Utah Concert Review

September 22, 2019

Branson Anderson September 20, 2019, Kilby Court

By: Katie Barber

The crowd was forced to part as a casket was brought into the room. Its pallbearers strained under the weight before laying it down next to Kilby Court’s stage. The wildly unexpected sound of an industrial saw ripped through idle chatter—something was breaking free from within the casket. Emerged a figure with dark hair, a blue bandana around his neck, and a face painted ghostly white. Branson Anderson was back from the dead.

September 22, 2019

Ogden Twilight: Of Monsters and Men w/ Lower Dens September 17, 2019, Ogden Amphitheater

By: Erica Fasoli

Tuesday night, September 17 was one for the books. The second to last show of the Ogden Twilight Concert Series showcased Of Monsters and Men, with special guests Lower Dens and local spotlight Marny Proudfit. The air was cool and crisp. The season in Utah is slowly turning and fall is on the horizon. People were bundled up in flannels, ready for the outdoor concert. The crowd slowly trickled in throughout the early evening and Marny kicked off the show with a short folk/acoustic set. I was really impressed by her voice and loved that she started the night with just a guitar. Lower Dens took the stage next.

September 22, 2019

Tobi Lou September 17, 2019, Kilby Court

By: Kaden Severn

Photo Credit: Kaden Severn @simplybrilliantstudios

Tuesday Night in Salt Lake City brought out dedicated fans to see fast-rising rapper, Tobi Lou. Kilby Court was buzzing and you could feel the excitement of hip hop fans eager to see the new but very talented artist. I had seen Tobi perform as an opener for KYLE about a year ago and was excited to see him headline for the first time.

September 20, 2019

UCR Interview- Branson Anderson

By: Kevin Rolfe

Branson Anderson is an Americana singer-songwriter based in Ogden, Utah. It’s been said that he’s a mix between Devendra Banhart meets Shakey Graves meets Bob Dylan meets Jack White. As I did my own studying up on Branson leading up to this interview I found his lyrics and vocals to be infectious. The longer I listened, the more I was hooked.

September 15, 2019

Gary Clark Jr. September 6, 2019, Red Butte Garden

By: Blythe Penn

Approaching Red Butte Garden Amphitheater, I could hear opening act, Los Coast, blaring across the parking lot. The Austin, TX band describes their sound as “punchy psychedelic-pop- soul.” The little bit of their set I caught felt both edgy and danceable. Audience members were rocking out by the side of the stage.

September 13, 2019

Morgxn September 9, 2019, Kilby Court

By: Katie Barber

As Kilby Court’s stage lights began to illuminate the pavement outside its doors, elevator music began to play overhead. The disembodied voice of Bob Ross then filled the room, instructing listeners to “tap the bristles firmly, making little crisscross strokes.” This lighthearted serenade was Morgxn’s introduction, and beautifully contrasted the sorrow of his first song, “Submarine,” which he sang unaccompanied. His isolated vocals hung heavy in the air for a few moments before it became clear why everyone had shown up that night and why Bob Ross was Morgxn’s intro of choice: to experience a little joy.

September 13, 2019

Gov’t Mule September 4, 2019, Red Butte Garden

This was not your usual night at Red Butte Amphitheater. I’m sure many of the subscription holders were there. But overall it felt like a much different crowd. A special audience turned out for “An Evening With Gov’t Mule”. The Southern Rock band celebrated a night of career-spanning music. And they brought their loyal fans with them. People were barefoot, tie-dyed and ready to jam.

September 10, 2019

Squeeze September 7, 2019, Deer Valley

By: Kevin Rolfe

I forget sometimes how iconic a band Squeeze is. Of course, they have hits in the US like “Tempted” and “Pulling Mussels (From the Shell). But they are much more than their hits. At one point Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford were considered “Heirs to Lennon and McCartney’s throne”. And while that correlation may or may not have taken place, the British rock band have definitely left their mark over the last 45 years. Squeeze was the perfect band to close out this summer’s Deer Valley Concert Series.

September 9, 2019

UCR Interview- Morgxn

By: Kevin Rolfe

Morgxn is heading out on his first headlining tour and is playing Kilber Court in Salt Lake City on September 9 after opening up for several acts on tour including Dreamers, X Ambassadors, Robert Delong, ARIZONA and more. His current single “A New Way” is climbing the charts at HOT AC radio, after a top 10 hit called “home” ft Walk The Moon. He also recently performed “A New Way” on Good Morning America!

I had a great time talking with Morgxn as he drove the streets of Hollywood before he set out on this tour. I think his show at Kilby Court is going to be a great time. Here is our conversation. Enjoy!

September 8, 2019

Ogden Twilight: The National w/Alvvays September 5, 2019, Ogden Amphitheater

By: Erica Fasoli

The Ogden Twilight Concert Series on Thursday night brought Alvvays and The National to the Ogden Amphitheater. The sold-out show was packed from the beginning, with a full crowd by the time Alvvays (pronounced always) took the stage. As they kicked off the night, the crowd rose to their feet and remained that way for the entirety of the evening. I had never heard of Alvvays, a Toronto based indie-pop band. As they began to play, I was immediately impressed with Molly Rankin’s voice. There was a sweetness to it, yet it was strong and powerful as she sang out to the crowd. Keyboardist, Kerri MacLellan’s voice complimented Molly’s nicely and the two of them commanded the front of the stage. Their 45-minute set had fans singing along with a relaxed yet exciting presence to the crowd. As they wrapped up their set, anticipation filled the air for the National.