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When Nathan Royal first picked up a guitar, he couldn't have known it would lead him to become a catalyst for cultural change in Salt Lake City. But looking back, the path makes perfect sense. As a musician who's equally comfortable leading a 14-piece swing orchestra or grooving with an old-time string band, Nathan has always understood that music's true power lies in its ability to bring people together.
After earning his degree in jazz performance from the University of Utah, Nathan made an unconventional choice. Instead of pursuing graduate studies, he set out on a journey that would shape his artistic vision. Traveling across North America and Europe, he sought out the kind of musical education that can't be found in classrooms. He studied with renowned musicians like Tcha Limberger and Denis Chang, immersing himself in the tradition of Django Reinhardt while experiencing firsthand how music builds communities across cultures and borders.
Returning to Salt Lake City, Nathan brought back more than just new techniques and repertoire. He returned with a vision for what his hometown's music scene could become. What started as the quintet, Hot House West soon evolved into something bigger—both literally and figuratively. The group expanded into the Hot House West Swing Orchestra, a 14-piece ensemble that has since graced the stages of the Moab Music Festival, Vail Jazz Festival, and the JEN Conference. But more importantly, it became the foundation for a nonprofit organization dedicated to nurturing Salt Lake City's acoustic music scene.
As Executive Director of Hot House West (now a 501(c)(3) organization), Nathan works to create opportunities for musicians at every level. Through events like the Swing Renaissance series, which celebrates music, culture, and dance, he's helping build the kind of community he once had to travel thousands of miles to find. The organization's success springs from Nathan's belief that musicians are natural community leaders, and that music creates spaces where people can connect beyond their daily routines and differences.
Nathan's musical versatility shines through his three main projects. The Hot House West Swing Orchestra carries forward the big band tradition while making it accessible to new audiences. The Elderblossoms, invited to perform at the Baltimore Old-Time Festival, explores the rich heritage of American old-time music. And the Nathan Royal Trio, inspired by the sophistication of Nat King Cole and Oscar Peterson, demonstrates his deep roots in jazz. All three groups have recorded with Westmoon Records, capturing the diverse sounds that make up Nathan's musical world.
But for Nathan, these accomplishments are just the beginning. Through his work as a performer, teacher, and community organizer, he's pursuing a bigger goal: showing how music can make communities more resilient, connected, and inspired. Whether he's teaching private guitar lessons, leading a workshop, or performing on stage, Nathan creates experiences that remind people of their extraordinary nature and capacity for connection.
But for Nathan, these accomplishments are just the beginning. Through his work as a performer, teacher, and community organizer, he's pursuing a bigger goal: showing how music can make communities more resilient, connected, and inspired. Whether he's teaching private guitar lessons, leading a workshop, or performing on stage, Nathan creates experiences that remind people of their extraordinary nature and capacity for connection.
"Musicians have a unique responsibility," Nathan often says. "We're here to create moments where people can step out of their daily routines and remember what makes life remarkable." It's this philosophy that drives everything he does, from organizing community events to performing with his ensembles. In a world that often feels divided, Nathan Royal is working to build something different—a community where everyone has a chance to find their voice, share their story, and be part of something bigger than themselves.
Where You can listen
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