DISPATCH

DISPATCH • John Butler • August 5, 2025 • Red Butte Garden Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

When Dispatch takes the stage, it’s never just another concert—it’s an experience rooted in camaraderie, storytelling, and the kind of communal spirit that has defined their career for more than two decades. The Boston-born indie/roots band, long hailed as one of the most successful independent acts in history, has always carried a special ability to turn a performance into a shared moment of humanity. Their concert on August 5 at Red Butte Garden Amphitheater was no exception. Blending their eclectic mix of folk, rock, reggae, and jam-band improvisation, Dispatch reminded fans why their music continues to resonate across generations.

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Mt. Joy

SLC Twilight: Mt. Joy • The Moss • August 12, 2025 • Library Square

Reviewed and Photographed by Matisse McMullin

Photo Credit: Matisse McMullin

Salt Lake City’s annual Twilight Concert Series is a dream come true for Utah music fans. Tuesday night’s insane pairing of headliner and opener drew a sold-out crowd full of excitement. Many attendees sought shade beneath the trees, enjoying the variety of food trucks and beverage tents while desperately waiting for the music to begin.

Despite it being one of the hottest days of the year in Salt Lake City, crowds of people pressed together across the grounds, hoping to secure a good spot to enjoy the music and catch a glimpse of the artists.

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The Lumineers

The Lumineers • Tom Odell • July 30, 2025 • Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre

Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson

Photo Credit: Alisha Gregson

On July 30, The Lumineers brought their Automatic World Tour to Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre to promote their newest album. With them, they brought their signature mix of emotional storytelling and foot-stomping folk energy. The excitement was felt long before the music started. Merch lines stretched far, and fans were chatting with friends while anticipation grew. Many came dressed in nods to the band’s aesthetic. Including plenty of flower crowns in tribute to their hit “Flowers in Your Hair.” 

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Regina Spektor

Regina Spektor • August 1, 2025 • Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

August concerts started off on a good note with Regina Spektor bringing her Midsummer Daydream Tour to Sandy Amphitheater.  It was a hot August night, as you might expect.  But that didn’t stop fans from filling the amphitheater.  Utah seems to really love Regina and her music.  I’m glad she keeps coming back.  And judging by the size of the crowd, she’ll always have a fanbase here.

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Band of Horses

Ogden Twilight • Band of Horses • Blind Pilot • July 30, 2025 • Ogden Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Marlo Matamoros

Photo Credit: Marlo Matamoros

Band of Horses performed at the Ogden Amphitheater with Wet World and Blind Pilot on July 30th. I was really excited to cover this show. I have been a fan of their music for a while but have yet to see them live. In 2008, my favorite artist, Kid Cudi, released his debut mixtape. This mixtape includes a song titled “The Prayer,” which is a sample of “The Funeral” by Band of Horses. Through this mixtape, I discovered the band, which led me to purchase Everything All The Time on vinyl.

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Jake Scott

Jake Scott • MaRynn Taylor • July 31, 2025 • The Union Events Center

Reviewed and Photographed by Josilyn Wakkuri Lybbert

One of Utah’s favorites, Jake Scott, joined by MaRynn Taylor, returned to Salt Lake City on Thursday, July 31st, for his Live in ‘25 Tour! Fans of all ages flooded The Union Events Center, excited for his return to Salt Lake City!

This show was a fun one to have on my roster because I think I’ve photographed and reviewed every one of Jake Scott’s shows in Utah up until this point! From opening up for Ben Rector, his own show, his album release concert, and even his surprise appearance at Russell Dickerson’s concert this past April – I’ve been there! He’s now the artist I’ve photographed the most, so it was an honor to be there to cover the show!

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Sutton Foster and Kelli O’hara

Sutton Foster • Kelli O’hara • July 26, 2025 • Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

The Utah Symphony has been busy this summer.  The Deer Valley Music Festival has been filled with a variety of great performances.  From artists like Lindsey Stirling, to the music of Disney, to The Beach Boys, the symphony shows their range and brings great performance after great performance to the Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater at Deer Valley.  July 26 was no exception.  Two great Tony-Award Award-winning Broadway Stars, Sutton Foster and Kelli O’Hara, graced the Park City stage.  It was a special night for fans of musical theater.  Getting to see two of the best performers Broadway has to offer in our state for one night doesn’t happen here all the time. The show was well attended, and the audience was totally entranced by these vocalists.

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Fitz and the Tantrums

Fitz and the Tantrums • Ax and the Hachetmen • July 28, 2025 • Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Matisse McMullin

With over 16 years of music-making, six studio albums, and seven major tours under their belt, iconic indie-pop band Fitz and the Tantrums took the stage with high energy from the very start.

Monday night’s crowd spanned a wide range of ages, a testament to how Fitz and the Tantrums’ music resonates across generations and serves as a soundtrack to many lives, regardless of age or background.

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Alison Krauss and Union Station

Alison Krauss and Union Station • Willie Watkins • July 25, 2025 • Red Butte Garden Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Bluegrass legends Alison Krauss and Union Station, featuring Jerry Douglas, have reunited. They hit the road for the first time in a decade.  Earlier this year, they released their eighth studio album, “Arcadia.”  They brought their tour of the same name to Red Butte Garden Amphitheater on July 25.  I can’t think of a better pairing of band and venue.  I have seen Alison Krauss before, so I knew that this would be an amazing night of music.  However, seeing her with Union Station is an altogether different experience.  One that I knew I wanted to check off the list. Am I ever glad I did.

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AJR

AJR • July 22, 2025 • Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre

Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson

Photo Credit: Alisha Gregson

On July 22, 2025, AJR brought their “Somewhere in the Sky Tour” to Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre, and the energy was electric from the very beginning. The pop band made up of brothers,  Adam, Jack, and Ryan Met, drew in fans of all ages, including many teens, young adults, and families. Fans were decked out in AJR merch, and I spotted quite a few trapper hats just like the one that lead singer Jack is known for. Before the music even started, long merch lines stretched across the plaza, and excited chatter about past tours and hoped-for songs filled the air. 

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