Utah Concert Review

August 30, 2023

Ogden Twilight: Cigarettes After Sex

Cigarettes After Sex•Ogden Twilight•August 23, 2023•Ogden Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Cigarettes After Sex is a band that has captivated audiences with their dreamy and ethereal sound. The band recently performed at the Ogden Twilight Concert series, and it was a night to remember. The band’s music is characterized as “Dream Pop”, providing soft, soothing vocals, and a slow, steady tempo. I admit that I wasn’t very familiar with Cigarettes After Sex. But I knew this show sold out really fast and people were clamoring to find anyone willing to sell their ticket. Ogden Amphitheater was packed when I walked in.

August 29, 2023

Ogden Twilight: Sylvan Esso

Sylvan Esso•August 22, 2023• Ogden Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Sylvan Esso’s performance at the Ogden Twilight Concert Series was a dazzling display of musical talent and showmanship. The duo of Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn delivered a high-energy set that kept the audience on their feet and dancing throughout the entire show. There was quite a bit of rain leading up to the concert. I think it may have scared off a few fans. The show was sold out, but it looked like some people stayed home in fear of being caught in a major storm. Fortunately for those who were brave enough to show up, they were able to enjoy the show without any major precipitation issues.

August 28, 2023

Markéta Irglová & Glen Hansard of The Swell Season

Markéta Irglová•Glen Hansard•August 21, 2023•Red Butte Garden

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

There have been some huge concerts this summer. We at Utah Concert Review have had the opportunity to cover many of them. Massive shows out at USANA like the Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins, and Shania Twain, or at Delta Center with major favorites like The Cure, NF, and Greta Van Fleet have made this summer special. But Markéta Irglová & Glen Hansard of The Swell Season at Red Butte Garden was one of my most anticipated concerts of the year. These artists at this venue are as good a match as you’ll find in a concert experience.

August 25, 2023

Sam Smith

Sam Smith•Jessie Reyez•August 19, 2023•Delta Center

Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson

On Saturday, August 19, the Delta Center welcomed Sam Smith to Salt Lake City. As I drove downtown in the pouring rain, I was grateful to be attending an indoor concert that evening. The arena was filled with fans excited to attend the much-anticipated show.

August 24, 2023

Carin León

Carin León• August 18, 2023• Delta Center

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Carin León’s concert at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City was an incredible experience. From start to finish, León’s energy and passion for his music was evident and infectious. This concert was a new experience for me. I’m what some might call a “gringo”. While I come from Mexican heritage, I don’t speak Spanish. Embarrassing I know.

August 23, 2023

Ogden Twilight: Beck

Beck•La Lom•August 14, 2023• Ogden Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Beck’s acoustic concert at Ogden Twilight Concert Series was a truly unique experience that showcased the artist’s versatility and talent. The concert took place on a warm summer evening in Ogden, Utah, with the majestic mountains in the background. Beck’s stripped-down, acoustic performance allowed his voice and songwriting to take center stage, and his dynamic guitar playing added a layer of depth to his music.

August 21, 2023

NF

NF•August 11, 2023 • Delta Center

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

I recently had the opportunity to attend a concert at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City featuring the incredibly talented rapper NF. People have been telling me about NF for some time. I was excited to see him perform live and witness his raw talent and energy on stage. NF is often labeled as a “Christian Rapper: I didn’t find this to be the case. He was signed to a Christian record label and his lyrics are clean. But I don’t think he’s part of the Christian music scene. At least not from my observation. I think NF is hoping to reach all audiences and doesn’t want to be pigeonholed into one faith base. And from what I could tell, there was a wide variety inside Delta Center.

August 16, 2023

Foo Fighters

Foo Fighters•The Breeders•August 8, 2023•USANA Amphitheatre

The tragic and shocking passing of drummer Taylor Hawkins on March 25, 2022, hit the rock world hard, and Foo Fighter fans even harder. As we mourned the loss of Hawkins, we also wondered if we’d also be morning the end of one of the best Rock bands today. Would Foo Fighters continue? And if they did, would we be able to embrace a new drummer in the band? After tour and festival cancellations were announced, speculation grew. If anything we knew it would at least be a while before we saw a new incarnation of Foo Fighters.

August 15, 2023

Young the Giant

Young the Giant•Milky Chance•Rosa Linn•August 3, 2023•The Great Saltair

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

If you’re a fan of alternative rock, then you know that Young the Giant is one of the best bands around. On Thursday, August 3, fans were able to rock out with Young the Giant at The Great Saltair in Magna, Utah. With Milky Chance and Rosa Linn opening, it was an unforgettable evening of music and energy that had the crowd dancing and singing along all night. It was truly an amazing experience that no fan of Young the Giant should miss.

August 15, 2023

Yellowcard

Yellowcard•Mayday Parade•Anberlin•August 6, 2023•USANA Amphitheatre

Reviewed and Photographed by Jenica Schulz

The summer air was electric with anticipation as fans gathered at USANA Amphitheatre for a night that would surely be etched into their memories forever. The occasion? A triumphant reunion of bands that once ruled the early 2000s music scene: Anberlin, Mayday Parade, and the long-awaited return of Yellowcard.