The Music of John Denver w/ Jim Curry & Utah Symphony July 24, 2021 Deer Valley

Have you ever had this conversation with your music buddies? “What musician that has passed away do you wish you could have seen in concert?”. I’ve had that conversation many times and the names vary. The popular ones are usually, Freddie Mercury, Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Michael Jackson, and sometimes Tupac and Biggie. While a couple of them are still living, The Beatles get mentioned a lot too. I can’t say that I wouldn’t love to see those artists as well because I would. But the name that is very high on my list and the name I usually bring up is, John Denver.

Continue reading “The Music of John Denver w/ Jim Curry & Utah Symphony July 24, 2021 Deer Valley”

Kool & the Gang w/ Utah Symphony 7/9/2021 Deer Valley

Photo Credit: Kathleen Sykes, Utah Symphony | Utah Opera

Kool & The Gang with the Utah Symphony July 9th, 2021 Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater

After a full year of no concerts, and no summer activities, it was clear that everyone was itching to get out. What better way than to escape the insane heat of the valley this July. As I drove up to the Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater, I was immediately aware of the energy the crowd had. Walking up the hill from the parking lot people were carrying coolers, chairs, food, and drinks. They were gearing up for a fun night of music outside and away from their homes. 

Continue reading “Kool & the Gang w/ Utah Symphony 7/9/2021 Deer Valley”

Squeeze September 7, 2019, Deer Valley

By: Kevin Rolfe

Photo Credit: 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.

Photo Credit: Kevin Rolfe
Continue reading “Squeeze September 7, 2019, Deer Valley”

Thievery Corporation August 23, 2019, Deer Valley

By: Cassilyn Anderson

Photo Credit: Cassilyn Anderson

With the stars shining up against the mountains, and along the silhouetted trees the beautiful stage of the Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater at the Deer Valley Resort played host to one of the most interesting bands I’ve ever seen.  The Deer Valley Concert Series invited Thievery Corporation to be its guest for the second to last show of the summer. Nights like this just don’t happen very often, so I was glad I got to be there.  

Continue reading “Thievery Corporation August 23, 2019, Deer Valley”

John Butler Trio+ August 17, 2019, Deer Valley

By: Kevin Rolfe

Photo By: Kevin Rolfe

I’ve spent the last several minutes staring at a blank page, trying to choose the genre or style of music that best describes the John Butler Trio +.  I couldn’t settle in on a genre so I went to my Apple Music account and looked up what they titled JBT+ under. Well, it would seem they were as unsure as I was.  They were listed under Rock, (I agree with that) Roots Rock, (Yep sound about right) Alternative (Yeah that works) and Jam Band (There was some serious jamming going on so, yes).  Then I ventured over to Wikipedia and they added Blues Rock and Funk Rock. Here’s the thing, all of these are exactly right! So I guess it’s safe to say that John Butler and his trio plus one are an Alternative Blues Funk Roots Rock band that absolutely killed it at Deer Valley last Saturday night.  If there was an award for “Deer Valley Concert of the Summer”, this one would most certainly be one of the favorites to win that prize. 

Continue reading “John Butler Trio+ August 17, 2019, Deer Valley”

Ben Harper & Trombone Shorty August 11, 2019, Deer Valley

By: Tiffany Mull

Photo By: Kevin Rolfe

It’s impossible to hold your head steady when Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue are playing. After Jessy Wilson warmed up the crowd, Troy Andrews and his band took the stage by storm with two full drum sets, three guitars (one bass), two saxophones (tenor and baritone), two backup singers, and Troy himself alternating between the trombone, trumpet, and vocals—nothing short of epic.

Continue reading “Ben Harper & Trombone Shorty August 11, 2019, Deer Valley”

Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real August 8, 2019, Deer Valley

Photo By: Fred Hayes

The beauty of live music is the simple fact that no live show is exactly the same.  And Lukas Nelson & the Promise of the Real was a testament to that! Never has the Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater felt more outdoors than it did on the night of August 8, 2019.  Not only were we treated to one of the best shows so far in the Deer Valley Concert Series, but on this night, ‘Ol Mother Nature didn’t want to be left out of the action.  

The evening began as any other might at a Deer Valley concert.  Many fans showed up early, lawn chairs in one hand, picnic baskets in the other ready to wine and dine with their friends on the hill before an incredible night of music.  This is one of my favorite aspects of the Deer Valley Concert series. We get to escape the warmer temperatures of the Salt Lake Valley and enjoy a cool pleasant evening with the food, drinks, and pleasant company.  The atmosphere is casual in nature and the 360° views are incredible. 

Photo By: Fred Hayes
Continue reading “Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real August 8, 2019, Deer Valley”

Renée Elise Goldsberry w/ the Utah Symphony July 20, 2019, Deer Valley

By Kevin Rolfe

Photo By: Kevin Rolfe

When I saw the 2019 Deer Valley Music Festival Utah Symphony summer lineup, one of the first names that stuck out was Renée Elise Goldsberry.  Renée has had an extensive career on Broadway, but the reason she is headlining this concert is due to her originating the role of Angelica Schuyler in the smash-hit musical, Hamilton.  Ever heard of it? Not only did she originate that role, but she won a Drama Desk, Grammy and Tony Award for her performance. So I knew when her name was announced, I knew that I had to be at the Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater to see this performance.  I’m so glad I didn’t miss this.

Continue reading “Renée Elise Goldsberry w/ the Utah Symphony July 20, 2019, Deer Valley”

Disney In Concert Utah Symphony July 19, 2019, Deer Valley

By: Kevin Rolfe with contributions by Kerriann Haycock

Photo By: Kerriann Haycock

It was the perfect evening for an outdoor concert!  Escaping the heat, heading up to Deer Valley, throwing down a couple of chairs and a blanket, eating and drinking with friends, what could be more perfect?  How about a concert full of the greatest music from the Disney songbook? Sounds like the perfect evening! As part of their Deer Valley Music Festival series, the Utah Symphony presented Disney in Concert: A Magical Celebration at the Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater.  

Continue reading “Disney In Concert Utah Symphony July 19, 2019, Deer Valley”