UCR Interview: The Crane Wives

UCR Interview • Emilee Petersmark & Kate Pillsbury of The Crane Wives

After an expansive run of 2025 tour dates, indie rock band The Crane Wives (1.3m Spotify monthly listeners763.5k TikTok likes) are showing no signs of slowing down. The Crane Wives will bring their dynamic live show back to stages nationwide, delighting audiences in cities including Los AngelesPortlandHoustonSeattleSan FranciscoSan Diego, and beyond. They will be here in Salt Lake City on Friday, June 26th, at The Complex.

We had the opportunity to catch up with Emilee Petersmark and Kate Pillsbury of The Crane Wives on a tour stop in Portland, leading up to their second visit to Salt Lake City. They were so fun to talk to, and there is no doubt that their show is going to be amazing. Enjoy!

Interviewed by Kevin Rolfe

Continue reading “UCR Interview: The Crane Wives”

The Dead South

The Dead South • June 19, 2026 • Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Ava Dalton

On June 19th, a Friday night, through the yellow summer sunset glow, the Sandy Amphitheater was packed with people of all ages. The Dead South completely sold out the Sandy Amphitheater on the Salt Lake City stop of their self-titled tour. The bluegrass band began their Summer 2026 America tour on June 11 in Oregon, making Salt Lake City the sixth stop of their tour. From Utah, they head to seven more U.S. shows before heading to Europe.

Continue reading “The Dead South”

Pitbull

Pitbull • Lil Jon • June 3, 2025 • Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

There are concerts, and then there are parties. When Pitbull rolled into Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre, he delivered what can only be defined as a massive party in spectacular fashion. Known as “Mr. Worldwide,” Pitbull transformed the venue into a high-energy celebration filled with hit songs, nonstop dancing, and an atmosphere that felt more like a massive nightclub than an outdoor concert. This was my first time seeing Pitbull. I had heard good things about his shows. But I was in no way prepared for the energy level of the fans, and all that was happening on stage

Continue reading “Pitbull”

Metric, Broken Social Scene, and Stars

Metric • Broken Social Scene • Stars • June 13, 2026 • Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Amelia Weyerstall

The warm summer night had Metric fans of young and older generations having the best time of their lives. Fans of Metric, Broken Social Scene, and Stars were dressed in full handmade outfits of their merch, had bright colored hair in pinks and greens, and had an electric energy that was contagious. The night was filled with fun, friendship and all the feels on the “All the Feelings Tour”

Continue reading “Metric, Broken Social Scene, and Stars”

Back to the Future

Back to the Future the Musical • June 9, 2026 • Eccles Theater

Reviewed by Kevin Rolfe

Photo Credit: Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

Back to the Future: The Musical Brings Time-Traveling Spectacle to Eccles Theater

There are few films as beloved and instantly recognizable as Back to the Future, so transforming the iconic movie into a stage musical comes with enormous expectations. Audiences at Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City arrived with memories of DeLoreans, flux capacitors, and Marty McFly’s adventures firmly in mind. What they experienced was a production that embraced the spirit of the original film while delivering a theatrical spectacle that stood on its own.

Continue reading “Back to the Future”

The Black Keys

Ogden Twilight • The Black Keys • June 9, 2026 • Ogden Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Marlo Matamoros

The Ogden Twilight Concert Series made its return to the Ogden Amphitheater on June 9. Just like last year, it features a stacked lineup, including series opener, The Black Keys. I would consider the Ogden Twilight series to be one of Utah’s strongest summer music series. The series brings nationally and internationally well-known artists to downtown Ogden with affordable pricing. The value that you get when attending any of the shows is something that is recognized in the community and by music fans around the state.

Continue reading “The Black Keys”

Ogden Music Festival

Ogden Music Festival • May 29-30, 2026 • Fort Buenaventura, Ogden

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

The Ogden Music Festival has become one of Utah’s most beloved annual traditions, and this year’s gathering at Fort Buenaventura once again demonstrated why it continues to attract music lovers from across the region. Nestled among towering cottonwood trees, open fields, and the scenic surroundings of Utah’s oldest permanent settlement, the festival offered a weekend that felt equal parts concert, community celebration, and summer getaway. More than just a collection of performances, the event created an atmosphere where music, nature, and people came together in a way that felt genuine and refreshing.

Continue reading “Ogden Music Festival”

Tash Sultana

Tash Sultana • May 30, 2026 • Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Tash Sultana’s performance at Sandy Amphitheater on May 30th was a masterclass in musicianship, creativity, and connection. On a warm evening under the open sky, fans gathered to witness one of the most unique performers in modern music. They were rewarded with a concert that felt both intimate and larger than life. Known for blending multiple genres and building entire songs live through looping, Tash Sultana delivered a captivating set that showcased extraordinary talent and an unmistakable passion for performance. This was the perfect concert to usher in a summer full of great shows at the Sandy Amphitheater.

Continue reading “Tash Sultana”

Kesha

Kesha

Kesha • Chromeo • Sizzy Rocket • May 30, 2026 • Utah First Amphitheatre

Reviewed by Sam Howard

Photographed by Vanessa Holt, courtesy of High Rise Media and Live Nation

Photo Credit: Vanessa Holt

When you think of early 2010s pop music, there are some big names that come to mind, with Kesha being one of the biggest. Getting to see her live at Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre in West Valley City, Utah, felt like opening up a time capsule from 16 years ago, and it didn’t disappoint. Kesha paid a visit here on her Freedom tour, and with supporting acts from Sizzy Rocket and Chromeo, the entire concert was set to be a raging fun time. 

Continue reading “Kesha”