Utah Concert Review

June 7, 2023June 7, 2023

SLC Twilight: Lord Huron

Lord Huron• w/ Allie Crow Buckley• & Little Moon• June 2, 2023• Gallivan Center

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

It’s hard to believe it’s been a year. Well, a year and a few days. On Memorial Day 2022, Lord Huron played a sold-out show at the Sandy Amphitheater. If you remember it wasn’t your typical Memorial Day. It was cold and windy. It was snowing in Park City and the threat of rain in the valley was real. The skies fortunately cleared and despite the cold, the concert went off without a hitch. Mostly without a hitch.

Lord Huron founder and frontman, Ben Schneider had played in Boise the night prior and I believe caught a cold that caused him to start to lose his voice. He powered through and from what I remember he only had to cut the show by one song. Following our show here in Utah, Lord Huron was set to play a string of sold-out gigs in Colorado at Red Rocks Amphitheater. I’m sure his vocal condition was scary, but from what I heard he did just fine in Colorado.

June 5, 2023June 5, 2023

Matchbox Twenty

Matchbox Twenty• w/ Matt Nathanson• June 3, 2023• USANA Amphitheatre

Reviewed by: Nate Bonney

Photographed by: Jim Trocchio

Matchbox Twenty finally played Utah on Saturday the 3rd of June. They originally were set to perform on Sep. 13th, 2020. Due to the covid pandemic, they postponed their tour for 2020. They had dates for 2022 but due to MB20 family member’s high risk to covid, they again postponed the tour to the spring of 2023. So finally they got to show us an amazing show!

June 4, 2023June 6, 2023

Melanie Martinez

Melanie Martinez• Portals Tour• w/ Tanukichan• June 1, 2023• Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

My niece knows that I review and photograph concerts. For at least two years, probably more, she has been telling me that I need to cover Melanie Martinez when she comes to town. Other times I’d visit her she would ask me if I knew when Melanie was going to play here. I have had my eye out for this tour for some time. I’m sure you could imagine how exciting it was to finally tell my niece that Melanie Martinez would finally be returning to Utah on her Portals Tour. Martinez has not been here since 2019. I would imagine the pandemic had something to do with that. Judging by the size and enthusiasm of the crowd at the Sandy Amphitheater, my niece wasn’t the only one excited about seeing this concert.

May 31, 2023June 2, 2023

Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade

Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade• w/ Fishbone• May 23, 2023• Red Butte Garden

Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson

Tuesday, May 23, marked the opening night for the Red Butte Garden Outdoor Concert Series. Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade and supporting band Fishbone brought their Summer Of Green Tour to the gardens. The sold-out show ended up being an exciting way to start off what is expected to be an incredible summer of concerts at the venue.

May 31, 2023May 31, 2023

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical• May 30, 2023• Eccles Theater

Reviewed by Kevin Rolfe

Naomi Rodgers as ‘Tina Turner in the North American touring production of TINA THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL Photo by Matthew Murphy

It’s hard to believe that within a week of the great Tina Turner’s passing, I was sitting inside the beautiful Eccles Theater in downtown Salt Lake City, watching Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. As I walked into the theater I could overhear several conversations talking about the legend’s passing. Many patrons lined up to sign a memorial that was set out for Tina Turner. Some stated that they were looking forward to the show because they didn’t know much about her life. Others claimed to be the biggest Tina Turner fans ever and were excited to see the musical. Either way, there was a different buzz in the theater lobby. I wouldn’t quite call it a sadness but more like a reverence for the situation. The timing of the opportunity to see this show just after Tina’s passing did not seem lost on anyone.

May 29, 2023May 30, 2023

Shania Twain

Shania Twain• Queen Of Me Tour• w/ Hailey Whitters• May 24, 2023• USANA Amphitheatre

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

It’s hard to believe, but after a historically long Winter, Spring, and Summer are finally here. That means concerts are moving outdoors. On Wednesday, May 24, USANA Amphitheatre opened its doors for the first time this year. Opening night was about as big as it will get all summer with Country Music/ Crossover Mega-Star, Shania Twain taking the stage. Twain brought her Queen of Me Tour to town and with her 20,000 fans squeezed into the large venue.

There was so much excitement in the air. Even with doors being held due to weather, people seemed to be in great spirits. Merch lines were long, drink lines were long, and in both I could see people talking to each other, asking if they’d seen Shania before, where their seats were, and what she might perform. I enjoyed seeing familiar faces, from fellow photographers to security, to the local promoters. It felt like the fun part of the first day of school.

May 27, 2023May 30, 2023

Johnny Mathis

Johnny Mathis• Voice Of Romance Tour•May 19, 2023• Eccles Theater

Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson

On Friday, May 19th, the legendary Johnny Mathis spent an evening serenading a theater full of his adoring fans. The 87-year-old icon brought his Voice Of Romance tour to Salt Lake City’s Eccles Theater. With 67 years of experience as a musical entertainer, Mathis knows what it takes to impress a crowd. The audience was mostly made up of an older generation that arrived excited to hear nostalgic songs of the past. With his smooth tenor voice that has somehow remained as powerful as ever, Mathis transported his fans back in time.

May 27, 2023May 27, 2023

All Time Low

All Time Low• Mayday Parade• Games We Play• May 24, 2023• The Union

Reviewed and Photographed by Maralee Nielson

A rainy and cloudy night didn’t stop anyone from coming out to see All Time Low with Mayday Parade, and Games We Play. Last time I saw All Time Low was years back on the Last Young Renegade tour. Before the show as I was walking in Jack and Alex of All Time Low were walking behind the venue. They stopped for some photos with a few fans.

As doors opened, the merch line filled while others went for drinks and to take their spot as close to the barricade as possible. You could hear everyone talking amongst themselves regarding the show and the incredible lineup that was prepared for tonight. It was a sold-out show, so it was expected to be fully packed.

May 26, 2023May 26, 2023

Ogden Twilight: M83

M83• w/ Jeremiah Chiu• Ogden Twilight •May 6, 2023• Ogden Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

It’s that time of year again! Outdoor concerts have returned to Utah! Things are finally warming up and our outdoor venues are ready to be used. Leading things off this year is the Ogden Twilight Series. They opened their series with Electronic Alternative band, M83. M83 was joined by Jeremiah Chiu. It was to be a night of great Electronic Music. The concert sold out quickly so it was obvious that not only were Utahns ready to see these musicians, but they were ready for Summer to begin and to finally be outside.

May 23, 2023May 23, 2023

Mr. Bungle

Mr. Bungle• w/ Melvins & Spotlights• May 17, 2023• The Union

Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson

On Wednesday, May 17th Mr. Bungle brought their Geek Show tour to The Union Event Center. They were joined by supporting bands, Melvins, and Spotlights. Talking with fans before the show, I was told that Mr. Bungle’s concerts are known for taking their fans on a wild ride. I should expect the unexpected.