organization was born in the streets and metro tunnels of Paris.

Future co-founders Jeff and Lori Whiteley performed there as street musicians, where artistic excellence was recognized immediately. Their duo quickly gained radio and television attention and invitations to major music festivals.

The talent was undeniable. The audience responded.

Returning to Utah, however, the same act received little response.

The difference wasn’t the talent. It was visibility.

Utah is rich with extraordinary musicians, yet few have access to major media markets, publicity budgets, or consistent professional platforms. Too often, world-class artists perform as background music rather than featured performers.

Excellence in the Community was created to change that.

We provide:

• Professional stages

• High-quality production

• Meaningful promotion

• Free access for audiences

1,440+ Free Concerts — And Counting

Since its founding, Excellence in the Community has presented more than 1,440 free concerts, serving families, seniors, students, and audiences of all backgrounds.

We collaborate with respected venues across Utah, including:

• Viridian Event Center (West Jordan)

• The Grand Theatre (Salt Lake City)

• Peery’s Egyptian Theater (Ogden)

• Covey Center for the Arts (Provo)

• Eccles Center (Park City)

• Library Hall (Orem)

We also bring professional performances to rural and underserved communities where access to live music is limited.

From major arts centers to small-town stages, excellence reaches the entire state.

What Audiences Experience

Excellence in the Community does more than present concerts — it creates access, connection, and belonging.

One attendee shared:

“Excellence in the Community has changed my life… Because of these concerts, I realized that music in our town is better than I thought it was — and consequently, that my life is better than I thought it was.” — Adele B.

Another described a performance as:

“A spiritual experience to watch everyone get along and have fun.” — Scott W.

Others call the concerts “spectacular,” “a gift to the community,” and “a treasure.”

When access to the arts is removed as a barrier, communities thrive.

  Read more audience testimonials here.

How It Benefits Utah Musicians

Excellence in the Community provides Utah artists with something rare: a professional platform.

Musicians are paid fairly, promoted meaningfully, and presented as featured performers — not background entertainment. The result is higher artistic standards, stronger visibility, and real career momentum.

When artists are supported at this level, they stay. When they stay, the entire cultural landscape of Utah grows stronger.

"I’ve worked with Excellence from the performer’s side and attended many from the audience side. I love this organization from both perspectives. Having free access to the amazing talent in our valley is priceless. I’m impressed by the variety that is also scheduled: something for everyone, and at venues spread out so that everyone has easy access. It makes for an incredible evening, and is particularly great for families who may wan to bring children to hear live music, but aren’t comfortable (or allowed) at a bar-type setting. Lastly, I think it’s important for people to know that even though they get a free admission, the artists themselves are paid fairly for a good night’s work. It’s a symbiotic relationship, and only one that works if audiences come out and good people in the position to do so donate to the cause." – Alicia Wrigley, World-Class Bassist, Vocalist, Band Leader

Read more musician testimonials here. 

The Impact Is Real

These concerts provide:

• Access to professional live music at no cost

• Welcoming, diverse gathering spaces

• Inspiration for students and families

• Renewed pride in Utah’s artistic excellence

When talent is not supported, ensembles dissolve, artists leave, and communities lose cultural vitality.

We exist to prevent that loss.

Join the Cause

Every concert is free to the public.

That means every performance depends on donors, sponsors, grants, and community support.

Your contribution helps:

• Put Utah artists on professional stages

• Bring live music to rural communities

• Inspire students and families

• Keep access to the arts free for all

World-class music should not depend on ticket price.

When you give, you directly fuel opportunity, visibility, and artistic excellence across the state. Your support ensures that talent is recognized, communities are strengthened, and future generations experience the power of live music.

Help expand access to Excellence. Donate today.