Utah Concert Review

July 30, 2024August 1, 2024

The Decemberists

The Decemberists • July 24, 2024 • Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by 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.

July 29, 2024July 29, 2024

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.

July 27, 2024July 27, 2024

UCR Interview: Alex Levine of The Gaslight Anthem

Alex Levine of The Gaslight Anthem

The Gaslight Anthem will be playing at The Union Event Center on July 27, 2024. We had the opportunity to speak with bassist, Alex Levine leading up to the show. We discussed the band’s extensive career and reminisced about the last time The Gaslight Anthem played Utah. Where lead vocalist, Brian Fallon lost his voice due to illness. Enjoy!

Interviewed by Kevin Rolfe

July 23, 2024August 1, 2024

Starship featuring Mickey Thomas

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

Reviewed and Photographed by 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.

July 22, 2024July 22, 2024

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.

July 18, 2024July 18, 2024

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!

July 18, 2024July 18, 2024

Ogden Twilight: Ben Böhmer

Ben Böhmer • Tinlicker • Alex Cruz • July 5, 2024 • Ogden Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Mark Daluz

As I tried to figure out the maze of closed roads to get to the Ogden Amphitheater I finally found a parking lot. I was getting giddy to arrive at my first Ogden Twilight show. Being a regular at SLC’s Twilight series, I really never had the chance to check out the partner series farther north. But on July 5th, the opportunity came to me. Ignoring the blistering 88+ degree day, the Ogden Amphitheater was quite fascinating to me. The surrounding area was covered in leaves and food trucks providing shade and food for the concertgoers. It really was scorching whenever you left the confines of the shaded area so I was under the leaves enjoying a snow cone while I waited for more people to come and the first artist to take the stage.

July 14, 2024July 14, 2024

Blink-182

Blink-182 • Pierce The Veil • Landon Barker • July 11, 2024 • Delta Center

Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson

On Thursday, July 11th, Blink 182 brought their “One More Time” tour to Salt Lake City’s Delta Center. As expected, the tickets sold out quickly, and the arena was jam-packed with excited fans. The iconic California-based pop punk band put on an unforgettable performance and kept the crowd on their feet for their entire 26-song set.

July 8, 2024July 8, 2024

Cage the Elephant

Cage the Elephant • Young the Giant • Bakar • June 20, 2024 • Utah First Amphitheatre

Reviewed and Photographed by Logan Fang

Cage the Elephant kicked off their first tour in almost two years with a stunning performance at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre. The opening night of Cage the Elephant’s “Neon Pill” Tour drew throngs of dedicated fans from afar to the Utah stage for the anticipated performance, supported by rising solo artist Bakar and indie band Young The Giant. With their evocative stage presence and infectious hooks, it’s not surprising that Cage the Elephant has become a household name in contemporary indie over the years. In watching them live, I continued to find myself impressed by the sheer showmanship of the band coming off their two-year tour hiatus.

July 3, 2024July 3, 2024

d4vd

d4vd • Scott James • June 22, 2024 • The Depot

Review and Photos by Tomo Crestani

Last weekend in Salt Lake City, music fans gathered at The Depot, a venue known for its atmosphere and great sound. The excitement was clear as everyone waited for d4vd, an artist famous for his unique mix of genres and heartfelt lyrics. The night promised not only the magic of d4vd but also a taste of new talent with opener Scott James.