Utah Concert Review

May 29, 2023May 29, 2023

Shania Twain

Shania Twain• Queen Of Me Tour• w/ Hailey Whitters• May 24, 2023• USANA Amphitheatre

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

It’s hard to believe, but after a historically long Winter, Spring, and Summer are finally here. That means concerts are moving outdoors. On Wednesday, May 24, USANA Amphitheatre opened its doors for the first time this year. Opening night was about as big as it will get all summer with Country Music/ Crossover Mega-Star, Shania Twain taking the stage. Twain brought her Queen of Me Tour to town and with her 20,000 fans squeezed into the large venue.

There was so much excitement in the air. Even with doors being held due to weather, people seemed to be in great spirits. Merch lines were long, drink lines were long, and in both I could see people talking to each other, asking if they’d seen Shania before, where their seats were, and what she might perform. I enjoyed seeing familiar faces, from fellow photographers to security, to the local promoters. It felt like the fun part of the first day of school.

May 27, 2023May 27, 2023

Johnny Mathis

Johnny Mathis• Voice Of Romance Tour•May 19, 2023• Eccles Theater

Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson

On Friday, May 19th, the legendary Johnny Mathis spent an evening serenading a theater full of his adoring fans. The 87-year-old icon brought his Voice Of Romance tour to Salt Lake City’s Eccles Theater. With 67 years of experience as a musical entertainer, Mathis knows what it takes to impress a crowd. The audience was mostly made up of an older generation that arrived excited to hear nostalgic songs of the past. With his smooth tenor voice that has somehow remained as powerful as ever, Mathis transported his fans back in time.

May 27, 2023May 27, 2023

All Time Low

All Time Low• Mayday Parade• Games We Play• May 24, 2023• The Union

Reviewed and Photographed by Maralee Nielson

A rainy and cloudy night didn’t stop anyone from coming out to see All Time Low with Mayday Parade, and Games We Play. Last time I saw All Time Low was years back on the Last Young Renegade tour. Before the show as I was walking in Jack and Alex of All Time Low were walking behind the venue. They stopped for some photos with a few fans.

As doors opened, the merch line filled while others went for drinks and to take their spot as close to the barricade as possible. You could hear everyone talking amongst themselves regarding the show and the incredible lineup that was prepared for tonight. It was a sold-out show, so it was expected to be fully packed.

May 26, 2023May 26, 2023

Ogden Twilight: M83

M83• w/ Jeremiah Chiu• Ogden Twilight •May 6, 2023• Ogden Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

It’s that time of year again! Outdoor concerts have returned to Utah! Things are finally warming up and our outdoor venues are ready to be used. Leading things off this year is the Ogden Twilight Series. They opened their series with Electronic Alternative band, M83. M83 was joined by Jeremiah Chiu. It was to be a night of great Electronic Music. The concert sold out quickly so it was obvious that not only were Utahns ready to see these musicians, but they were ready for Summer to begin and to finally be outside.

May 23, 2023May 23, 2023

Mr. Bungle

Mr. Bungle• w/ Melvins & Spotlights• May 17, 2023• The Union

Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson

On Wednesday, May 17th Mr. Bungle brought their Geek Show tour to The Union Event Center. They were joined by supporting bands, Melvins, and Spotlights. Talking with fans before the show, I was told that Mr. Bungle’s concerts are known for taking their fans on a wild ride. I should expect the unexpected.

May 23, 2023May 23, 2023

Andrea Bocelli

Andrea Bocelli• featuring Isabel Leonard• Edward Parks• Brittany O’Connor• Paul Barris• & Amy Manford• May 17, 2023• Vivint Arena

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

It is always a big deal when Andrea Bocelli comes to Salt Lake City. This is his third stop at Vivint Arena, his first in 2018. Bocelli has expressed that there is something special about coming here. He’s not wrong. To hear one of the most renowned tenors right here in Utah is something that should never be taken lightly or for granted. As in his past stops, Andrea Bocelli brought some extremely talented guests with him. Vivint Arena was packed. People were in tuxedos and ball gowns. Some had their opera binoculars ready to go. A venue made primarily for basketball felt much different than a Jazz game or other concerts. There was a dignified air to the night. It was a beautiful night of music that I’m excited to share with you. So let’s get into it.

May 22, 2023May 22, 2023

Kilby Block Party 4

Kilby Block Party 4• May 12, 13, & 14• Utah State Fairgrounds

Reviewed and Photographed by Tomo Crestani

Bringing the biggest show they have had to this point, Kilby Block Party hosted their yearly festival, this time, at the Utah State Fairpark. The three-day festival kicked off on May 12th and wrapped up Sunday the 14th. It was a highly anticipated show as the lineup was one of the biggest lineups of any of the indie-rock festivals in the country. With headliners like, The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, and many other amazing artists, it was an amazing weekend of music. One highlight that I heard many locals getting very excited about was the late addition of Dominic Fike. Coming straight off his Coachella set, there was a lot of anticipation for his show.

May 17, 2023May 17, 2023

ZZ Top Eccles Theater

ZZ Top• w/ Eric Heideman• May 3, 2023• Eccles Theater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

On May 3rd, 2023, the iconic ZZ Top brought their blues-infused rock and roll to the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City. Delivering an unforgettable concert that had fans roaring for more. The legendary band’s previous two Utah tour stops took place as part of the Red Butte Garden Outdoor Summer Concert Series. I was interested to see what their show would be like in a theater setting. While this show was not unlike those shows as far as setup and setlist, it was awesome seeing them in one of my favorite Utah venues with some die hard fans.

May 17, 2023May 17, 2023

Elle King

Elle King• w/ Tanner Usrey• April 25, 2023• The Union

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

The Union Events Center in Salt Lake City was pulsating with energy on the night of April 25, 2023, thanks to the arrival of the one and only Elle King on her A-Freakin’-Men Tour. As soon as the doors opened, fans flooded in, eager to witness the power and intensity of this exceptional performer. Elle was scheduled to perform in Salt Lake City earlier in the year but was forced to reschedule due to severe weather between Denver and SLC. We were happy that she had an open date. Utah and Elle King have developed a strong relationship in recent years. She performed at last year’s Fort Desolation Fest and will be returning to Salt Lake City this summer with Melissa Etheridge as part of Red Butte Garden’s Outdoor Summer Concert Series.

May 12, 2023May 17, 2023

Hayley Kiyoko

Hayley Kiyoko• w/ Emmy Meli and Katherine Li• May 9, 2023• The Depot

Reviewed and Photographed by Tomo Crestani

Hayley Kiyoko is a new type of artist that seems to be growing rapidly. Hayley has gained popularity not only for her talent when it comes to her music but also for being a trailblazer in the way she expresses her sexuality. She uses her platform to spread support to those struggling with their own sexual orientation. Although I haven’t personally had to deal with these struggles, I talked to a few people at the show who were claiming Hayley is a big reason they are able to get through each day. It was really cool to see an artist make music that helps people be more comfortable in their own skin. The Depot was able to host Hayley on her current “PANORAMA” tour with two supporting acts following her on this adventure. Emmy Meli and Katherine Li were the two supporting artists that opened for Hayley.