Utah Concert Review

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 1, 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.

June 25, 2026June 25, 2026

Gary Allan

Gary Allan • June 12, 2026 • Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Country music fans were treated to a memorable summer evening when Gary Allan brought his signature blend of heartfelt storytelling and rugged country sound to Sandy Amphitheater. Set against the backdrop of Utah’s beautiful mountain scenery, the concert delivered everything fans have come to expect from one of country music’s most respected performers. From emotional ballads to energetic crowd favorites, Allan’s performance showcased the authenticity and consistency that have defined his career for more than two decades.

June 24, 2026June 24, 2026

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band • June 14, 2026 • Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

For nearly six decades, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has occupied a unique place in American music, blending country, folk, and rock into a sound that has influenced generations of artists. Their appearance at Sandy Amphitheater as part of their “All The Good Times” Farewell Tour, “60 Years of Dirt,” was more than just another concert stop. It felt like a celebration of a remarkable career. And this was indeed their final tour stop in Utah, a chance for fans to say thank you to a band whose music has become part of countless lives.

June 24, 2026June 24, 2026

Watchhouse

Watchhouse • Two Runner • June 20, 2026 • Sandy Amphitheater

Watchhouse came to Sandy Amphitheater on their Rituals Tour, with opening act Two Runner, and brought warm bluegrass songs to the mountains of Utah.

June 22, 2026June 23, 2026

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 listeners, 763.5k 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 Angeles, Portland, Houston, Seattle, San Francisco, San 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