Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals • Jordan Moyes • April 19, 2026 • The Commonwealth Room
Reviewed and Photographed by Josilyn Wakkuri Lybbert
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, joined by Jordan Moyes, sold out The Commonwealth Room in Salt Lake City on Sunday, April 19th. Upon my earlier-than-usual arrival to the show, I was surprised and grateful to secure the last parking spot in the venue’s immediate parking lot when there are typically several spots open even minutes before show time! That was an indicator of just how popular this event was among the people of Salt Lake!
The Commonwealth Room was packed, from the concessions area to the outdoor space and the main concert area. The fans in attendance were noticeably friendly, many prioritizing getting a good spot in the general admission crowd! One person expressed how excited they were to finally get to see Ben Harper live after being a fan for years . They said they knew that because he was playing such an intimate venue, they had to be in the room! Others couldn’t believe that the show wasn’t taking place in a bigger venue, and I would have to agree! I’ve never seen The Commonwealth Room so full!
I was looking forward to this show after getting to see Ben Harper open for Harry Styles a few years ago! I enjoyed the tranquility of his music then. And I was excited to see what he had in store for a full set! It was fun that Utah local Jordan Moyes was going to kick off the night!
Jordan Moyes
Jordan Moyes quietly took the stage with his guitar and began to play. He opened up with “I Was Young I Was Old,” and was followed by “Hangin’ Around.” Jordan shared that, “Hangin’ Around was the first love song he wrote about his wife. It was a beautiful song and a sweet tribute to his wife and their relationship!
A setlist highlight for me was Jordan’s cover of Wheatus’ “Teenage Dirtbag.” His version was a more slowed-down, indie version of the early 2000s hit. It was an unexpected, unique approach that worked really well!
When introducing the song, “Flowers,” Jordan explained that it was about missing home, missing parents, and missing simpler times. Which are all relatable themes. He continued and added another level of emotion when he shared that his mom had unexpectedly passed away when he was 24. That added heartbreak to an already heartbreakingly beautiful song!
Jordan has an amazing, smooth voice that is very easy, almost tranquil, to listen to. The fact that he could take a pop rock song like “Teenage Dirtbag” and make it sound like a lullaby (in the best way) says it all!
Before his time on stage was through, he took a moment to thank Ben Harper and the crew for having him out to play in part of the tour. Noting that 16-year-old him would’ve never believed it. Jordan ended the night with “Driveway,” which was another simply beautiful song! He received roaring applause as his set drew to a close! His hometown set was a huge success, and he was well-loved!
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals
As the room buzzed with anticipation between sets, it was clear that the crowd was more than ready for Ben Harper. When he and the band, The Innocent Criminals, finally took the stage, they were met with cheering and hollering that immediately filled the already packed venue.
They gathered around a microphone and opened with an a cappella rendition of “Below Sea Level,” which was enthralling! The excited room fell quiet in awe of this one! Following that, “Diamonds on the Inside” was played. Instantly energizing the crowd again. It became one of the night’s most interactive moments, making it obvious that the people in the audience were not just casual Ben Harper fans as they sang along loudly! The band leaned into the first of many jam sessions of the night, this one in particular showcased each band member’s talents!
Throughout the set, Ben and the band seemed to effortlessly move between several different styles of music, like folk, blues, and reggae. “Burn To Shine” sounded like it could fit in on an Eagles album, while “Where Did We Go Wrong” brought a 70s feel. His versatility as a musician was on full display, and I was so impressed! Not only could Ben & The Innocent Criminals flow from one vibe to the next, so could the fans! They danced, clapped, and sang the night away!
One of the most captivating elements of the night was Ben’s use of the lap steel guitar. During an instrumental solo section, the room seemed to collectively quiet as he leaned into a mesmerizing, almost meditative performance. The way he built the sound layer by layer felt immersive, pulling the audience deeper into the music without the need for lyrics. I was intrigued, not knowing where one song began and another ended! I later found out that Ben had blended “The Will to Live,” which had started with the full band, ended with a solo on the steel guitar, which faded into “When It’s Good.” The band rejoined him in full force for “It Ain’t No Use,” another groovy yet bluesy tune.
One of the coolest moments of the night came during “Faded.” The song featured an extended interlude where Ben performed another solo on the steel guitar before gradually bringing the band back in, only to strip it down once more. One person on setlist.fm noted, “Long interlude Ben solo on the lap steel then full band then back to Faded (it was incredible).” And it was incredible! That solo left me constantly guessing where it would go next as he played through with delicate, almost whimsical picking patterns before going into folk and blues sounds that earned loud cheers from the crowd throughout its entirety!
As the night neared its end, songs like “Better Way” and “Fly One Time” kept the crowd fully engaged. The band returned for an encore that blended “Amen Omen” with a cover of the hit, “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” which was a powerful way to wrap up the night!
As the final notes were played and the crowd began to filter toward the exits, there was a sense that everyone had experienced something truly special. From Jordan Moyes’ heartfelt and intimate opening set to Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals’ genre-blending, masterfully executed performance, it was a special night of music!
It’s not often that an artist of Ben Harper’s caliber plays a venue as intimate as The Commonwealth Room, and the energy in the space reflected just how meaningful that was for fans in attendance. Between the sing-alongs, the stunning instrumental moments, and the seamless transitions between styles, the show was a reminder of the power of live music’s ability to captivate and bring people together! No doubt that all in attendance will look forward to the next opportunity we get to see both Jordan Moyes and Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals!
