Utah Concert Review

Kehlani w/ Dustin Conrad• September 22, 2022• The Complex

Reviewed and Photographed by Eli Valle

When an artist has to postpone or even cancel a performance, a lot has to go into the decision. Not only does it impact the people who were originally planning on attending the show, but now the tour, the venue, any VIP reps hired for the show, and the promotion company are scrambling to find a solution that can benefit everyone at the end of the day. Oftentimes, artists and the venue cannot find a date to reschedule and the show is canceled and folks are refunded.

ODESZA w/ Sylan Esso, Elderbrook & NASAYA• September 20, 2022• USANA Amphitheatre

Reviewed and Photographed by Eli Valle

Almost close to nothing beats a good summer concert for any music fan. A nice summer breeze, 80-degree weather out in the open with a slight breeze here and there, and great live music. As thousands gathered at USANA Amphitheater on September 20th  for the “ODESZA: THE LAST GOODBYE TOUR”, one thing was clear, Utah was going to show up and party. Even on a Tuesday night. Along with headliner ODESZA, the tour brought NASAYA, Elderbrook, and duo Sylvan Esso to sing and dance with the crowd. All and all, the lights went on until they could no longer run. And the audience left with their minds blown.

Gaslight Anthem w/ Tigers Jaw• September 20, 2022• The Union

Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson

After an eight-year hiatus, alternative rock band Gaslight Anthem has finally returned to making music. Salt Lake City was just one stop on their reunion tour. On Tuesday, September 20th, their loyal fans gathered at the Union Event Center to show the band how much they have been missed. 

Novo Amor• September 23, 2022• The Complex

Reviewed and Photographed by Tomo Crestani

After years of shows outside of the US, Novo Amor played one of his first shows back in the states in Salt Lake City. Visiting The Complex, Novo was able to sell out The Grand room at the venue. I was shocked to hear that he had such a large fan base here. Having listened to some of his music before, I didn’t expect so many people to show for a slower concert like his. However, he was able to bring a lot of emotion and passion to the music as he performed that night. I was pleasantly surprised with how he was able to change up parts of his music to be more fun to listen to live. 

LANY w/ Surfaces and Annika Bennett September 17, 2022 USANA Amphitheatre

Reviewed and Photographed by Tomo Crestani

With all the anticipation and hype, USANA Amphitheater hosted a sold out show of 20,000 people for LANY and support. Bringing along Surfaces and Annika Bennett, the venue was absolutely packed. I had never seen so many people in one place. The atmosphere was truly special. 

Diplo w/ JPAN & LP Giobbi• Ogden Twilight •September 16, 2022• Ogden Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Eli Valle

Unless you are a mega fan, odds are you don’t know Thomas Wesley Pentz as Thomas  Wesley Pentz. However, you may have better odds of knowing his stage name, Diplo. If you go through past lineups, you will notice that Diplo is no stranger to the Twilight Concert Series. On September 16th at the Ogden Amphitheater, he made his official return to the tradition. LP Giobbi and JPAN were the night’s special guests. Just like Diplo, they too received an enthusiastic welcome full of cheers from the audience. 

Wet Leg• September 13, 2022• The Depot

Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson

On Tuesday, September 13th, British indie rock band Wet Leg brought their tour to Salt Lake City. After hearing so much buzz about them recently, I wasn’t surprised at all to learn that they had sold out their show at The Depot. Heavy rain was coming down when I arrived at the venue. I was glad I would be spending the evening at an indoor show instead of at one of the many outdoor amphitheaters in the valley. I arrived before the doors were set to open. But noticed The Depot had already begun letting the concertgoers inside to get out of the rain.

Flogging Molly w/ The Interrupters with special guests Tiger Army and The Skints

Reviewed by Spencer Hardenbrook

Photographed by Logan Sorenson

If you’ve never seen Flogging Molly live there isn’t a review in the world that can describe the actual energy in their show. It’s just different. To be honest I am biased. Flogging Molly has been my favorite band for over a decade now. I’ve seen them live multiple times and I’ve never been less than totally entertained. I’m not alone. This is the type of band that leads an army of loyal fans. This fan base ranges from the 70 year old guys in the back. The guys who love the music and talent to the middle age businessmen. Fans who fight the urge to jump back into the mosh pit to the 18 year old kid whose dad has listened to this band for as long as he can remember to the 6 year old with sound-blocking ear protection and a mohawk in the front row.

Roger Waters• This is Not a Drill Tour• September 8, 2022• Vivint Arena

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Roger Waters This is Not A Drill Tour finally happened at Vivint Arena.  Like so many other tours, tickets went on sale two years ago.  And just like so many other tours, the show was postponed due to the pandemic.  But we finally made it.  Truck after truck lined the street outside the arena. More trucks than I think I’ve seen for a tour.  This indicated to me that whatever was going to happen inside was going to be a show of epic proportions.  People filed in through the doors and security checks. 

There was no opener so people were advised to get in their seats early so they wouldn’t miss anything.  At 8:15 an announcement came that the show would start in 15 minutes.  The crowd gave a cheeky groan.  Fifteen more minutes after waiting two years almost felt unbearable.  But everyone was in good spirits knowing they were mere minutes away from seeing the legend of Pink Floyd