Bush

Bush • Jerry Cantrell • Candlebox • Tim Montana • July 31, 2024 • Utah First Amphitheatre

Reviewed and Photographed by Austin Dayton

Photo Credit: Austin Dayton

All hands were in the air this week as the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheater welcomed British rock band Bush back to the Utah stage for the “Loaded: The Greatest Hits” Tour. Celebrating 30 years this summer, the four-man band delivered an intimate rock experience that left all in attendance overcome with pure rockin’ happiness. As just the fourth stop on the tour and playing to thousands of fans, hit after hit, it became abundantly clear that Bush has built an enduring legacy of rock and overall musicianship. 

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AJR

AJR

AJR • mxmtoon • almost monday • July 16, 2024 • Delta Center

Photographed by Alisha Gregson

Reviewed by Larson Stephens and Kevin Rolfe

Photo Credit: Alisha Gregson

AJR took the stage at the DELTA Center on July 16-17 in Salt Lake City for two unforgettable nights, delivering a concert experience that fans will cherish for a long time. Growing up through high school, AJR’s music resonated with me in ways I never expected. Maybe it was the upbeat songs that just made you bop your head or maybe it was the Broadway-like sound they brought to all their songs. Whatever it is their songs delve into the realities of life, and I found a deep connection with their lyrics and sound.

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New Kids On The Block

New Kids On The Block • Paula Abdul • June 29, 2024 • Utah First Amphitheatre

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Photo Credit: Kevin Rolfe

Paula Abdul

Photo Credit: Kevin Rolfe

New Kids On The Block

Photo Credit: Kevin Rolfe

Nickel Creek and Andrew Bird

Nickel Creek and Andrew Bird Sandy Amphitheater

Nickel Creek • Andrew Bird • July 10, 2024 • Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Photo Credit: Kevin Rolfe

There is something special about seeing a Bluegrass band in an outdoor amphitheater on a summer’s night.  Some might even say that this is the only way you should see a Bluegrass or Americana band.  I can’t say I disagree.  I’ve seen some of these shows indoors and while it is still awesome, I do prefer the outdoor shows.  There’s something in the music that calls for a setting sun, a warm temperature, and a cold drink.  These were the conditions for Nickel Creek and Andrew Bird at Sandy Amphitheater.  The crowd made sure to arrive early so when I walked into Sandy Amp the venue was pretty much completely full already.

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Norah Jones

Norah Jones • Hurray For The Riff Raff • July 25, 2024 • Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

We always love it when Norah Jones comes to town. Whenever the announcement of her concert date is made, there seems to be a lot of excitement online followed by a quick sellout no matter what venue she performs.  I was excited when I heard she would be playing at the Sandy Amphitheater.  This venue has become one of my favorite summertime locations.  It seemed like the perfect place to spend a Summer evening listening to one of the greatest vocalists alive.  Utah Concert Review had the opportunity to cover Norah Jones at Sandy Amphitheater back in 2019.  I unfortunately was unable to attend that night, so this show was highly anticipated by me.  I wasn’t going to miss it this time.

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The Decemberists

The Decemberists

The Decemberists • July 24, 2024 • Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Lily Rutherford

Photo Credit: Lily Rutherford

In support of their newest album, As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again, The Decemberists embarked on the 36-show A Peaceable Kingdom tour across the United States. Their Utah stop was at the Sandy Amphitheater on July 24. The Sandy Amphitheater was a perfect venue for the Portland-based band, as it embraced their folky sounds with the surrounding trees and mountains. The outdoor venue felt light and airy, supporting the bands playing within it and immersing the audience into the experience, deepened by the forest cut-outs set behind the band on stage and moody lighting. 

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Lindsey Stirling

Lindsey Stirling • Walk Of The Earth • July 15, 2024 • Maverik Center

Reviewed and Photographed by Michael Ferguson

The Maverik Center in West Valley City was abuzz with excitement on Monday, July 15th as two dynamic acts, Walk Off The Earth and Lindsey Stirling, took to the stage in a memorable concert that showcased a blend of innovative music and heartfelt performance. The evening was a celebration of both unique artistry and emotional depth, leaving the audience thoroughly entertained and profoundly moved.

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Starship featuring Mickey Thomas

Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas • Taylor Dayne • July 12, 2024 • Canyons Village

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Photo Credit: Kevin Rolfe

Starship featuring Mickey Thomas is one of those shows I didn’t know I’d enjoy as much as I did.  That’s not to say I didn’t think I’d like it.  Obviously, they’ve had a career spanning decades.  They have unforgettable hits.  I suppose I thought that it would be nostalgic, but an in-the-moment kind of thing.  Not a show that would last in my mind.  Well, I think I’ve had these Starship songs stuck in my head for a while since the concert.  And then for them to have Taylor Dayne, a hitmaker in her own right joining them.  It was a night of fun songs and beautiful views.

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SLC Twilight: Watchhouse

Watchhouse • Branson Anderson • July 19, 2024 • Gallivan Center

Reviewed and Photographed by Austin Dayton

This weekend, on July 19th, Americana/Folk Duo Watchhouse made their way into Salt Lake City, Utah to headline the third weekend of the 37th Annual Twilight concert series. The Chapel Hill, North Carolina-based couple, comprised of Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz, found themselves surrounded by high-rise apartments and office buildings as they took the stage at the downtown-based Gallivan Center. They would go on to deliver a soul-filled set of American and folk-based music that was interwoven with the influence of bluegrass, indie, and hints of alt-rock.  We’ve had the opportunity to cover Watchhouse multiple times over the years. This performance was right up there with all the rest.

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Ben Platt

Ben Platt • July 16, 2024 • Eccles Theater

Reviewed by Austin Dayton

Singer Song-Writer Ben Platt took the stage in Salt Lake City this week as he performed back-to-back shows on July 16th and 17th.  The singer crafted a riveting set of music clearly displaying his Broadway-trained voice. Each song would go on to leave the audience spellbound and in awe of his full range of skills and talents as a vocalist. Though the sold-out audience at the Eccles Theater was anxiously excited to see Ben, the show started with a brief moment of disappointment as he went on to announce that his opener, Brandy Clark, would not be performing due to an unforeseen illness. The letdown was fleeting as Ben shared with the crowd that he would sing some extra songs to make up for her absence. And so, the show went on!

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