Utah Concert Review

February 28, 2025March 4, 2025

The Backfires

The Backfires • Mercury • February 26, 2025 • Kilby Court

Reviewed and Photographed by Amelia Weyerstall

The rock and roll band, The Backfires, and the indie band, Mercury, put on an incredible show at Kilby Court. The band’s energy lit up the whole venue. Both bands were super supportive of each other and were grateful to be able to play the show in SLC and very excited to share their music with the SLC crowd. The crowd might have been on the smaller side; however, they really brought great energy to the show.

February 25, 2025February 25, 2025

ELBOW TO RETURN TO NORTH AMERICA THIS FALL FOR HEADLINING TOUR

elbow are returning to the US for the first time since 2020, and their first East Coast and Canada shows since 2017, bringing their critically acclaimed catalog across North America for a headlining tour announced today. Starting in Washington, D.C. on September 26, the band will be making 14 stops across the country, winding their way to the west coast and finishing at The Wiltern in Los Angeles on October 16. Tickets will be available via https://elbow.co.uk. Fans on the mailing list will automatically get presale access. Join the mailing list here: https://elbow.co.uk/signup/

February 20, 2025February 20, 2025

Foster the People

Foster the People • Good Neighbors • February 11, 2025 • The Union

Reviewed and Photographed by Morgan Newbold

Last week at The Union Event Center, Foster the People played a loooong-awaited headline show on their Paradise State of Mind tour, returning to Salt Lake City after 7 years! I was really stoked to see them for the first time! They’ve been a staple band for me since I was in middle school, and I know many people who attended were probably also seeing them for the first time. They just released their 4th album last summer, ‘Paradise State of Mind’. This one is such a feel-good, psychedelic, and pure Foster the People-sounding record.

February 19, 2025February 19, 2025

JORDANA

Jordana • Rachel Bobbitt • February 14, 2025 • Kilby Court

Reviewed and Photographed by Amelia Weyerstall

It may have been pouring cold rain outside on February 14, 2025, but Jordana brought the
heat and love to a sold-out Valentine’s Day show at Kilby Court. The cozy Kilby Court was filled with happy couples, excited friend groups, and enthusiastic fans galore.

February 19, 2025February 20, 2025

TATE MCRAE ADDS 20+ DATES TO MASSIVE GLOBAL

‘MISS POSSESSIVE TOUR

THIRD STUDIO ALBUM ‘SO CLOSE TO WHAT’ OUT FEBRUARY 21

Sign Up for the Artist Presale Now HERE

General Onsale Begins Thursday, February 27 at 11am Local at TateMcRae.com

Today, multi-platinum pop sensation Tate McRae announced the addition of 23 new dates on her highly anticipated Miss Possessive Tour. Produced by Live Nation and sponsored by Neutrogena®, the massive global tour now includes new dates across the UK and North America.

February 17, 2025February 17, 2025

Benjamin Booker

Benjamin Booker • Kenny Segal • February 11, 2025 • Urban Lounge

Reviewed and Photographed by Sam Howard

The Urban Lounge is a very popular 21+ venue in downtown Salt Lake and has hosted shows that are both wild and intimate at the same time. Being in the heart of Salt Lake City, the Urban Lounge plays a defining role in the local music scene here in Utah and makes an exciting venue for bands and artists coming to play from out of town, like Benjamin Booker.

February 11, 2025February 11, 2025

Lauren Mayberry

Lauren Mayberry • January 31, 2025 • Soundwell SLC

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

I have found that whenever a vocalist in a band decides to go solo, things can go one of two ways. They create something interesting, and enjoyable and I become a fan of their work outside of the band from where I know them. The other is they try too hard to be different from the music we know them from. Or they aren’t able to put an album of songs together without their bandmates that their fans can connect with enough. I can understand the desire to try to make your own music and create an album trying different styles and techniques. It can be a risk, but I can’t blame an artist for wanting to do that. I personally enjoyed Lauren’s debut solo album, Vicious Creature. It was exciting to see that Mayberry announced a show in Salt Lake City. I couldn’t wait to hear these songs live.

February 10, 2025February 11, 2025

HEART Announces Rescheduled North America Shows for 2025

“Heart, undeniably, is a rock institution, an absolute powerhouse of searing guitar licks and unmistakable vocals.” – Consequence

“Ann’s voice is truly a gift from the heavens… she’s so good that her adjustments illustrated a master class in having range and vocal flexibility. Nancy’s guitar playing hasn’t waned….she’s become a player with more nuance and color over the years…” – LEO Weekly

“…exceptional…” – Charlotte Observer

Legendary rock band HEART today announced a run of rescheduled dates for 2025 following their triumphant Spring performances. The band will bring their signature sound to 19 cities, taking audiences on an unforgettable musical journey.

Last month, HEART was forced to postpone their remaining 2024 dates due to health reasons. You can read Ann Wilson’s full statement HERE.

February 3, 2025February 3, 2025

Spencer Sanders

Spencer Sanders • The Penny Candies • Sasha Haydn • February 1, 2025 • The Rise

Reviewed and Photographed by Sam Howard

Spencer Sanders live at The Rise in Provo, UT was a night full of folk sounds and storytelling through whimsical melodies. With family, friends, and family in attendance, The Rise made for a close and intimate stage setup. Allowing the artist to interact with the crowd and celebrate their music in a cozy way.

January 31, 2025February 6, 2025

Ramin Karimloo

Ramin Karimloo and The Broadgrass Band • January 24, 2025 • BYU Concert Hall

Reviewed by Kevin Rolfe

Photographed by Molly McCoy

I find it interesting the way we discover the artists we come to like. Back in the day, we’d hear a song on the radio, buy the album, and fall in love with a band by listening to them over and over. Sometimes, we’ll see a band or singer open a concert for someone we intend to see, and they end up becoming one of our favorites. More often today, we hear a song on TikTok or Instagram and go down the rabbit hole looking for more music than just the 30-second clip we heard. When it comes to becoming a fan of a star of musical theater it can be a little trickier. Most often we’ll hear a cast album and fall in love with a voice. From then on, pay attention to what they’ve done or will end up doing.