UCR, Author at Utah Concert Review

September 25, 2024September 25, 2024

Lainey Wilson

Lainey Wilson • Jackson Dean • September 13, 2024 • Utah First Amphitheatre

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Lainey Wilson performed a captivating live show at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre. She brought her Country’s Cool Again Tour to Utah with Jackson Dean on September 13. Wilson left the audience in awe with her mix of traditional country charm and modern flair. Known for her distinct voice, engaging storytelling, and powerful stage presence, Lainey brought a high-energy performance that resonated with fans of all ages.

September 25, 2024September 25, 2024

The Lower Lights

The Lower Lights • Masonic Temple • September 14, 2024

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

In the past decade, there hasn’t been a year that has gone by where I haven’t seen The Lower Lights in concert. Over that time I’ve seen this band more than any other. Typically I’ll catch one (sometimes two or three!) of their holiday residency at Kingsbury Hall on the campus of the University of Utah. Those concerts are a Christmas tradition that I refuse to miss. In the last couple of years, in addition to the Christmas concerts, The Lower Lights have gone back to their roots and performed non-holiday shows filled with classic hymns and old spirituals sprinkled with some more modern classics. Last year they played Sandy Amphitheater to great acclaim. For the first time in ten years, The Lower Lights returned to the Masonic Temple in Salt Lake City. A venue where they played many of their early now legendary shows.

September 24, 2024September 24, 2024

Stephen Sanchez

Stephen Sanchez • The Brook & The Bluff • September 21, 2024 • Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Josilyn Wakkuri Lybbert

A line of a little over fifty people had already formed when I arrived to Sandy Amphitheater around 3 pm on Saturday, September 21st. Stephen Sanchez, joined by The Brook & The Bluff, made it back to Utah for his sold-out, “Live From The Connie Co Show,” tour stop. Making it his third show here in the last year and a half! It’s always extra fun to be able to attend a show as a fan while also getting to document the night! I’ve been a fan of Stephen’s for a few years, and when I first discovered his music, he only had one song released!

I’ve really enjoyed watching his career take off, and it’s been awesome to cover each one of his Utah shows and see the performances evolve and the crowd grow with each one! I think it goes without saying, but I was looking forward to this show!

September 23, 2024September 23, 2024

Fred Again

Fred Again • Keenan Mathias • September 15, 2024 • Utah First Amphitheatre

Reviewed and Photographed by Austin Dayton

This weekend, British DJ and Producer Fred Again brought his “Places we’ve never been” tour to Utah, a place he has never played, as he DJ’d and sang for a huge and excited crowd at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheater. With him, he brought his “brother” fellow DJ Tony and had Keenan Mathias as the supporting opening set.

September 21, 2024September 23, 2024

UCR Interview: Jessica Vosk

Two years ago, I witnessed Broadway star, Jessica Vosk captivate a capacity crowd at The Noorda Center For The Performing Arts on the campus of Utah Valley University. Vosk starred as Elphaba in Wicked, the Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at Lincoln Center, and re-created the role of Fruma Sarah in the most recent Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof.

She has also starred in productions of Waitress and a personal favorite, Chess (Jessica permitted me to share that she will be singing a song from this show! A reason in itself to attend!!!). at the amazing 12,000-capacity Muny in St. Louis. Jessica Vosk is returning to The Noorda on Saturday, September 21 at 7 PM. For tickets to the show, go to the link at the end of this interview. We had a chance to chat with her this week leading up to the show. Enjoy!

September 19, 2024September 19, 2024

Indigo Girls and Amos Lee

Indigo Girls • Amos Lee • September 17, 2024 • Red Butte Garden Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Marlo Matamoros

Amos Lee and the Indigo Girls co-headlined to a sold-out crowd on September 17^th at the Red Butte Garden for their outdoor concert series. The Indigo Girls are a folk-rock duo from Atlanta Georgia. The duo consists of Amy Ray and Emily Sailers who grew up together. The duo has a Grammy win for Best Contemporary Folk Recording and a documentary on Netflix that just released last year on their 40-year music journey. Indigo Girls have a huge discography with hits such as “Closer to Fine”, “Least Complicated”, “Ghost”, and “Kid Fears”. The duo can both play the guitar and sing. The duo is known for being activists and working on issues such as immigration reform, LGBTQ advocacy, Native American rights, and death penalty reform. Indigo Girls have performed on the NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert series and have also toured with the Bon Iver.

September 18, 2024September 18, 2024

Sturgill Simpson

Sturgill Simpson • September 17, 2024 • Maverik Center

Reviewed and Photographed by Max Taylor

On September 17, 2024, country music artist Sturgill Simpson brought his “Why Not?” Tour to the Maverik Center in West Valley City, Utah. Even before the show began, the anticipation was palpable as the audience filled the pit and shuffled to their seats. Cowboy boots and hats began to fill the 12,000 seat capacity venue as a security guard was overheard mentioning how they were anticipating at least a 3 hour show from Sturgill. This really set the tone for what would become an unforgettable night of music. Fans of all ages, eagerly awaiting a night of authentic, electrifying country music, were buzzing with excitement.

September 17, 2024September 17, 2024

The National Parks

The National Parks • Elias Hix • Seaslak • September 14, 2024 • Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Amelia Weyerstall

The National Parks brought their Wild Spirit World Tour to Utah. The hometown album release celebration brought in a full house filled with fans of The National Parks. We have had the opportunity to cover past album releases with this band and they are always a good time. Saturday in Sandy was no exception. The National Parks were joined by fellow Utah-based band, Seaslak and Elias Hix out of Tennessee.

September 17, 2024September 17, 2024

Violent Femmes

Violent Femmes • September 9, 2024 • Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

I’ve had the opportunity to see Violent Femmes a number of times over the years. Whether it be at festivals, as openers, or headlining, Violent Femmes always leave an impact. No one sounds like them. When you hear Gordon Gano’s voice it’s easy to know it’s them. They’re legends of “Folk Punk” and their unique style can be picked out anywhere. There was no need to identify them at a huge festival here. Violent Femmes were not only headlining Sandy Amphitheater, but the show was in such high demand a second night was added. We had the opportunity to attend that show.

September 17, 2024September 17, 2024

Keane

Keane • September 8, 2024 • Red Butte Garden Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Twelve years. TWELVE YEARS! It’s been twelve years since Alternative Rock band, Keane made a tour stop in Salt Lake City. It’s been about that long since they’ve played most cities. A lengthy hiatus, solo projects, and conquering a myriad of issues in their personal lives have kept the boys from Winslow, England away from the road. But on September 8, 2024, Keane triumphantly returned to Utah. Red Butte Garden Amphitheater was jam-packed. In speaking with some of the venue’s employees, I was informed that this was one of the shows that sold out the fastest. That didn’t surprise me at all. Keane is a band very high on my list of favorite bands. I had heard rumblings that they’d be touring The States over the summer and I had my fingers crossed that they’d be playing SLC.