admin, Author at Utah Concert Review

June 22, 2023

Les Misérables

Les Misérables• June 20, 2023• Eccles Theater

Reviewed by Kevin Rolfe

Nick Cartell as Jean Valjean in *Les Misérable*s
Photo: Matthew Murphy & Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

Les Misérables, “The World’s Most Popular Musical” made its return to Utah at the Eccles Theater in downtown Salt Lake City. This show was originally announced as part of the Broadway at the Eccles 20/21 season. But as we all know, tours were stopped and theaters were closed during that period due to the global pandemic. So when the 22/23 season was announced, and Les Misérables was part of it, patrons lined up (figuratively, I know we don’t actually line up to buy tickets in person anymore) to buy tickets to this beloved musical. I must admit, I’ve been anticipating this show since it was announced and could not have been more thrilled to be inside the Eccles Theater on June 20 for opening night.

***This review contains mild to moderate spoilers. If you can wait “One Day More”, go to the show then come back and read the review. Otherwise, you have been warned. ***

June 22, 2023

Benson Boone

Benson Boone•Nicky Youre•June 17, 2023• The Union Events Center

Reviewed and Photographed by Tomo Crestani

As he continues his exciting headline tour, Benson Boone absolutely killed the stage in Salt Lake City. Bringing along Nicky Youre, the show was one of the best to visit the Union Event Center. It was a night full of energy and amazing music. Benson recently has gained a lot of traction in the music world with help from TikTok. He has become one of the best upcoming stars to enter the scene. Although his hometown is in Washington, you would have thought he was from Utah by the way the crowd showed up for him.

June 20, 2023

Thrice

Thrice•Holy Fawn•June 13, 2023•The Union Events Center

Reviewed and Photographed by Nate Bonney

Thrice played at the Union Event Center in Salt Lake City Tuesday, June 13th. They brought along with them Holy Fawn as the opening set. I didn’t really know much about the opening band except that they guest appeared on Thrice’s re-recorded album “The Artist in the Ambulance.” in the song “Paper Tigers” which the re-recording has a much fuller sound. It’s a good one to compare side by side and notice the small differences.

June 19, 2023

Joan w/ Harriette

Joan• Harriette• June 13, 2023• Soundwell

Reviewed and Photographed by Logan Fang

On June 13th, Joan visited Salt Lake City to celebrate the release of their new album Superglue. The indie pop band hailing from Little Rock Arkansas performed in 20 different cities across the nation as part of their tour and stopped at Soundwell in SLC to round off their journeys. The small yet festive venue hosted roughly a hundred guests on its main floor. The open seating of Soundwell enabled attendees, like myself, to watch the performance from close up.

June 19, 2023

Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band

Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band• June 13, 2023• Eccles Theater

Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson

Ringo Starr and His All-Starr band brought their one-of-a-kind show to Utah on Tuesday, June 13th. As a Beatles fan, this is a show I didn’t want to miss. I was excited for the opportunity to attend the sold-out concert at Salt Lake City’s Eccles Theater.

I always feel a little cliché when people ask me who my favorite band is, and my answer is The Beatles. Who doesn’t love the Beatles? They have been my favorite band for as long as I can remember. There’s rarely a day that goes by that I don’t listen to at least one of their songs. If you walked into my home, you would see tributes to them in the decorations on my walls. To really prove how much I love them, I also have a custom license plate that is the title of one of my favorite Beatles songs. Cliché or not, they have always been, and will always be my favorite band. Having the opportunity to not only attend, but photograph Ringo Starrs’s concert was an incredible experience.

June 16, 2023

Barenaked Ladies

Barenaked Ladies• Last Summer On Earth Tour• Semisonic• Del Amitri• June 13, 2023• Red Butte Garden

Reviewed and Photographed by Josilyn Wakkuri Lybbert

The recent rain and storms stayed at bay just long enough to make for a perfect atmosphere for an outdoor concert at Red Butte Garden Amphitheater on June 14th! The Barenaked Ladies, along with Semisonic and Del Amitri brought their Last Summer On Earth Tour to Salt Lake City, and people were clearly thrilled about it. The show was totally sold out! Fans of literally all ages, from babies and on, came out to the gorgeous Red Butte Garden Amphitheater for the show. I had only been to the venue once before and remember it being pretty, but wow! Flowers were blooming across the venue and in front of the stage, there was a pond with a waterfall, and it was just all around beautiful. So much so that each band commented on it at least once during their sets!

June 16, 2023

Micky Dolenz celebrates The Monkees

The Monkees Celebrated by Micky Dolenz•June 8, 2023•Egyptian Theater Park City

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

On June 8, 2023, nostalgic music fans made their way to the Egyptian Theater in Park City, Utah where they were treated to a truly memorable evening. Micky Dolenz, best known as a vocalist and drummer of The Monkees, took the stage for a highly anticipated concert. Dolenz, a living legend of the music industry, delivered a performance that showcased his timeless talent, infectious energy, and enduring appeal. The audience was transported back in time to the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll. Reveling in the hits that defined a generation. My hope is to capture the essence of that unforgettable evening in Park City. Where we celebrated the enduring artistry of Micky Dolenz.

June 15, 2023

Emily Hicks

Emily Hicks• “Canned Wine” Single Release”• June 7, 2023

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Emily Hicks is a Utah-based Americana singer/songwriter who has captured the hearts of audiences through her soaring vocals, intimate lyrics, and quippy stage banter. With a passion for storytelling, Emily’s music is a reflection of her experiences and emotions, offering a glimpse into her world and connecting with listeners on a personal level. Her unique blend of folk, country, and pop influences creates a sound that is both timeless and contemporary, making her music accessible to a wide range of listeners. Think Taylor Swift meets Nanci Griffith with a little Brandi Carlile vocal spice thrown in.

June 14, 2023

The Doobie Brothers

The Doobie Brothers• June 11, 2023• The Maverik Center

Reviewed and Photographed by Josilyn Wakkuri Lybbert

Many classic rock lovers headed to the Maverik Center in West Valley City on Sunday, June 11th to spend the evening with the legendary Doobie Brothers on their 50th Anniversary Tour! The excitement and anticipation were tangible from fans who had likely loved them through all of those fifty years, or at least through a few decades!

June 13, 2023August 19, 2024

SLC Twilight: Death Cab For Cutie

Salt Lake City Twilight Concert Series• Death Cab For Cutie• June 9, 2023• Gallivan Center

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe