Utah Concert Review

July 17, 2026July 17, 2026

Zach Top

Zach Top • Andrew Buckner • July 9, 2026 • Utah First Credit Union Ampitheatre

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

There is something refreshing about an artist who embraces country music’s roots while still feeling current. Zach Top delivered exactly that during his performance at Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre when he brought his Cold Beer & Country Music Tour to the venue. On a beautiful summer evening, fans packed the venue, ready for a night filled with steel guitar, traditional country sounds, and songs that celebrate everyday life. It was clear from the moment the gates opened that excitement had been building for this show, with cowboy hats, boots, and plenty of Zach Top merchandise filling the crowd.

July 16, 2026July 16, 2026

Josh Groban

Josh Groban • Jennifer Hudson • July 3, 2026 • Maverik Center

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Josh Groban’s performance at the Maverik Center was an evening built around exceptional musicianship, heartfelt performances, and the kind of vocal talent that few artists can match. Joined by opening act Jennifer Hudson, the concert showcased two of the most recognizable voices in modern music. They created an experience that balanced emotional ballads, uplifting moments, and unforgettable vocal performances. I was a little nervous that having this show on the eve of Independence Day would keep people from showing up. But I guess I forgot just how much Utah loves Josh Groban. He’s been a favorite for years. So it should have come as no surprise that Maverik Center filled up for the concert.

July 11, 2026July 11, 2026

John Craigie & Blind Pilot

John Craigie • Blind Pilot • June 28, 2026 • Red Butte Garden

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

John Craigie and Blind Pilot at Red Butte Garden is a show that was very high on my list when it was announced. I love going to shows at Red Butte, and with this lineup, I knew we were in for a perfect night under the stars. Craigie and Blind Pilot wrapped up their brief summer tour together here in Salt Lake City.

July 8, 2026July 9, 2026

Hell’s Kitchen

Hell’s Kitchen • June 7, 2026 • Eccles Theater

Reviewed by Kevin Rolfe

Hell’s Kitchen is a jukebox musical based on the songs of the great Alicia Keys. The story is a semi-autobiographical tale about Keys’ life growing up in the New York City neighborhood. The musical had a successful two-year run on Broadway, just closing in February of this year. It’s pretty exciting to see a show so fresh from Broadway. I make it a point to do my best to avoid seeing or hearing too much before I see a show. As an Alicia Keys fan, this was not easy. I knew I would know the songs, but I didn’t want to know where they fit in the story or what the arrangements would be like within the production. I’m glad I waited. I really enjoyed what I saw with fresh eyes on opening night in Salt Lake City at the beautiful Eccles Theater.

July 8, 2026July 8, 2026

Grace Potter

Grace Potter • Bella Peadon • June 16, 2026 • Red Butte Garden

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

On a warm summer evening in Salt Lake City, Grace Potter transformed Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre into a celebration of rock, soul, and raw musical talent. One of my favorite things about attending a show at Red Butte is no matter how hot it might have been that day, that area always cools down at night. One of the many reasons attending a show there is so great. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the foothills and the lush garden setting, the outdoor venue provided the perfect environment for a performance that felt both intimate and electrifying.

July 6, 2026July 6, 2026

Matilda the Musical

Timp Arts Presents Matilda the Musical • June 29, 2026 • Valentine Theater

Reviewed by Kevin Rolfe

Photographed by Jane Smith

I could feel the anticipation for this one. Timp Arts production of Matilda the Musical has had some real buzz around town. I could tell people were definitely making plans to attend this show. This should come as no surprise. First of all, Matilda has become a favorite story for children of all ages. Whether it be the book by Roald Dahl, the 1996 film, the 2013 Broadway Musical, or the 2022 film adaptation of the musical, people love the story of Matilda. Secondly, Timp Arts has been on a real hot streak as of late. Their productions have been of the utmost quality, displaying some of the best rising talent in the area. And Matilda the Musical was no exception.

June 30, 2026June 30, 2026

The Moss

Provo Rooftop Concert Series • The Moss • Beeson • Bonneville • June 26, 2026 • Downtown Provo

Reviewed and Photographed by Ava Dalton

Friday night, downtown Provo was completely shut down from end to end. Center Street was packed with people, all waiting for the legendary Provo Rooftop Concert Series show of the night to begin. The beloved concert series returned on May 15 of this year after a nearly six-year hiatus. Founders Mindy Gledhill, Courtney Kendrick, Justin Hackworth, and Sarah Wiley began the series with hopes of launching a platform in encouragement of local music. With three out of four original founders in attendance, the second show amidst the return of the Rooftop Concert Series featured The Moss, Beeson, and Bonneville.

June 29, 2026June 29, 2026

The Crane Wives

The Crane Wives • Yasmin Williams • June 26, 2026 • The Complex

Reviewed and Photographed by Amelia Weyerstall

The Crane Wives came to the Rockwell at the Complex in Salt Lake City on their Act 2 tour! The crowd was buzzing from the moment the doors opened. Dozens of fans were sprinting to the barricade, excited to be up close and personal with The Crane Wives. While fans went running into the Rockwell, which was quickly filling up, others rushed to the merch line. Which ended up being a huge line both through the opening act along with the line still being full throughout The Crane Wives’ headlining set. The fans were selling out the merch fast in Salt Lake.

June 29, 2026June 29, 2026

The Human League

The Human League • Alison Moyet • Soft Cell • June 11, 2026 • Red Butte Garden

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre provided the perfect setting for an evening devoted to three of the most influential names in synth-pop. The Generations US Tour brought together The Human League, Alison Moyet, and Soft Cell for a night that celebrated music spanning more than four decades. The tour provided timeless songs that never lose their ability to connect with an audience. With the Wasatch Mountains serving as the backdrop and a crowd filled with longtime fans and younger listeners alike, the concert became a celebration of an era that forever changed pop music.

June 27, 2026July 9, 2026

Elderbrook

Ogden Twilight • June 25, 2026 • Ogden Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

The Ogden Twilight Concert Series has built a reputation for bringing an eclectic lineup of artists to one of Utah’s most unique outdoor venues, and Elderbrook’s performance was another standout addition to that legacy. As fans packed into Ogden Amphitheater on a beautiful summer evening, there was an unmistakable sense of excitement. The English singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist has become known for creating electronic music that carries genuine emotion, and his live show proved exactly why he has developed such a devoted following.