Relive the Utah Concert Experience!
Gregory Alan Isakov • Josiah and the Bonnevilles • August 29, 2024 • Snow Park Amphitheater • Deer Valley
Reviewed and Photographed by Austin Dayton
This weekend indie-folk artist Gregory Alan Isakov brought his Appaloosa Bones Tour to Park City, Utah with special guest Josiah and the Bonnevilles. Gregory and his band delivered a phenomenal summer night concert at the open-air Snow Park Amphitheater and all in attendance seemed to be in agreeance.
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Train • REO Speedwagon • Yacht Rock Band • August 30, 2024 • Utah First Amphitheater
Reviewed and Photographed by Josilyn Wakkuri Lybbert
Train pulled into West Valley City for their Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour at Utah First Credit Union Amphitheater on August 29. They brought along Yacht Rock Revue and REO Speedwagon making for a night of fun music that spanned across the decades!
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Koe Wetzel • Kolby Cooper • August 9, 2024 • Sandy Amphitheater
Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson
August 9th marked an electrifying evening at the Sandy Amphitheater, where Texas country-rock sensation Koe Wetzel brought his “Damn Near Normal” tour to life, with Kolby Cooper warming up the stage as the opener. The concert was a dynamic blend of raw energy, lyrical depth, and Southern charm, making it an unforgettable night for fans.
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Killer Mike • Hippo Campus • Bad Luck Brigade • August 8, 2024 • Ogden Amphitheater
Reviewed and Photographed by Mark Daluz
Ogden Twilight hasn’t been pulling any of their punches when it comes to insane show lineups. Diplo, St. Vincent, and Killer Mike making an appearance to name a few. But this particular show has been a big mark on my calendar for quite some time. Having indie-rock favorite Hippo Campus and hip-hop star Killer Mike perform on the same day was one that initially confused me. I was eager to see it nevertheless.
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Peso Pluma • August 11, 2024 • Delta Center
Reviewed and Photographed by Marlo Matamoros
The 25-year-old global superstar from Guadalajara, Mexico would make his ÉXODO tour stop in Salt Lake City, Utah on August 11, 2024. Peso Pluma had his breakthrough year in 2023 with his GÉNESIS album which went on to win a Grammy for Best Música Mexicana Album. In 2023 he also collaborated with Eslabon Armado on a song titled “Ella Baila Sola” which became one of the most streamed songs around the world. Peso Pluma has played a big part in the corridos tumbados movement which translates to trap corridos. Peso Pluma is known for his raspy voice style and was the first Música Mexicana artist to perform at the MTV Video Music Awards this last year.
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Michael Franti & Spearhead • Citizen Cope • July 31, 2024 • Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater • Deer Valley
Reviewed and Photographed by Mark Daluz
On the evening of July 31st, the traffic at Park City was worse than normal but that didn’t come without reason. Michael Franti & Spearhead were playing at the Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater at Deer Valley and the town was eager to see him. As a Park City local, DV concerts are always so special as the setting is stunning and the once-ski slope turns into a great gathering place for shows. Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit just a couple of weeks ago with The Dead South and Gregory Alan Isakov appearing in the following weeks. I love how Park City (renowned for world-class skiing) is a part of Utah’s music scene.
Once I could find parking, I made my way into the venue. Not shockingly, I was able to point out a couple of people I knew within the lines and catch up with many of them during the wait. Unfortunately, The line was so long that the opener was already nearing its end when I got through.
Feeling a little disappointed in myself for not anticipating traffic I knew was there, I brushed it off to make the most of the opener. When I made my way to the VIP area, everyone had their eyes locked in, it seemed that making my way past people wouldn’t be an issue in breaking that focus. Citizen Cope is mainly focused on the Reggae & Alternative Indie scenes. The music was funky and they had so much joy on stage. Their sets were a great way to ease into the night.
As the time drew closer for Michael to take the stage, The venue was pretty much filled to the brim with people. During this time, a countdown was starting at 10. As the number closed in on zero, you could hear the excitement and screams from everyone at Deer Valley. A video played after the countdown of Michael reminds us to remember and focus on the good things in life. Right as the video ended, his band started to make their way to the stage with Michael coming out last.
They immediately played “Meet Me When the Sun Goes Down, ” setting the tone for the rest of the night. The high-energy song was enough to get people still sitting on their blankets to get up and start waving their hands in the air. It was also too much for Michael as halfway through the song, he sprinted into the crowd and started singing alongside the members of the audience.
Michael was consistently interacting with the crowd, and the people loved it. It was rare to listen to a song that didn’t have Michael saying “Go say Hi to someone new” or “Dosey-doe with the person next to you”. Every song had sparks of positivity through words and the pure happiness that he was showing. Michael was very animated and moved all over the stage. He interacted with his fellow bandmates often as well. Michael brought many people up on the stage with him. Including one girl who got to bring her whole family up to join in the singing and got everyone over the age of 80 to join the stage with him as well. I admired that he made sure everyone introduced themselves and took a major interest in the people who joined him.
Don’t get me wrong, I love how positive Michael was the entire show but I personally think that got in the way of the music. When talking to other members of the crowd, some also shared this sentiment. He tried to push out the message of positivity every chance he got which made the show feel repetitive. One guy even said “We didn’t really come for the music but more so Michael’s charisma and being amazing at giving others energy. He does a great job at making everyone feel like they were part of a community celebration”. I will give him that, his charisma was truly palpable throughout the performance. He has a unique ability to connect to his audience on a personal level effortlessly.
As I left the Snow Park Amphitheater, I started to think about Michael’s impact on the people he sang to today. In a world with so many sad and horrible things happening. He served as a reminder to all be present, to care and love others close to you. Michael delivered a performance that was both entertaining and meaningful. For those who needed it the most, I know it was an unforgettable experience.
Noah Kahan • Jensen McRae • July 9, 2024 • Utah First Amphitheatre
Reviewed by Kevin Rolfe
Photos by Vanessa Holt
It was an epic scene out at Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre. It wasn’t just a sold-out crowd. That would be awesome on its own. But there was a buzz in the air I had not felt in some time. There had been an anticipation for the show the moment it was announced. I don’t remember a show being talked about quite so much. If I wore my I Was/ I Am Tour shirt out of the house, someone for sure would compliment me and ask me if I was going to the show. It was so exciting to walk into Utah First Amp and see all the excitement.
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Nickel Creek • Andrew Bird • July 10, 2024 • Sandy Amphitheater
Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe
There is something special about seeing a Bluegrass band in an outdoor amphitheater on a summer’s night. Some might even say that this is the only way you should see a Bluegrass or Americana band. I can’t say I disagree. I’ve seen some of these shows indoors and while it is still awesome, I do prefer the outdoor shows. There’s something in the music that calls for a setting sun, a warm temperature, and a cold drink. These were the conditions for Nickel Creek and Andrew Bird at Sandy Amphitheater. The crowd made sure to arrive early so when I walked into Sandy Amp the venue was pretty much completely full already.
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The Decemberists • July 24, 2024 • Sandy Amphitheater
Reviewed and Photographed by Lily Rutherford
In support of their newest album, As It Ever Was, So It Will Be Again, The Decemberists embarked on the 36-show A Peaceable Kingdom tour across the United States. Their Utah stop was at the Sandy Amphitheater on July 24. The Sandy Amphitheater was a perfect venue for the Portland-based band, as it embraced their folky sounds with the surrounding trees and mountains. The outdoor venue felt light and airy, supporting the bands playing within it and immersing the audience into the experience, deepened by the forest cut-outs set behind the band on stage and moody lighting.
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Blink-182 • Pierce The Veil • Landon Barker • July 11, 2024 • Delta Center
Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson
On Thursday, July 11th, Blink 182 brought their “One More Time” tour to Salt Lake City’s Delta Center. As expected, the tickets sold out quickly, and the arena was jam-packed with excited fans. The iconic California-based pop punk band put on an unforgettable performance and kept the crowd on their feet for their entire 26-song set.
