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. 

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The Church of Cash

The Church of Cash• May 5, 2023• The State Room

Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson

Photo Credit: Alisha Gregson

The State Room was the first stop for Minneapolis-based The Church of Cash on their Over Mountains Tour. The Johnny Cash tribute band pulled in a decent size crowd, with fans of all ages ready for an exciting night of live music. I know many people who love tribute concerts, but to be honest, I haven’t always been a big fan. After one incredible show, The Church of Cash has made a convert out of me. While I am sure nothing can quite compare to the experience of attending an actual Johnny Cash concert, the band did a phenomenal job honoring The Man in Black. 

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Jordy Searcy

Jordy Searcy• w/ William Hinson & Phillip Vo• May 8, 2023• Kilby Court

Reviewed and Photographed by Josilyn Wakkuri Lybbert

Fans packed in tight, and even overflowed into the courtyard, at Kilby Court on Monday, May 8th for Jordy Searcy’s concert. He was joined by William Hinson and Phillip Vo, Salt Lake City stop of the Daylight Tour! Excitement for the sold-out show was apparent as I arrived at the venue. I noticed a long line that snaked down the cul-de-sac where Kilby Court is located. I’d never been to the local iconic venue before, but quickly grew to appreciate its quirky charm and sticker-plastered walls! 

I was particularly looking forward to this show. I’ve been listening to both Jordy Searcy’s and William Hinson’s music since 2020. I discovered Jordy’s music while listening to a Spotify station based on the song, “George Harrison,” by William. So it was cool that they’re touring together (for the second time)! This was Jordy Searcy’s second time playing at Kilby Court, but it was his fourth time playing in Utah. He opened and performed with Ben Rector at the Sandy Amphitheater last year. For William, this was his second time playing a show in Utah! His previous show in Utah was held last year (*cue humble brag) in my apartment! 

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Ruston Kelly

Ruston Kelly• w/ Briscoe• May 3, 2023• The Depot

Reviewed and Photographed by Tomo Crestani

The Depot had the opportunity to host Ruston Kelly and his support Briscoe on their trip to Salt Lake City. Ruston is a country artist who I had not heard of, and Briscoe is also country but they had a little bit of a Folk twist to their music. They mentioned it was their first time playing in Salt Lake, so I hope that they were able to enjoy their time here. 

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Ministry w/ Gary Numan

Ministry• Gary Numan• April 21, 2023• The Union

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

It was a night of musical pioneers at The Union on April 23, 2023.  Industrial Metal legends, Ministry returned to Salt Lake City with New Wave Icon, Gary Numan.  Upon first hearing of this lineup, some might wonder if the matchup of these two is the right fit.  But I can assure anyone curious that this was an excellent fit.  Most of the fans walking into The Union Events Center donned all black.  But there were some who went all out for the concert.  I Saw huge mohawks, platform boots, sequin skirts, you name it.  People were ready for this show.  I had never seen either artist.  Gary Numan was supposed to play in Utah this past winter but I believe his show was canceled due to weather.  I was excited to see what was in store for me.

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Lewis Capaldi

Lewis Capaldi• w/ Em Beihold• April 23, 2023• UCCU Center

Reviewed and Photographed by Josilyn Wakkuri Lybbert

Scottish-born Lewis Capaldi, joined by Em Beihold, brought his sold-out Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent North American tour to Orem, UT on April 23rd. It was one of the last dates added to the tour, and I’m so happy that it was!

I heard that fans started lining up as early as 8 am, maybe even earlier, in hopes of securing the best spot for the General Admission floor area. It wasn’t the warmest day to wait it all day long, but at least it didn’t snow! Regardless, I know from personal experience that fans will do whatever it takes to get the most out of their concert experience!

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Muse

Muse• Evanescence• w/ Highly Suspect• April 20, 2023• Vivint Arena

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Photo Credit: Kevin Rolfe

Muse brought the U.S. leg of their Will Of The People Tour to a close right here in Salt Lake City on Thursday April 20. I’ve seen tour openers many times. Often, they’ll have some sound issues, or other technical kinks to work out, but they usually go over pretty well. I’m sure behind the scenes they’re seeing a lot more going on than we do in the crowd. I haven’t seen a lot of tour closers but when I have the band seems a little road weary, or mentally already on vacation. This was not the case with Muse, Evanescence, or Highly Suspect. You would think they were all in mid tour mode with how well this tour flowed.

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Michigander

Michigander•Abby Holiday• April 7, 2023• Kilby Court

Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson

I am always impressed by how exciting the concerts at Kilby Court are. While it is one of Utah’s smallest music venues, I have noticed there’s something special about the fans who gather there. Kilby draws a crowd of some of the area’s biggest music fanatics, and the energy they bring cannot be beaten. It’s even better when it’s a sold show. Like the one I had the opportunity to attend on Friday, April 7th. 

Indie sing-songwriter Jason Singer, who goes by the moniker of Michigander, remembered just how much energy fans brought to his last show at Kilby Court a couple of years ago. He told the crowd it had been the most exciting show of that tour. He expected Friday night’s concert to be the best night of his current tour.

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Gladys Knight

Gladys Knight• April 8, 2022• Eccles Theater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Photo Credit: Kevin Rolfe

We cover a lot of concerts here at Utah Concert Review.  But it’s not often that we’re completely floored by the opportunity to cover a legend like Gladys Knight.  The “Empress of Soul” played a Friday evening show at the beautiful Eccles Theater in Downtown Salt Lake City.  It was an occasion where the venue fit the artist perfectly.  I could tell by looking at the audience that many people also considered this night a big deal.  Some were dressed like they were going to a movie premiere or an awards ceremony.  Gladys Knight fans know how to get gussied up!  I had a collared shirt on and I felt very underdressed!

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Schellraiser Festival 2023 Lineup Announced!!

Schellraiser Festival June 1-3 In McGill, Nevada

Headliners Include Dinosaur Jr., Blonde Redhead, Asleep At The Wheel, Joy Formidable, Blitzen Trapper And More…

Cow Meet Punk, Punk Meet Cow

April 4, 2023 –  McGill, NV:  Schellraiser Music Festival The Schellraiser music festival will take place June 1 – 3 near the small town of Ely, Nevada. The headliners include Dinosaur Jr.Blonde RedheadAsleep At The WheelThe Joy FormidableBlitzen TrapperMurder By Death and more. Bands will play in one of the most stunning high-desert landscapes in North America, surrounded by the majestic Schell Creek Mountain range, for which the fest is named. 

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