This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Blake Mills will open for Fiona Apple on Apple's much-anticipated concert at Kingsbury Hall, but after the warm-up he doesn't get to relax the rest of the night.
He plays guitar as a member of Apple's band. "There's no guitar on the record, which is confusing," Mills said of being asked to add his talents on her tour.
But he is not disappointed, but rather inspired by being on stage with Apple. "She's on fire these days," he said. "It's shocking. She's mesmerizing."
Mills, 25, is formerly of the folk-rock band Dawes and Lucinda Williams' touring band, and met Apple through mutual friend Sara Watkins (formerly of Nickel Creek). Mills still remembers the first time he visited Utah; he and his young band mates showed up at Burt's Tiki Lounge but were turned away when the club learned the band members were under-age.
"Touring is something I've been doing since I was 16," Mills said.
When • Saturday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m.Where • Kingsbury Hall, University of Utah, 1395 E. President's Circle, Salt Lake CityTickets • $45-$65 at kingsburyhall.utah.edu