311 • August 17, 2025 • Sandy Amphitheater
Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe
Summer nights at Sandy Amphitheater always carry a certain magic. With the Wasatch Mountains silhouetted against the twilight sky and the open-air setting lending itself to a communal atmosphere, the venue is tailor-made for concerts that thrive on energy and connection. On August 17, that spirit was in full force as 311 brought their signature blend of rock, reggae, hip-hop, and funk to Sandy, Utah. For fans who have followed the Omaha-based band for decades, as well as those experiencing their live show for the first time, it was a reminder of why 311 concerts remain such a powerful, communal experience.
From the moment the band stepped on stage, the amphitheater erupted. The lawn crowd rose to their feet instantly, and the lower bowl swelled with anticipation as frontmen Nick Hexum and S.A. Martinez appeared with wide smiles, clearly energized by the setting. There’s something about Sandy Amphitheater that feels intimate yet expansive; the backdrop of mountains and the cool evening air made the night feel more like a celebration than just a concert.
311 wasted no time diving into their setlist, opening with a burst of energy that had the crowd locked in from the first note. Classics like “Beautiful Disaster” and “Come Original” hit early, setting off waves of excitement across the amphitheater. Fans danced on the lawn, hands raised, while those in the seats sang every lyric back to the stage. These ’90s alternative staples may be decades old, but in Sandy, they felt as fresh and infectious as ever.
One of 311’s defining strengths has always been their ability to blend contrasting styles seamlessly, and live, that versatility becomes even more striking. One moment, the band leaned into heavy, guitar-driven riffs that shook the amphitheater, and the next, they eased into reggae-infused grooves that had the audience swaying in unison. Hexum’s smooth vocal lines contrasted perfectly with Martinez’s rap-driven bursts of charisma, their interplay driving the energy forward. Watching them live, it was clear why their partnership has remained so central to 311’s identity for more than three decades.
The rhythm section, however, was the unsung hero of the night. Bassist P-Nut commanded attention with his thundering yet melodic basslines, providing the heartbeat of the band’s sound. His solo moments drew massive cheers from the Sandy crowd, as he flashed both technical skill and pure showmanship. Behind him, drummer Chad Sexton delivered a masterclass in precision and creativity. His transitions between straight-ahead rock beats and intricate percussive flourishes were seamless, giving the band’s genre-bending sound a tight, unshakable foundation.
The setlist was a well-balanced journey through the band’s history. Alongside fan favorites from their breakthrough era, newer songs found their place, proving that 311 is still creating music that resonates. These fresh tracks blended seamlessly with the classics, a sign of the band’s consistency and their refusal to be pigeonholed by nostalgia. Even fans who came for the hits embraced the newer material, dancing and cheering as if they’d been part of the catalog for decades.
Visually, the Sandy Amphitheater stage came alive with light displays that elevated the performance. Vibrant colors pulsed in sync with the music, washing the band and the audience in waves of illumination. During the band’s heavier moments, strobe effects matched the intensity of the riffs, while softer, dreamlike hues accompanied their more mellow, reggae-inspired songs. The combination of music, lights, and the natural beauty of the amphitheater created an immersive experience that felt tailor-made for a summer night in Utah.
What truly set the night apart, though, was the audience. 311 fans are known for their devotion and positivity, and at Sandy Amphitheater that reputation held true. The crowd was diverse, spanning generations—some fans had followed the band since the mid-’90s, while others were younger listeners experiencing the magic for the first time. Some in the front row had signs saying “It’s My First Concert.” Everywhere you looked, people were dancing, smiling, and singing, united by a shared love of the music. That sense of community is at the heart of what makes a 311 show unique, and Sandy’s intimate setting amplified it.
As the night drew toward its close, the band returned for an encore that sent the amphitheater into a frenzy. Closing with anthems that had everyone on their feet, 311 left the stage to thunderous applause and a sea of waving hands. The encore included classic songs “Unity” and “Hydoponic.” But not before they had the Sandy audience sing happy birthday to one of their crew members. The energy was electric, the smiles genuine, and the feeling unmistakable: this was more than just a concert. It was an affirmation of what live music can do—bring people together, lift spirits, and create moments that linger long after the final note fades. The night ended with an extended version of their mega hit, “Down.”
311’s performance at Sandy Amphitheater showcased why they’ve endured as a band for over three decades. They’ve never been about chasing trends or fitting neatly into one genre. Instead, they’ve built a career on authenticity, musicianship, and positivity. Live, those qualities shine brightest. For longtime fans, the show was a nostalgic trip charged with new energy. For newcomers, it was a revelation of the band’s versatility and infectious spirit. And for everyone in attendance, it was a summer night in Sandy that will be remembered for years to come.
