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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Mr. Bungle

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. 

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ZZ Top Eccles Theater

ZZ Top• w/ Eric Heideman• May 3, 2023• Eccles Theater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

On May 3rd, 2023, the iconic ZZ Top brought their blues-infused rock and roll to the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City. Delivering an unforgettable concert that had fans roaring for more.  The legendary band’s previous two Utah tour stops took place as part of the Red Butte Garden Outdoor Summer Concert Series.  I was interested to see what their show would be like in a theater setting. While this show was not unlike those shows as far as setup and setlist, it was awesome seeing them in one of my favorite Utah venues with some die hard fans.

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Elle King

Elle King• w/ Tanner Usrey• April 25, 2023• The Union

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Photo Credit: 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.

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Lewis Capaldi

Lewis Capaldi• w/ Em Beihold• April 23, 2023• UCCU Center

Reviewed and Photographed by Josilyn Wakkuri Lybbert

Scottish-born Lewis Capaldi, joined by Em Beihold, brought his sold-out Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent North American tour to Orem, UT on April 23rd. It was one of the last dates added to the tour, and I’m so happy that it was!

I heard that fans started lining up as early as 8 am, maybe even earlier, in hopes of securing the best spot for the General Admission floor area. It wasn’t the warmest day to wait it all day long, but at least it didn’t snow! Regardless, I know from personal experience that fans will do whatever it takes to get the most out of their concert experience!

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Muse

Muse• Evanescence• w/ Highly Suspect• April 20, 2023• Vivint Arena

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Photo Credit: Kevin Rolfe

Muse brought the U.S. leg of their Will Of The People Tour to a close right here in Salt Lake City on Thursday April 20. I’ve seen tour openers many times. Often, they’ll have some sound issues, or other technical kinks to work out, but they usually go over pretty well. I’m sure behind the scenes they’re seeing a lot more going on than we do in the crowd. I haven’t seen a lot of tour closers but when I have the band seems a little road weary, or mentally already on vacation. This was not the case with Muse, Evanescence, or Highly Suspect. You would think they were all in mid tour mode with how well this tour flowed.

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Rayland Baxter

Rayland Baxter w/ Liz Cooper & Friko

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

When it was announced that Rayland Baxter would be playing The Commonwealth Room in Salt Lake City, there was no doubt that it would be a sold out show.  Baxter is well liked here and it’s also been a while since he’s made a stop in Utah. Of course, we all know how the COVID-19 Pandemic put live music and touring to a halt.  So that was an obvious reason why we hadn’t seen Rayland in a while. The other was he was working on an album.  In 2022 Rayland Baxter released If I Were A Butterfly.  So not only were we finally going to see Rayland Baxter perform live again, but we were going to get to hear some of these songs performed for the first time in Salt Lake City.

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Days Like These: A Tribute to LOW

LOW Tribute Show•March 25, 2023•Velour Live Music Gallery

Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson

Photo Credit: Alisha Gregson

The atmosphere inside Provo’s esteemed music venue, Velour Live Music Gallery, felt different than normal on Saturday, March 25th. The venue and date had originally been booked to host a concert for the band Low, a place they had performed many times over the years. Sadly, after the recent passing of Low’s drummer, Mimi Parker, no such concert would take place. 

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Young Dubliners

The Young Dubliners• March 14, 2023• The Depot

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  We can think of no better way to celebrate than to share our review of our amazing time at The Depot in Salt Lake City, with The Young Dubliners.  The Young Dubliners have been a favorite in Utah for many years.  As far back as the old Zephyr Club.  A long-standing venue that hosted many bands in the 80s and 90s.They even played Salt Lake City during the Winter Olympics in 2002.  The Zephyr Club has since been torn down, but Salt Lake City’s love of The Young Dubliners is as strong as ever.  

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