Ben Rector • October 7, 2023• Sandy Ampitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Jenica Schulz

As the sun began to set over the picturesque city of Sandy, Utah, music lovers from all corners of the state gathered at the Sandy Amphitheater for a night they would never forget. Ben Rector, the acclaimed singer-songwriter, brought his soulful melodies and heartwarming lyrics to this iconic venue, closing out the season with a sold-out show. This wasn’t just any concert; it was the second night of the Old Friends Acoustic Tour, and every seat was filled.

Tom Odell• Isabel LaRosa•Jane’s Party•October 21, 2023•The Union

Reviewed and Photographed by Nate Bonney

On October 21st, 2023, Tom Odell played at The Commonwealth Room in Salt Lake City Joined him were Jane’s Party and Isabel LaRosa. 

Declan McKenna•October 21, 2023•The Union

Reviewed and Photographed by Morgan Newbold

Everyone stop what you’re doing! Declan McKenna is BACK! Fans, and myself, have been patiently waiting for his return to Utah. His last gig here was in 2018! On Saturday night, he played at The Union, in the heart of Salt Lake City for ‘The Big Return’ Tour. 

Buzzards and Bees•October 21, 2023•Downtown Provo

Reviewed and Photographed by Mark Daluz

As we approach the climax of the spooky season, there was no other way to add to the suspense but with a music festival! Buzzards and Bees was the perfect way to get into the spirit of Halloween for those who decided to attend. The night of October 21st marked the fifth going of this multi-venue music festival in Downtown Provo. Here, you can hear different genres ranging from Indie, Electronic, Soul, Folk, Chamber, & Rock with each venue being the home of a specific genre. For example, The Velour Music Gallery hosted Rock/Indie artists while the Dry Bar venue would host Folk Rock/Americana artists. It was super fun to pop into one venue and hear screeching guitar riffs then move down the block to be serenaded by slow, soulful singing. 

Dean Lewis•Sara Kays•October 27, 2023•The Union

Reviewed and Photographed by Mark Daluz

On October 27th, Australian star Dean Lewis finally made his stop at the Union Event Center for his The Future is Bright tour and I was so excited to see him up close. Dean Lewis was a super favorite of mine a couple of years ago as multiple of his top hits helped me through tough times. I had the chance to see him last year at The Depot but unfortunately plans with friends didn’t work out and missed out on seeing him. However, getting the chance to finally see him live was one that I wasn’t going to take lightly.

Stephen Sanchez•Stephen Day•October 26, 2023•The Union

Reviewed and Photographed by Josilyn Wakkuri Lybbert

The line of Stephen Sanchez fans that wrapped around the block from The Union Event Center started at nine o’clock in the morning on October 26th. It was one of the first really chilly days of the fall season, but that made no difference to those eager to see Stephen. People made themselves at home on the sidewalks of Salt Lake City where fans could be seen wrapped up in blankets to stay warm, applying makeup, having dinner, and of course, blasting the man of the hour’s songs in preparation for the night! 

Sanchez had just brought his first tour to Salt Lake City in March of this year. Since then, he’d released his first full-length album, “Angel Face.” The album has a consistent 1950s/1960s vibe while still fitting right in in 2023. Many people arrived decked out in vintage-style outfits to match the feel of the album’s music and the show! 

SZA•d4vd•October 19, 2023•Delta Center

Reviewed and Photographed by Logan Fang

Last Thursday, Salt Lake had the pleasure of hosting pop and R&B superstar SZA at the Delta Center for the next leg of her SOS Tour. Because the tour was canceled last spring, it was clear that Utah fans were eager to hear her perform in SLC, as even an hour before the concert began, the staggering line already wrapped around the block. As a long time listener of SZA ever since her debut album “Ctrl,” I too was bubbling with excitement. Her most recent album “SOS” has amassed overwhelming success since its release, reigning at No. 1 for nearly two months on the Billboard 200.

Laufey•Adam Melchor•October 17, 2023•The Depot

Reviewed and Photographed by Logan Fang

Laufey’s “Bewitched” tour made its way to SLC last Wednesday with indie star Adam Melchor joining her for a sold-out performance at The Depot. While the venue itself was on the smaller-side, the main floor quickly filled up at the start of the night as audience members dashed to the front to get a better view of the stage. On a number of occasions, security guards had to remind eager teens to stay in line and walk.