Allies Gala • Andy Bell • October 5, 2024 • Eccles Theater
Reviewed by Kevin Rolfe
Photographed by Alisha Gregson
So, I’m sitting down, drinking a protein shake, and watching the morning news. I’m trying to convince myself that I need to start working, so I negotiate with myself that I’ll watch TV for 15 more minutes and then I HAVE to get to it. Within that 15 minutes, I watched the local morning news, and I saw, Equality Utah Executive Director, Troy Williams talking about the upcoming Allies Gala. He then mentions that the featured artist at the gala will be Andy Bell, the lead singer of the synth-pop duo, Erasure. My jaw dropped. Erasure is my favorite band. Learning that one half of my favorite band would be performing right here in Salt Lake City? I knew I had to be there.
I was familiar with Equality Utah, but I wasn’t fully aware of how much they did to champion equal rights and protections for the LGBTQ community here in Utah. According to their website, Equality Utah “is the state’s largest LGBTQ civil rights organization. Equality Utah leads efforts for LGBTQ civil rights at the state and local levels by: sponsoring LGBTQ legislation and opposing negative bills; lobbying elected officials; building coalitions; and empowering individuals and organizations alike to engage in the legislative process.”
While my driving force to attend the event was to see Andy Bell perform, I quickly learned that I was in store for so much more than just an amazing concert. This turned out to be a night that will be remembered for quite some time.
Enchanted World
The theme of this year’s gala was “Enchanted World”. Attendees did not disappoint with their costumes. We saw everything from forest nymphs, minotaurs, fairies, elves, and any kind of mythical enchanted creature you can imagine. There were three floors of hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and DJs, with Eccles Theater’s main floor providing the largest gathering. Everyone seemed in great spirits as they admired one another’s attire and looked over the silent auction items that included signed Erasure albums, dazzling boots, and passes to the Kilby Block Party.
Grand Show
The time came for attendees to get their final drinks and head inside Eccles Theater for the grand show. It didn’t take long before the seats were filled and the lights dimmed. The show started off with a performance of “Enchanted World” by a talented ensemble of vocalists and dancers.
The soloists for the song were, Dune Moss, Keiyana Osmond, EJ Michels, and Marrlo Suzzanne & the Galaxxy Band. Dancing was provided by Ririe-Woodbury Dancers. I thought the song was a great way to start things off. I was impressed with all of the vocals and the entire performance was quite the production. It was clear that this audience was ready for some live entertainment.
Welcome
Before it was time for Andy Bell, there was quite a bit to get to. The night would be hosted by Studio C alum, and Equality Utah’s Senior Business Equality Leader trainer, Stacey Harkey, and singer-songwriter Mindy Gledhill. They welcomed the audience with fun banter and some jokes. I thought they set the tone for the evening. There is a lot of serious subject matter to get through, but discussing it in a positive light, and with an upbeat attitude seemed to keep spirits high throughout the lengthy presentations. Both Harkey and Gledhill have experience interacting with a crowd. That muscle was flexed on this night.
Equality On The Hill
As the night moved along we heard about Equality Utah’s efforts at the Capitol in Salt Lake City. Marina Lowe Policy Director, Olivia Jaramillo Director of Public Outreach, and Rosanne Simpson Director of Development spoke on all that Equality Utah is doing to ensure advocacy for the LGBTQ community in the state of Utah. Lowe shared an inspiring story of having a change of heart while living in California and how it has inspired her to do all that she now does in Utah for equality in Utah.
Allies Awards
An emotional segment of the evening was when the Allies Awards were given to Clifford Rosky, Donna Weinholtz, and Mindy Young. Ovations were given and tears were shed.
Rosky, a professor of law at the University of Utah has spent 15 years as an advocate for and scholar of LGBTQ rights. He has negotiated and secured the passing of five laws in Utah that protect LGBTQ people from discrimination in hate crimes, bullying, conversion therapy, employment, housing, and education.
Weinholtz is a long-time activist and advocate here in Utah. She co-hosted a progressive radio and television show with Equality Utah founder, Jim Dabakis. She has dedicated her life to furthering human rights, including women’s rights and LGBTQ equality.
Young is the former Managing Director of Equality Utah. She has spent time in theater, film, fundraising, and education. Young taught pre-k through secondary, ESL, and Public Speaking and Theatre. She helped reinvent the Allies Gala by featuring stars such as Billy Porter, the Indigo Girls, and Eddie Izzard. It was clear by the audience and all those associated with Equality Utah that she is well-loved.
While I sensed some restlessness from the audience, I admired the fact that they stayed locked in. Understanding that so much of what was being discussed or celebrated was important. I know I was excited and anxious to see Andy Bell. But I was drawn in by what was being said, and who was being celebrated. So many people have done so much for this community. There are so many unsung heroes. People who are not looking for recognition, only wanting to help bring equality to people who haven’t been so in this state. I found these moments both inspirational and informative. People like the late Bruce Bastian have done so much for the LGBTQ community. It’s impressive to see all that has been done and motivational to see how much more there is to do.
Before we heard from Troy Williams, Mindy Gledhill returned to the stage to perform “Rabbit Hole”. She was joined by the Ririe-Woodbury dancers. I could see that the audience welcomed the music as they now eagerly anticipated the entertainment portion of the gala.
Troy Williams
Executive Director of Equality Utah, Troy Williams took to the stage to a large applause. I think he put it best when he said that this night was “…more than a fundraiser- it is a sanctuary to conjure our magic.”. He shared the LGBTQ State of the State. Informing the audience of where we’ve come from and where we’re headed. I appreciated the spirit of the way Troy was sharing Equality Utah’s vision of a “fair and just Utah”. I’d imagine it must get so frustrating to see how slow progress is made. But I admired the loving and Martin Luther King Jr.-esque approach to getting things done. I could see the excitement on Williams’ face. It matched mine I’m sure. It was now time for, ANDY BELL!
Andy Bell
I have been to Eccles Theater many times. I have loved seeing musical theater, stand-up comedians, and concerts inside this beautiful venue. But I don’t know if I had ever been as excited about any of those shows as I was when the lights dimmed and the band took the stage. Knowing the Erasure catalog better than I know any other body of music, I heard only a few notes and knew that Andy Bell would be walking on stage to Erasure fan favorite, “Oh L’Amour”.
While I’ll always prefer to see Erasure over a solo project, it is fun to see what an artist does to their music to make it sound different to what the original version sounds like. In this case, it was cool to see Andy Bell with a live band. I had never seen that before. Erasure is an electro-pop band. Vince Clarke handles the music with synthesizers and computers, while Andy provides the vocals. They are joined live by backup singers, and that makes up to band. So I really enjoyed seeing Andy Bell with a full band including guitar and live drums.
“Oh L’Amour” was the perfect opener. People jumped out of their seats and began dancing as if we were in the middle of the show. I could see devoted Erasure fans like me singing every word. There were others maybe unfamiliar with the music who were going for it regardless. Someone looked at their friend and said, “Oh, that’s who this is? I love this song” I knew this part of the night would go by in a flash. The goal was to savor every moment I could. I found myself conflicted between taking pictures or just fan-geeking out. The best balance possible was struck, but if I’m being honest, I leaned more toward my fandom than my photography. Thankfully Alisha was there to capture these amazing moments in a more focused manner.
Donning a floral and leafy headdress, Any Bell delivered some major bangers to start the show. “Oh L’Amour” was followed by “Drama”. The crowd was singing “Guilty!” back at Andy and for a moment I almost felt like I was at an Erasure concert. That’s how engaged and fun this crowd was. “Drama” was followed by “I Love To Hate You”. Andy shared that this was not a song to take seriously. That it was more a bit of tongue and cheek than about actually hating someone. That song was followed by “Stop”. Another big Erasure hit. During that song I had my camera around my neck and my hand in the air, palm facing forward yelling, “Stop” as if I was Diana Ross or one of the other Supremes.
During “Stop” I was standing by Essie Gonzsen, Southern Utah Regional Manager. She noticed me singing along and getting into it. She said, “Oh, you’re not just a photographer, you’re an actual fan! Aren’t you?” I confessed that try as I might to contain my enthusiasm, I just couldn’t hold back how much I loved this music. She told me I had nothing to apologize for and to just keep having a good time. I was happy to comply!
I figured that since this was an Andy Bell solo gig we’d probably hear some of Andy’s solo work. Bell wisely mixed a couple solo songs into the middle of his set. He played “Electric Blue” and a song titled “Breaking Through The Interstellar” which is set to be on his upcoming album. Andy did talk too much during his set, but he did tell a humorous story or two. And he was so good at interacting with the audience during the songs.
As I mentioned, the set flew by. Andy Bell closed out his set with, “Always”, “Victim of Love” a personal favorite, “Blue Savannah” and one of Erasure’s biggest hits and a song quoted throughout the evening, “Chains of Love”. Each song seemed to excite the crowd more than the next. Each of these songs had the familiarity of the Erasure hits that they are, but they also sounded so good with the band. I loved the way the backup singer blended with Andy during “Chains of Love”. I did not want this show to end but the time had come. Andy finished his set to thunderous applause.
Troy Williams joined Andy on stage and the crowd continued to cheer. Knowing what a big Erasure fan Troy is, it was pretty cool to see him on stage with Andy Bell. He gave Andy a big hug and gave some closing remarks. That was followed by all the performers returning to the stage to perform “A Little Respect” with Andy Bell and the band. Tyler Glenn of Neon Trees received the honor of singing the second verse of the song. What an awesome opportunity. EJ Michels joined to add featured vocals to the song. The crowd and all the performers singing along to the 80s classic brought the concert to a close in an amazing way.
There is just something so incredible about this audience. I have found concerts with a predominantly LGBTQ audience has something special to it. Everyone was just letting loose and having the best time. I was talking with someone after the concert and asked if there was something to that. He mentioned that he felt like this group of people so often feeling like they need to fit in or conform to a certain way that when they have the opportunity to be themselves they just go for it. They take advantage of the opportunity to be who they truly are and have fun in that space. That made so much sense to me. Tonight was definitely a night for that. It was am amazing thing to be a part of.
VIP Meet & Greet
After Party
Now, if you think the night was over, you’d be mistaken. The party did not end. After some backstage meet and greets where I saw NFL legend Steve Young get a picture with Andy Bell, a pairing I don’t think I’d ever visualize, (A music hero with a sports hero in the same photo. Mind blown.) The party continued in the lobby of Eccles Theater where Marrlo Suzzanne & The Galaxxy Band performed some amazing covers. I don’t think Shania Twain’s “Man, I Feel Like A Woman” has ever been more appropriately sung.
Taco trucks lined the street and everyone basked in the glory of delicious food and great music. Equality Utah outdid themselves on this night. It was an experience that I’ll never forget. I got to meet my musical idol, one of my sports idols, and be a part of an event that not only highlights the best in people but the potential to do great things and make a difference for those who are underrepresented in Utah.
