By David BurgerBATTLE OF TRIBUTE BANDS RINGS IN NEW YEAR IN UTAH
When it comes to celebrating New Year's Eve, three days are better than one.
Tuesday through Thursday, Salt Lake City will be enveloped in EVE, a new three-day festival to help Utahns ring in 2010.
A highlight of this new event will be the Battle of the Local Tribute Bands. KISS Thiss will be one of the bands performing.
KISS Thiss - Even though he lacks the lengthy tongue, Salt Lake City resident Kevin Sweat enjoys playing the "Demon" role of Gene Simmons in this tribute band.
"They're the most fun to play, because of the makeup," said Sweat, who has played the Simmons part for four years. He said before each concert each band member spends about an hour applying the signature face makeup.
The band tries to faithfully replicate the musicianship of "Detroit Rock City" and "Lick It Up. " But the members, who range in age from mid-30s to late 40s, have fun for another reason.
"It's all about remembering the good ol' days," Sweat said.
