Shakey Graves • Atta Boy • August 19, 2024 • Red Butte Garden Amphitheater
Reviewed and Photographed by Austin Dayton
A sold-out crowd packed their way into Red Butte Garden this last Monday, August 19th, to spend their evening singing and dancing with folk-rock, singer-songwriter, Shakey Graves. The Salt Lake City crowd was treated to a high-energy yet personal show by the Austin city-based performer. One could not have asked for a better evening as all the stars seemed to align, the days of storming had just cleared up and set the stage for one of the best shows of the summer.
Atta Boy
The night began with a wonderful and dynamic set from supporting group Atta Boy. Having met in middle school the group clearly showed their confidence as they rocked their way onto the stage. Rooted in an energetic and youthful sound, Atta Boy shared a mix of infectious melodies and dynamic rhythms. Determined to share a music experience with the entire crowd, Atta Boy left it all on the stage as the sang and jammed as the sun set over the Oquirrh mountains.
Shakey Graves
As the sky darkened and the stars began to fill the backdrop of the sky, the anticipation in the crowd was palpable. It seemed as if every couple of minutes, every crew member testing guitars and sound equipment was continually mistaken for the artist’s entrance to the stage. Eventually, before anyone could realize it, the crowd got what they had been waiting for as the singer-songwriter Shakey Graves appeared center stage. Known by many for his genre-blending mix of rock, indie, folk, and the blues, the expectations were high and from the opening lines of “Roll the Bones,” it was evident that Shakey Graves was ready to deliver a performance that would be loved by his audience.
From the moment Shakey Graves made his way onto that stage it was clear that he had his heart set on winning over the Salt Lake crowd. With his trusty guitar in hand, he had the audience moving within moments. Shakey quickly showed his hand as the crowd realized they were in for a night of soul-stirring music.
Fully embodying the eclectic soul of his home city of Austin, Shakey’s music didn’t fit neatly into one genre. Throughout the night Graves demonstrated this versatility of genres, effortlessly switching between upbeat rock, haunting ballads, and foot-stomping folk. Supported off and on by talented guitarists, drummers, key players, and even a harmonicist, Shakey showed he was just as good with a band as he was solo.
As engaging as Shakey was with his singing, he matched the engagement with his banter and communication with the audience. Several times throughout the night, Shakey would jest at crowd members after they would cheer for something outlandish, he would say.
This banter kept the audience on their toes as one never quite knew if the intro explanation he was giving about the next song was supposed to be serious or just him playing around. One song in particular, “Late July” was prefaced with what the audience thought was an intimate moment as Shakey began to explain how we all experience so many of the same things, music being the thing that can tie us all together. With the song “Late July” Shakey went on to say, that the common experience of murdering a lover, running away to Mexico, getting captured, and being put in prison in late July was an experience he assured the audience was all too common and we need not feel out of place. Laughter abounded.
Shakey Graves’ stage presence was equally as impressive. Throughout the night he worked the crowd into a sense of ease and laughter that the performer has clearly mastered over the years. His general ability to connect on a human level may be one of his greatest assets he brings on tour with him. The entire show itself felt less like a famous untouchable singer celebrity and more like a show from one of your best buddies performing on your back patio. Just with the caveat that your best buddy is an insanely talented singer.
The Red Butte Garden venue proved to be an ideal setting for Shakey Graves’ music, with its intimate natural atmosphere and excellent viewing for all in attendance. The sold-out crowd was packed in tightly, but the energy of joy and community had flooded across the amphitheater for the entire show. As Shakey played some of his more popular songs such as “Tomorrow” and “Dearly Departed,” the crowd knew they were getting exactly what they came for. People were dancing, drinking, singing, and laughing the entire night as the sun slowly set, and the stars filled the perfect backdrop for one of the best shows of the summer.
As the night progressed, Shakey Graves closed his main set with a genuine “Thank You” to the Utah crowd, reminiscing on the first time he played in the state almost four years earlier, and a thank you to his talented supporting band. As he left the stage it was clear that the audience needed more. Cheers and hollers echoed through the surrounding trees and moments later Shakey Graves returned to the stage for his well-deserved encore. With a grin on his face, he launched into a playful guitar riff that eventually led into “Roll the Bones.” As his last song finished Shakey simply lifted his hand in the air in a gesture of gratitude. with a wave and the crowd cheering Shakey ended his show.
In short, Shakey Graves delivered just what one would hope for on a warm summer evening. Shakey’s remarkable talent and dedication to his craft was on display the entire night and with his signature blend of folk, punk, and the blues, he created an unforgettable night of music. If you did not happen to make it to the show this week, do yourself a favor and spend an evening with Shakey Graves next time he stops in Salt Lake City.