Barenaked Ladies

Barenaked Ladies• Last Summer On Earth Tour• Semisonic• Del Amitri• June 13, 2023• Red Butte Garden

Reviewed and Photographed by Josilyn Wakkuri Lybbert

Photo Credit: Josilyn Wakkuri Lybbert

The recent rain and storms stayed at bay just long enough to make for a perfect atmosphere for an outdoor concert at Red Butte Garden Amphitheater on June 14th! The Barenaked Ladies, along with Semisonic and Del Amitri brought their Last Summer On Earth Tour to Salt Lake City, and people were clearly thrilled about it. The show was totally sold out! Fans of literally all ages, from babies and on, came out to the gorgeous Red Butte Garden Amphitheater for the show. I had only been to the venue once before and remember it being pretty, but wow! Flowers were blooming across the venue and in front of the stage, there was a pond with a waterfall, and it was just all around beautiful. So much so that each band commented on it at least once during their sets! 

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Micky Dolenz celebrates The Monkees

The Monkees Celebrated by Micky Dolenz•June 8, 2023•Egyptian Theater Park City

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

On June 8, 2023, nostalgic music fans made their way to the Egyptian Theater in Park City, Utah where they were treated to a truly memorable evening. Micky Dolenz, best known as a vocalist and drummer of The Monkees, took the stage for a highly anticipated concert. Dolenz, a living legend of the music industry, delivered a performance that showcased his timeless talent, infectious energy, and enduring appeal. The audience was transported back in time to the golden era of rock ‘n’ roll. Reveling in the hits that defined a generation. My hope is to capture the essence of that unforgettable evening in Park City. Where we celebrated the enduring artistry of Micky Dolenz.

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The Doobie Brothers

The Doobie Brothers• June 11, 2023• The Maverik Center

Reviewed and Photographed by Josilyn Wakkuri Lybbert

Photo Credit: 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!

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Duran Duran

Duran Duran• w/ Nile Rodgers & Chic• and Bastille• June 3, 2023• Vivint Arena

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Photo Credit: 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. 

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SLC Twilight: Lord Huron

Lord Huron• w/ Allie Crow Buckley• & Little Moon• June 2, 2023• Gallivan Center

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Photo Credit: 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. 

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Melanie Martinez

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.

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Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade

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. 

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Shania Twain

Shania Twain• Queen Of Me Tour• w/ Hailey Whitters• May 24, 2023• USANA Amphitheatre

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Photo Credit: 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. 

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Johnny Mathis

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.

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Ogden Twilight: M83

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.  

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