Suns Out Buns Out: SLUG Mag & New City Movement Celebrate 12th Annual Bunny Hop

Easter Sunday lit up at Salt Lake City’s Garage On Beck as 300 community members showed up in their “Sunday Best” attire and danced the day away at the 12th annual Bunny Hop. There wasn’t even enough champagne to last the day.

Presented by SLUG Magazine and New City Movement, the community-oriented charity event returned after a two-year hiatus to raise funds for Utah’s Hip-Hop Education and Resource Center (HERC). While last week’s weather lied to Utahans for a true spring, attendees were able to boast colorful and playful attire as Easter Sunday blossomed with warm, spring weather.

A long line of excited attendees started to line up outside of the venue at 11 a.m., ready to shake up the day with mimosas and champagne toasts, dressed up bunny ear outfits, hidden Easter eggs, and fire beats. There wasn’t a dull moment throughout the 10-hour long event, as 10 local and New City Movement resident producers and DJs took everyone to “church” with classic vinyl spinning, mixing danceable house rhythms with old-school funk anthems. New City Movement lounge producer Johnny Peppinger kicked things off at 11 a.m., followed by hour-long sets by Rocking Robin, DJ Retrograde, James Beard, Condrick, TK, J Godina, Matthew Fit, Choice, and a closing set by Typefunk.

“I was honored to be invited and DJ alongside some of Salt Lake City’s finest DJ’s and to hear the various sets and see everyone at the event present in their bright spring attire,” Kady Newland (DJ Retrograde) said. “Even better was knowing all of it was contributing to SLC Hip Hop Education Resource Center, helping with after school programming, dance, and other really amazing services benefitting our community.”

Along with the nonstop music, this year’s Bunny Hop highlighted all what makes up Salt Lake City’s thriving arts community. The day-long “hop” carried its tradition of fostering community interaction and goodwill through its spring fever celebration while making a positive social impact. SLUG Magazine posted up on the dance floor showcasing its latest print edition, while the community’s photographers captured the day through their lenses. A makeshift break dance scene emerged under the outside awning for some playful movement, the “real” Easter Bunny made his rounds around the crowd, and attendees munched on homemade brunch and dinner buffets courtesy of Garage On Beck.

“Of all the things I get to be involved with, the Bunny Hop is my pride and joy. So many smiles, tribes, great food, and music. [It was] worth the wait. Thanks for making this the best Bunny Hop ever,” New City Movement’s Jesse Walker posted.

Scroll down to see a full photo gallery of the event, courtesy of photographer Colin McKinley/Alpine Music Photo. Stay up-to-date with New City Movement and their upcoming events at their website.