Concert Reviews Archives - Page 40 of 85

July 13, 2022

REO Speedwagon & Styx

REO Speedwagon & Styx w/ Loverboy• July 9, 2022• USANA Amphitheatre

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Live & UnZoomed Tour

The “Live & UnZoomed Tour” made its way to Utah on Saturday, July 9. REO Speedwagon and Styx have been playing co-headlining tours for years. This time they would be joined by special guest, Loverboy. I’d imagine this night at USANA Amphitheatre will be a memorable one. First off, it was HOT! We’re talking triple digits folks. On top of the extreme heat, there was a massive fire just on the other side of the western mountain range. The smokey air added a new element to the outdoor concert experience. Despite the unique conditions, fans showed up in droves to see some of their favorite bands. Styx and REO Speedwagon are regular visitors to Utah, and every time they come their shows do well. This night was no exception.

July 12, 2022

Regina Spektor

Regina Spektor• July 6, 2022• Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Indie singer-songwriter, Regina Spektor played a two-night residency at the Sandy Amphitheater. I was privileged to attend night two, the Wednesday night sold-out show. Sandy Amphitheater is facing north to south with trees lining up the west side of the venue. This is a perfect setup because, despite the warm summer’s eve (I wrote that for the Kenny Rogers fans), the sun was blocked by the trees, and most of the amphitheater was shaded. I really enjoy walking into a concert venue and seeing the look on people’s faces. It’s the first indicator of whether this will be a good crowd and a good show. Sometimes crowds want to be social, be seen, and strangely enough, can make the music secondary. That was not the case with this crowd.

July 7, 2022

Chris Issak & Lyle Lovett

Chris Isaak & Lyle Lovett July• 1, 2022• Red Butte Garden Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Red Butte Garden started July off on a good note with a double headliner show starring Chris Isaak and Lyle Lovett. These two legends could not have picked a better date to come to Utah. The weather was perfect, and everyone was feeling good heading into the Independence Day weekend. I’ve seen Chris Isaak in concert once. I was invited last minute and was beyond impressed with the concert. I’ve always wanted to see him again. I had never seen Lyle Lovett in concert before this show. So for me personally, this was a perfect mix of anticipation to see someone I had enjoyed before, and the anticipation of seeing someone I had been wanting to see.

I chatted with a few people before the show and I asked them if they had seen either artist before. They had seen both and mentioned that they never pass up the opportunity to see them whenever they come to Utah. They assured me that I was in for a good night.

July 6, 2022

Howard Jones

Howard Jones w/ Midge Ure• June 28, 2022• Red Butte Garden

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

It was a night for 80s icons at Red Butte Garden Amphitheater. Legendary synth-pop star, Howard Jones played to an adoring sold out audience on a beautiful Tuesday evening in Salt Lake City. He was joined by the “Voice of Ultravox”, Midge Ure. An icon in his own right. Howard Jones has such a strong fanbase here in Utah. He’s played here so many times over the years and people come back every time he tours through. I remember one year he was a support act for Barenaked Ladies. He added his own solo date the next day because there was such a clamoring from his fans to see him in more than a shortened set. He’s also played shows up at Park City’s Egyptian Theater with just him and a piano. Those shows always sell out. There is a connection between Jones and Utah that I can’t totally explain. But it’s there and both parties embrace it.

July 5, 2022

Fleet Foxes

Fleet Foxes w/ Tim Bernardes• June 27, 2022• Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson

On Monday, June 27th, Fleet Foxes played the 1st show of their 2022 tour at the Sandy Amphitheater. I have been a long-time fan of Fleet Foxes. This was a concert I had been looking forward to for a while. This is the band’s first tour in four years. Many have been eagerly waiting for them to return to the stage. It would also be the first opportunity to watch them perform songs from their 2020 album Shore. The Seattle-based folk band is known for putting on an excellent show. Expectations were high as the crowd gathered to take their seats for the sold out concert.

July 4, 2022

Stadium of Fire

Stadium of Fire w/ Tim McGraw & Marie Osmond• July 2, 2022• Lavell Edwards Stadium

Reviewed and Photographed by Josilyn Wakkuri Lybbert

Tens of thousands of people happily braved high temperatures and filled Brigham Young University’s LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah on July 2, 2022, for the sold-out Stadium of Fire. The big event for Provo’s America’s Freedom Festival. It was a night filled with patriotism, impressive acts, and good music provided by one of the biggest country music stars, Tim McGraw, and Utah’s own renowned entertainer, Marie Osmond. Oh, and the nation’s largest stadium firework show! The show was broadcast around the world for the enjoyment of members of the military and their families!

July 2, 2022

Bright Eyes

Bright Eyes w/ Hurray For the Riff Raff• June 28, 2022• The Union

Reviewed and Photographed by Mallorie Lerman

Salt Lake City never ceases to amaze me with how many different venues and shows one can find on any given summer night. This Tuesday night I had the opportunity to check out another venue that was totally new to me. Conveniently located right next to the Traxx stop at North Temple, The Union Event Center hosted Bright Eyes with Hurray For The Riff Raff. Not knowing exactly where the venue was without looking down at my phone, I spotted someone wearing a Bright Eyes baseball tee. I could tell they had some loyal and excited fans. I followed a group of people from the parking lot to the ticket line.

July 2, 2022

Dirty Heads

Dirty Heads w/ SOJA & Tribal Seeds June 29, 2022 Rio Tinto Stadium

Wednesday evening I had the chance to attend a Dirty Heads concert at Rio Tinto Stadium. There was a storm that was going on throughout much of Utah. Luckily it missed Sandy so it was a sunny, good vibes kind of day! I arrived at the very end of Tribal Seeds set. I could tell they set a fun tone for the crowd. People danced and swayed with their friends while others got a drink or food from one of the local food trucks. Not long after Tribal Seeds set, 2021 Reggae Album of the Year Grammy winners SOJA took the stage.

June 30, 2022

Third Eye Blind

Third Eye Blind w/ Taking Back Sunday and Hockey Dad• June 25, 2022• Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson

A crowd full of 90’s alternative music lovers all gathered together at the Sandy Amphitheater on Saturday, June 25th. Third Eye Blind has always been known to attract a large crowd. I was not surprised that the show was sold out. Many in attendance were eager to reconnect with one of their favorite bands from their past. They hoped to hear those nostalgic favorites including “How’s It Going To Be,” and “Semi-Charmed Life”. There were also those in the crowd who have never stopped playing their music, or following the band’s journey. There were even some young new fans. Regardless if they came to hear the band they fell in love with in the 90s, or if they had recently discovered Third Eye Blind, I don’t think a single person left disappointed.

June 30, 2022

Andrew Bird, Iron & Wine

Andrew Bird• Iron & Wine• June 21, 2022• Red Butte Garden Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Tiffany Mull

Iron & Wine and Andrew Bird filled Red Butte Garden with earthy folk and swanky strings Tuesday night. Both known for smart, bookish lyrics and singular performance styles, they go well together. Iron & Wine (Sam Beam) opened with “Love Vigilantes” followed by “Jezebel.” Without a band, he improvised some beatboxing during “Lovers’ Revolution.”