Utah Concert Review

July 28, 2023

The Dead South

The Dead South•July 20, 2023•Red Butte Garden Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

On Thursday night, July 20th, Red Butte Garden in Salt Lake City was treated to an electrifying performance by The Dead South, a Canadian folk-bluegrass group. As the band filled the air with their unique blend of blues, bluegrass, and folk music, the audience was mesmerized. With a mix of originals and traditional tunes, the band had the crowd dancing and singing along throughout the night. The energy in the amphitheater was amazing, as everyone present seemed to be lost in the moment, enjoying an unforgettable evening of live music.

July 27, 2023

Rain- A Tribute to The Beatles

Rain- A Tribute to The Beatles•July 26, 2023•Eccles Theater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

The Beatles are considered one of the greatest bands of all time, and their music has resonated through generations. As a tribute to this iconic group, Rain performed their greatest hits at the Eccles Theater on July 26, 2023. It was an unforgettable event, as fans of The Beatles joined together to celebrate their timeless legacy. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to experience a live performance of some of the most beloved songs ever written! Rain will also be performing at Eccles Theater tonight (July 27th). Go to the link below for tickets.

July 25, 2023

The Principle Wife

The Principle Wife• July 22, 2023• Cover Center for the Arts

Reviewed by Kevin Rolfe

*This review contains spoilers. If you’re planning on seeing The Principle Wife come back and read this after you’ve seen it. Otherwise, you may proceed.*

I saw the billboards, I’ve seen the social media ads, and I thought, ‘Is this a musical about polygamy?’ Then I received an email with an invitation to review the production of The Principle Wife. So I read up on it and sure enough, it is. I’m sure many of you might be thinking, why would anyone write a musical about polygamy, why would Kevin go review a musical about polygamy, and do we need a musical about polygamy, are people wanting this? I’ll do my best to answer those questions.

July 23, 2023April 19, 2024

Taylor Swift

UCR On Tour:Taylor Swift • MUNA • Gracie Abrams • July 14, 2023 • Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, CO

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

It’s difficult to describe the feeling you get when you see an email from Taylor Swift’s team telling you that you’ve been approved to cover her concert in Denver, Colorado. I’m sure you can imagine from a professional standpoint the feeling I might have, getting to cover the biggest concert in the world. And while I’m not sure I’d consider myself an official Swiftie, I’m a lover of concerts, and getting to see someone as massive as Taylor Swift, in a show that has been so well documented over social media, as epic, was an unbelievable experience.

July 23, 2023

The Sound of Music

Utah Valley University and Sundance Mountain Resort Present The Sound of Music July 22, 2023

Reviewed by Kevin Rolfe

Is there a better setting outside Austria to see The Sound of Music than the Outdoor Amphitheater at Sundance Mountain Resort? I can’t imagine there is. The setting was so perfect for the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. With tree-lined mountains as its backdrop, there was very little need for elaborate set design. These hills, if I may, did come alive as the focal setpiece to make this musical visually soar. The mountain air was crisp and cool. A welcome escape from the blistering hot summer day down in the valley.

The partnership of Utah Valley University and Sundance Mountain Resort has been a successful one. With successful productions like Oklahoma! and Mamma Mia in recent years, it’s no surprise that patrons continue to return to the resort to see quality theater. And while there are many musicals to choose from, it makes perfect sense that they would bring back another production of The Sound of Music. The audience called for it, and I couldn’t have been happier to attend the Saturday Evening performance on Jul 22, 2023.

July 17, 2023

Old Crow Medicine Show

Old Crow Medicine Show•July 13, 2023•Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Old Crow Medicine Show opened the 2023 Deer Valley Concert Series at the Snow Park Outdoor Concert Series a the Deer Valley Resort in Park City on July 13, 2023. It was a perfect evening to have the Americana band in Park City. It was a very hot day in the Salt Lake and Utah valleys. Park City is always a great place to escape to when it gets too hot. It’s always cooler. The night air was crisp, but the music on stage was as hot as the day was. Last year the concert series had a limited run so I was unable to make it to a show last year. The moment I parked my car and began walking to the venue, I knew as I took in the beautiful scenery that it was so good to be back.

July 17, 2023

Disturbed

Disturbed•Breaking Benjamin•Jinjer•July 13, 2023• USANA Amphitheatre

Reviewed and Photographed by Maralee Neilson

Above 90 degrees out in the sunshine can sure feel like over 100 degrees when it’s hitting you directly. But that didn’t stop thousands of people from coming out to USANA Amphitheatre to see Disturbed, Breaking Benjamin, and Jinjer on a Thursday, the 13th of July. Fans from all over Utah spent the evening in the heat to see this incredible lineup of artists. Some lined up outside the venue from 12pm and some from 10 am even when doors were not till 5 pm. As soon as doors opened right around 5, people rushed into the venue. Going down to get in the pit area and those with lawn seat tickets getting in line to enter the lawn. Disturbed shirts being worn, merch line being long already. The night was just starting.

July 17, 2023

Blues Traveler & Big Head Todd and The Monsters

Blues Traveler•Big Head Todd and The Monsters•July 11, 2023•Red Butte Garden

Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson

July 11th was a night to remember for Salt Lake City concertgoers. Blues Traveler and Big Head Todd and The Monsters rocked the Red Butte Garden. Fans of both bands were in for a treat. The two acts delivered an unforgettable show that had the crowd on its feet. From the opening notes of Big Head Todd’s set to the final encore of Blues Traveler’s, the evening was a high-energy show.

July 15, 2023

Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa

Snoop Dogg•Wiz Khalifa•Too $hort•Warren G•Berner•July 11, 2023•USANA Amphitheatre

Reviewed and Photographed by Kaden Severn

Tuesday night hip-hop fans were treated to an absolutely amazing lineup. As fans began to fill USANA, legendary producer DJ Drama, the mastermind behind countless charting songs, started playing some music to get the crowd warmed up. He would return in between the artist’s sets to play during the intermissions.

July 13, 2023

Slightly Stoopid & Sublime with Rome

Slightly Stoopid•Sublime With Rome• Atmosphere•July 9, 2023 USANA Amphitheatre

Reviewed and Photographed by Justin Lagman

Summer is officially here and there is a good mix of Reggae, Hip Hop, and Rock for tonight at USANA Amphitheater. The sun was scorching this Sunday evening and everyone had to be strategic in getting shade and staying hydrated. The first thing I noticed was that the venue was on top of keeping every single concertgoer hydrated. It was a beautiful sight to see and it showed the power of people together trying to have a great summer night and enjoy some good live music.