UCR, Author at Utah Concert Review

August 19, 2021

Ogden Twilight: Fitz and the Tantrums August 13, 2021 Ogden Amphitheater

Ogden Twilight – Fitz & The Tantrums – August 13, 2021

Review By: Vanessa Holt

Ogden Twilight has always been known as one of those events that are the best way to close out your summer and create memories for the books. It’s been two years since the concert series held their last show. For some people that night it was their first concert back since the world had shut down. For others, it was another show back after attending a few weekends before. Every person who entered that venue was ready to enjoy some good music. People were with their friends filled with excitement to see all the artists live and in action.

August 18, 2021

Dierks Bentley August 13, 2021 USANA Amphitheater

Dierks Bentley August 13, 2021 USANA Amphitheater

Review By: Justin Lagman

The Beers On Me Tour kicked off in Salt Lake City, August 13th, 2021 and it was a packed house. It was a beautiful summer night and I was excited to immerse myself in something new. My knowledge of country music and culture is very little. Coming into this I’ve never listened to Dierks Bentley and it was something I was ready to experience.

August 18, 2021

Ritt Momney August 13, 20201 Utah State Fairpark

Ritt Momney August 13, 20201 Utah State Fairpark

Review By: Breanna Downs

When I tell you that I was excited about this concert, it would be a severe understatement. I have been a fan of Ritt Momney for a few years now, and I couldn’t wait to see him perform for the 13th Annual DIY festival in Salt Lake City! The DIY festival was created to cultivate an environment that inspires and promotes local artists. I was impressed with the variety of artists that participated in the festival. I loved the inclusive atmosphere that was provided for each person to display their work.

August 17, 2021

Joe Bonamassa August 12, 2021 Eccles Theater

Joe Bonamassa August 12, 2021 Eccles Theater

Review By: Katie Barber

With a minute to go until the 8 o’clock showtime, chimes warned the stragglers filtering through security in the Eccles Theater lobby to take their seats. These chimes were more of a guarantee than a warning, as Joe Bonamassa and his band took the stage not a moment past 8:01. Beyond punctual, the all-time #1 Billboard Blues Album record holder has been described as “magical” and “transformational.”

August 16, 2021

Alan Jackson August 7, 2021 Vivint Arena

It was a big night in Vivint Arena. Not only was Country Music legend, Alan Jackson performing, but it was the first time the arena would be hosting a full capacity, sold-out concert in almost two years. The way everything went, you wouldn’t have guessed it had been that long. Concessions, security, and ushers alike were in top form. It was a great feeling, but still a little odd to see so many people together.

August 15, 2021

Melissa Etheridge August 7, 2021 Sandy Amphitheater

The recent cold front brought in so much smoke and bad air from the Oregon and California fires over the weekend. Despite that, things were fairly clear at the Sandy Amphitheater for the great Melissa Etheridge. There was a slight haze covering the mountains, but the air was significantly better than it had been the few days prior. The temperature was perfect. It was totally warm without being too hot.

August 15, 2021

Travis Tritt August 6, 2021 Red Butte Garden Amphitheater

When this year’s Red Butte Garden Concert Series lineup was announced, one of the names that surprised me was Travis Tritt. Not that I didn’t think he was big enough for Red Butte, because he’s plenty big. He’s a Country music icon. But generally, this isn’t the typical artist that plays Red Butte. I thought maybe he’d show up at Country Fan Fest, or at the State Fair, but sure enough, Travis Tritt brought his tour to Red Butte Garden and it was a night to remember.

August 10, 2021

Mat Kearney August 4, 2021 Red Butte Garden Amphitheater

The year was 2009. Alternative Brit Band, Keane was at the height of their powers and had just sold out the Palladium in Hollywood. I was there. The memories of how excited I was for that concert still feel fresh. Turned out, unbeknownst to me, a buddy of mine would be attending the concert as well.

I went on and on about Keane and asked him several times how excited he was to see them live. He mentioned to me that he wasn’t going to the show to see Keane at all, that he was only familiar with a few of their hits. As I pulled my jaw from the ground to put it back in place I asked, “Is your date a Keane fan? Why are you going then?”. He said, “Mat Kearney’s opening. I’m going to see him.” Stupidly I asked, “Who’s Mat Kearney?”. My friend replied, “You’ll see.”.

August 9, 2021

Shakey Graves August 4, 2021 Sandy Amphitheater

Shakey Graves, Sandy Amphitheater, August 4, 2021

Depending on which song you’re listening to, you could call it country with a bluesy, folksy twist. You could call it alt-rock with a country cadence. Gothic bluegrass? Americana? It doesn’t matter. Shakey Graves isn’t bound by, or dependent on, genre. Like a true artist, he pulls technique from anywhere that suits him. The result is unique, catchy, and refreshing.

August 9, 2021

Native Leaves July 30, 2021 The Depot

On Friday, July 30, 2021, The Depot was packed with people. The venue was filled with love and good vibes because of Utah’s own local band, Native Leaves. Native Leaves are a reggae band from the 801 who know how to throw a show! The night consisted of some fantastic openers, along with the beautiful Analea Brown who truly knows how to own the stage. Her beautiful voice paired with some lovely cultural dancing by her and her crew were so fun to watch! She had the crowd dancing and vibing along with her. She did an amazing job at setting the tone and preparing the crowd for the headliners of the night.