Relive the Utah Concert Experience!
The Doobie Brothers• June 11, 2023• The Maverik Center
Reviewed and Photographed by Josilyn Wakkuri Lybbert
Many classic rock lovers headed to the Maverik Center in West Valley City on Sunday, June 11th to spend the evening with the legendary Doobie Brothers on their 50th Anniversary Tour! The excitement and anticipation were tangible from fans who had likely loved them through all of those fifty years, or at least through a few decades!
Continue reading “The Doobie Brothers”Duran Duran• w/ Nile Rodgers & Chic• and Bastille• June 3, 2023• Vivint Arena
Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe
The last time Duran Duran made a tour stop in Utah was way back in 2005. So to say anticipation for this concert was high is an understatement. Duran Duran has a huge fanbase here so it was a little surprising that they haven’t played here more often. When I saw this show announced I knew it would be one I had to attend. The only other time I have seen Duran Duran was at the KROQ Inland Invasion back in 2003. It was a billion degrees and a really long day. So I was excited to be seeing Duran Duran headlining their own show. Interestingly enough, they would coheadline with The Cure. The Cure would be playing Vivint Arena the following night. A show I would also be attending. These groups could not be more different and yet they’re somehow tied together for me.
Continue reading “Duran Duran”Lord Huron• w/ Allie Crow Buckley• & Little Moon• June 2, 2023• Gallivan Center
Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe
It’s hard to believe it’s been a year. Well, a year and a few days. On Memorial Day 2022, Lord Huron played a sold-out show at the Sandy Amphitheater. If you remember it wasn’t your typical Memorial Day. It was cold and windy. It was snowing in Park City and the threat of rain in the valley was real. The skies fortunately cleared and despite the cold, the concert went off without a hitch. Mostly without a hitch.
Lord Huron founder and frontman, Ben Schneider had played in Boise the night prior and I believe caught a cold that caused him to start to lose his voice. He powered through and from what I remember he only had to cut the show by one song. Following our show here in Utah, Lord Huron was set to play a string of sold-out gigs in Colorado at Red Rocks Amphitheater. I’m sure his vocal condition was scary, but from what I heard he did just fine in Colorado.
Continue reading “SLC Twilight: Lord Huron”Melanie Martinez• Portals Tour• w/ Tanukichan• June 1, 2023• Sandy Amphitheater
Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe
My niece knows that I review and photograph concerts. For at least two years, probably more, she has been telling me that I need to cover Melanie Martinez when she comes to town. Other times I’d visit her she would ask me if I knew when Melanie was going to play here. I have had my eye out for this tour for some time. I’m sure you could imagine how exciting it was to finally tell my niece that Melanie Martinez would finally be returning to Utah on her Portals Tour. Martinez has not been here since 2019. I would imagine the pandemic had something to do with that. Judging by the size and enthusiasm of the crowd at the Sandy Amphitheater, my niece wasn’t the only one excited about seeing this concert.
Continue reading “Melanie Martinez”Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade• w/ Fishbone• May 23, 2023• Red Butte Garden
Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson
Tuesday, May 23, marked the opening night for the Red Butte Garden Outdoor Concert Series. Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade and supporting band Fishbone brought their Summer Of Green Tour to the gardens. The sold-out show ended up being an exciting way to start off what is expected to be an incredible summer of concerts at the venue.
Continue reading “Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade”Shania Twain• Queen Of Me Tour• w/ Hailey Whitters• May 24, 2023• USANA Amphitheatre
Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe
It’s hard to believe, but after a historically long Winter, Spring, and Summer are finally here. That means concerts are moving outdoors. On Wednesday, May 24, USANA Amphitheatre opened its doors for the first time this year. Opening night was about as big as it will get all summer with Country Music/ Crossover Mega-Star, Shania Twain taking the stage. Twain brought her Queen of Me Tour to town and with her 20,000 fans squeezed into the large venue.
There was so much excitement in the air. Even with doors being held due to weather, people seemed to be in great spirits. Merch lines were long, drink lines were long, and in both I could see people talking to each other, asking if they’d seen Shania before, where their seats were, and what she might perform. I enjoyed seeing familiar faces, from fellow photographers to security, to the local promoters. It felt like the fun part of the first day of school.
Continue reading “Shania Twain”Johnny Mathis• Voice Of Romance Tour•May 19, 2023• Eccles Theater
Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson
On Friday, May 19th, the legendary Johnny Mathis spent an evening serenading a theater full of his adoring fans. The 87-year-old icon brought his Voice Of Romance tour to Salt Lake City’s Eccles Theater. With 67 years of experience as a musical entertainer, Mathis knows what it takes to impress a crowd. The audience was mostly made up of an older generation that arrived excited to hear nostalgic songs of the past. With his smooth tenor voice that has somehow remained as powerful as ever, Mathis transported his fans back in time.
Continue reading “Johnny Mathis”M83• w/ Jeremiah Chiu• Ogden Twilight •May 6, 2023• Ogden Amphitheater
Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe
It’s that time of year again! Outdoor concerts have returned to Utah! Things are finally warming up and our outdoor venues are ready to be used. Leading things off this year is the Ogden Twilight Series. They opened their series with Electronic Alternative band, M83. M83 was joined by Jeremiah Chiu. It was to be a night of great Electronic Music. The concert sold out quickly so it was obvious that not only were Utahns ready to see these musicians, but they were ready for Summer to begin and to finally be outside.
Continue reading “Ogden Twilight: M83”Mr. Bungle• w/ Melvins & Spotlights• May 17, 2023• The Union
Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson
On Wednesday, May 17th Mr. Bungle brought their Geek Show tour to The Union Event Center. They were joined by supporting bands, Melvins, and Spotlights. Talking with fans before the show, I was told that Mr. Bungle’s concerts are known for taking their fans on a wild ride. I should expect the unexpected.
Continue reading “Mr. Bungle”Elle King• w/ Tanner Usrey• April 25, 2023• The Union
Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe
The Union Events Center in Salt Lake City was pulsating with energy on the night of April 25, 2023, thanks to the arrival of the one and only Elle King on her A-Freakin’-Men Tour. As soon as the doors opened, fans flooded in, eager to witness the power and intensity of this exceptional performer. Elle was scheduled to perform in Salt Lake City earlier in the year but was forced to reschedule due to severe weather between Denver and SLC. We were happy that she had an open date. Utah and Elle King have developed a strong relationship in recent years. She performed at last year’s Fort Desolation Fest and will be returning to Salt Lake City this summer with Melissa Etheridge as part of Red Butte Garden’s Outdoor Summer Concert Series.
Continue reading “Elle King”