Utah Concert Review

Indigo Girls • Amos Lee • September 17, 2024 • Red Butte Garden Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Marlo Matamoros

Amos Lee and the Indigo Girls co-headlined to a sold-out crowd on September 17^th at the Red Butte Garden for their outdoor concert series. The Indigo Girls are a folk-rock duo from Atlanta Georgia. The duo consists of Amy Ray and Emily Sailers who grew up together. The duo has a Grammy win for Best Contemporary Folk Recording and a documentary on Netflix that just released last year on their 40-year music journey. Indigo Girls have a huge discography with hits such as “Closer to Fine”, “Least Complicated”, “Ghost”, and “Kid Fears”. The duo can both play the guitar and sing. The duo is known for being activists and working on issues such as immigration reform, LGBTQ advocacy, Native American rights, and death penalty reform. Indigo Girls have performed on the NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert series and have also toured with the Bon Iver. 

Sturgill Simpson • September 17, 2024 • Maverik Center

Reviewed and Photographed by Max Taylor

On September 17, 2024, country music artist Sturgill Simpson brought his “Why Not?” Tour to the Maverik Center in West Valley City, Utah. Even before the show began, the anticipation was palpable as the audience filled the pit and shuffled to their seats. Cowboy boots and hats began to fill the 12,000 seat capacity venue as a security guard was overheard mentioning how they were anticipating at least a 3 hour show from Sturgill. This really set the tone for what would become an unforgettable night of music. Fans of all ages, eagerly awaiting a night of authentic, electrifying country music, were buzzing with excitement. 

The National Parks • Elias Hix • Seaslak • September 14, 2024 • Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Amelia Weyerstall

The National Parks brought their Wild Spirit World Tour to Utah. The hometown album release celebration brought in a full house filled with fans of The National Parks. We have had the opportunity to cover past album releases with this band and they are always a good time. Saturday in Sandy was no exception. The National Parks were joined by fellow Utah-based band, Seaslak and Elias Hix out of Tennessee.

Violent Femmes • September 9, 2024 • Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

I’ve had the opportunity to see Violent Femmes a number of times over the years.  Whether it be at festivals, as openers, or headlining, Violent Femmes always leave an impact.  No one sounds like them.  When you hear Gordon Gano’s voice it’s easy to know it’s them.  They’re legends of “Folk Punk” and their unique style can be picked out anywhere.  There was no need to identify them at a huge festival here.  Violent Femmes were not only headlining Sandy Amphitheater, but the show was in such high demand a second night was added.  We had the opportunity to attend that show.

Buena Vista Orchestra • September 9, 2024 • Red Butte Garden Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Amelia Weyerstall

Under an orange crescent moon in the sky, Buena Vista Orchestra enchanted the crowd provoking them to move their hips, clap along, and dance to the music. In the beautiful Red Butte Garden Amphitheater, flowers line the stage and sidewalls of the greenspace for the audience. It creates a floral down-to-earth feel that no other venue can match.  

While walking in, people rushed past all sides of me, trying to get as close as possible to the band they had eagerly waited to see. The stage setup was just instruments, it made the band feel closer to the audience and I believe that it also helped the band to connect with the crowd in a more intimate way. While doors were opening, soundcheck for  Buena Vista Orchestra had just begun as the band encountered some traffic along the way,  this may have made the show start late, but it also gave the audience a little taste of what to expect later in the night.