On a warm summer evening, the setting of the Red Butte Garden Amphitheater was electrified by a night of Rockabilly and Country music. Stray Cats took the stage with support from The Midnight Cowgirls. The natural beauty of the amphitheater, nestled against the foothills with its lush gardens and panoramic views, provided a unique contrast to the high-energy performances that followed.
On August 10, The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium in Draper hosted its first big concert underneath the EECO. And what more fitting band to perform under the massive structure than Hollywood U2? In case you weren’t aware, the EECO structure was once the stage for legendary rock band, U2 on their 360º Tour. A tour that stopped by Salt Lake City at Rice-Eccles Stadium on May 24, 2011. For many U2 fans, it was a way to remember that memorable evening back in 2011. For The Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, it was the perfect match to bring people to see a new show in a new place. It was a win-win for everyone.
August 9th marked an electrifying evening at the Sandy Amphitheater, where Texas country-rock sensation Koe Wetzel brought his “Damn Near Normal” tour to life, with Kolby Cooper warming up the stage as the opener. The concert was a dynamic blend of raw energy, lyrical depth, and Southern charm, making it an unforgettable night for fans.
Ogden Twilight hasn’t been pulling any of their punches when it comes to insane show lineups. Diplo, St. Vincent, and Killer Mike making an appearance to name a few. But this particular show has been a big mark on my calendar for quite some time. Having indie-rock favorite Hippo Campus and hip-hop star Killer Mike perform on the same day was one that initially confused me. I was eager to see it nevertheless.
A line down the sidewalk outside of The Depot on a Thursday night can only mean one thing, another concert in town! Hobo Johnson and the Lovemakers stopped by Salt Lake City on the back half of their US tour. Shortly after doors opened artist So Much Light took the stage to warm up the venue as concertgoers filled into the Depot. With a modern-day funk sound, armed with only a guitar and a mixer board, So Much Light had everyone engaged bobbing their heads to his music. He had a smooth voice and the music he played made everyone want to dance. Seemed like a blend of indie-rock and dance music.
The 25-year-old global superstar from Guadalajara, Mexico would make his ÉXODO tour stop in Salt Lake City, Utah on August 11, 2024. Peso Pluma had his breakthrough year in 2023 with his GÉNESIS album which went on to win a Grammy for Best Música Mexicana Album. In 2023 he also collaborated with Eslabon Armado on a song titled “Ella Baila Sola” which became one of the most streamed songs around the world. Peso Pluma has played a big part in the corridos tumbados movement which translates to trap corridos. Peso Pluma is known for his raspy voice style and was the first Música Mexicana artist to perform at the MTV Video Music Awards this last year.
Last Wednesday, Jungle performed for a sold-out crowd at The Gallivan Center on the latest stop of their Volcano tour. The British band, best known for their dreamy melodies and irresistibly groovy rhythms, delivers a unique sound blending EDM rave-style beats with euphoric guitar melodies reminiscent of contemporary indie. The band’s discography includes influences from various eras, merging BeeGees disco-funk sensibilities with a variety of nouveau pop elements.
idobi Radio Summer School Tour • Magnolia Park • Stand Atlantic • The Home Team • Scene Queen • Honey Revenge • Letdown. • August 7, 2024 • The Complex
Reviewed and Photographed by Josilyn Wakkuri Lybbert
The Idobi Radio Summer School Tour made a stop at The Complex in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, August 7, as part of its first-ever run across the country. Created by Eric Tobin of Hopeless Records, Michael Kaminsky of KMGMT, and Kevin Lyman, the mastermind behind the Warped Tour, this new tour was designed to help introduce up-and-coming artists to audiences nationwide! The tour featured six bands in the punk rock/pop genre including Letdown, Honey Revenge, Scene Queen, Stand Atlantic, The Home Team, and Magnolia Park.
On the evening of July 31st, the traffic at Park City was worse than normal but that didn’t come without reason. Michael Franti & Spearhead were playing at the Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater at Deer Valley and the town was eager to see him. As a Park City local, DV concerts are always so special as the setting is stunning and the once-ski slope turns into a great gathering place for shows. Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit just a couple of weeks ago with The Dead South and Gregory Alan Isakov appearing in the following weeks. I love how Park City (renowned for world-class skiing) is a part of Utah’s music scene.
Once I could find parking, I made my way into the venue. Not shockingly, I was able to point out a couple of people I knew within the lines and catch up with many of them during the wait. Unfortunately, The line was so long that the opener was already nearing its end when I got through.
Feeling a little disappointed in myself for not anticipating traffic I knew was there, I brushed it off to make the most of the opener. When I made my way to the VIP area, everyone had their eyes locked in, it seemed that making my way past people wouldn’t be an issue in breaking that focus. Citizen Cope is mainly focused on the Reggae & Alternative Indie scenes. The music was funky and they had so much joy on stage. Their sets were a great way to ease into the night.
As the time drew closer for Michael to take the stage, The venue was pretty much filled to the brim with people. During this time, a countdown was starting at 10. As the number closed in on zero, you could hear the excitement and screams from everyone at Deer Valley. A video played after the countdown of Michael reminds us to remember and focus on the good things in life. Right as the video ended, his band started to make their way to the stage with Michael coming out last.
They immediately played “Meet Me When the Sun Goes Down, ” setting the tone for the rest of the night. The high-energy song was enough to get people still sitting on their blankets to get up and start waving their hands in the air. It was also too much for Michael as halfway through the song, he sprinted into the crowd and started singing alongside the members of the audience.
Michael was consistently interacting with the crowd, and the people loved it. It was rare to listen to a song that didn’t have Michael saying “Go say Hi to someone new” or “Dosey-doe with the person next to you”. Every song had sparks of positivity through words and the pure happiness that he was showing. Michael was very animated and moved all over the stage. He interacted with his fellow bandmates often as well. Michael brought many people up on the stage with him. Including one girl who got to bring her whole family up to join in the singing and got everyone over the age of 80 to join the stage with him as well. I admired that he made sure everyone introduced themselves and took a major interest in the people who joined him.
Don’t get me wrong, I love how positive Michael was the entire show but I personally think that got in the way of the music. When talking to other members of the crowd, some also shared this sentiment. He tried to push out the message of positivity every chance he got which made the show feel repetitive. One guy even said “We didn’t really come for the music but more so Michael’s charisma and being amazing at giving others energy. He does a great job at making everyone feel like they were part of a community celebration”. I will give him that, his charisma was truly palpable throughout the performance. He has a unique ability to connect to his audience on a personal level effortlessly.
As I left the Snow Park Amphitheater, I started to think about Michael’s impact on the people he sang to today. In a world with so many sad and horrible things happening. He served as a reminder to all be present, to care and love others close to you. Michael delivered a performance that was both entertaining and meaningful. For those who needed it the most, I know it was an unforgettable experience.
It was an epic scene out at Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre. It wasn’t just a sold-out crowd. That would be awesome on its own. But there was a buzz in the air I had not felt in some time. There had been an anticipation for the show the moment it was announced. I don’t remember a show being talked about quite so much. If I wore my I Was/ I Am Tour shirt out of the house, someone for sure would compliment me and ask me if I was going to the show. It was so exciting to walk into Utah First Amp and see all the excitement.
