Maren Morris • Scout Willis • July 20, 2026 • Red Butte Garden
Reviewed by Kevin Rolfe
Photographed by Anna Lee
Red Butte Garden was the perfect setting for an evening with Maren Morris. The singer-songwriter brought her blend of country, pop, and rock to Salt Lake City. This show followed what, by all accounts, was a memorable night in Colorado at Red Rocks Amphitheater with the Colorado Symphony. She was joined by fellow Highwomen, Brandi Carlile and Amanda Shires for some songs, and from videos I’ve seen and articles I read, it was one of those performances to remember. I was concerned that after a show like that, this show at our beautiful Red Butte Garden might be a letdown. If there was a letdown for Morris or her band, we couldn’t tell. It was a really fun night.
Scout Willis
Scout Willis got the evening started. Yes, that Scout Willis. I must admit when I saw her on the bill I had to double check. “Is this Scout Willis, Scout Willis? Like Bruce and Demi’s daughter Scout Willis?” I was asked this numerous times, and I was able to assure them it was indeed her. “I had no idea she could sing! She’s fantastic!” I will also admit that I didn’t know she could sing. I enjoyed her voice and her set quite a bit.
Willis’ set showcased her distinctive voice and laid-back presence. Scout has a sound that doesn’t feel confined to one particular genre. She moved comfortably between soulful moments and more atmospheric, alternative-leaning material. Her performance allowed the crowd to settle into the beautiful surroundings of Red Butte Garden while discovering an artist with a style all her own.
Maren Morris
When Maren Morris stepped onto the stage, the energy immediately shifted. Morris has spent years establishing herself as one of the most recognizable voices in modern country music, but her music has always stretched well beyond traditional genre boundaries. That versatility was on full display throughout the evening. I was up on the terrace level when the show opened. But by the second song, “80s Mercedes,” I had to make my way down to the patio. People were dancing! It was so fun down there. Maren seemed to notice the energy and made her way to that area several times throughout the night.
There was a genuine connection between Morris and the audience. Her songs often deal with deeply personal subjects. She has a way of delivering them that makes them feel universal. She shared with the audience that she loved how beautiful Red Butte Garden is and hopes to come back. Whether she was singing about relationships, personal growth, or the complicated process of moving forward, there was an honesty in her performance that resonated with the crowd.
Of course, the biggest moments came when Morris leaned into the songs fans had come to hear. Songs like, “I Could Use a Love Song,” “Circles Around This Town,” and of course, “The Middle” had the audience dancing and singing along, creating the kind of communal concert experience that makes an outdoor show special. Hearing thousands of voices join Morris on familiar lyrics while surrounded by the natural beauty of Red Butte Garden was one of the night’s highlights.
But the performance wasn’t simply a collection of radio favorites. Morris also demonstrated why she has remained such an interesting artist. Her ability to move between country roots, polished pop, and rock influences gave the set plenty of variety. She told stories and introduced songs in an engaging way that seemed to captivate the crowd.
With Scout Willis providing a compelling opening performance and Maren Morris delivering a confident, emotionally charged headlining set, the night offered plenty for both longtime fans and those discovering her music for the first time. Morris closed the night with crowd favorite, “My Church.” She left the Red Butte crowd with a reminder of why we enjoy her music so much. It was great to have her back in Salt Lake City.