Alan Jackson August 7, 2021 Vivint Arena

Photo Credit: Kevin Rolfe

It was a big night in Vivint Arena.  Not only was Country Music legend, Alan Jackson performing, but it was the first time the arena would be hosting a full capacity, sold-out concert in almost two years.  The way everything went, you wouldn’t have guessed it had been that long.  Concessions, security, and ushers alike were in top form.  It was a great feeling, but still a little odd to see so many people together.  

Continue reading “Alan Jackson August 7, 2021 Vivint Arena”

Travis Tritt August 6, 2021 Red Butte Garden Amphitheater

Photo Credit: Kevin Rolfe

When this year’s Red Butte Garden Concert Series lineup was announced, one of the names that surprised me was Travis Tritt.  Not that I didn’t think he was big enough for Red Butte, because he’s plenty big. He’s a Country music icon.  But generally, this isn’t the typical artist that plays Red Butte.  I thought maybe he’d show up at Country Fan Fest, or at the State Fair, but sure enough, Travis Tritt brought his tour to Red Butte Garden and it was a night to remember. 

Continue reading “Travis Tritt August 6, 2021 Red Butte Garden Amphitheater”

Miranda Lambert February 25, 2020 Vivint Arena

By: Kevin Rolfe

Photo Credit: Tyler Conrad

We’ve had a few canceled or postponed shows in Utah in the last few months. Some due to weather, and some due to illness. The latter is the case for Country Music superstar, Miranda Lambert. From what I read on social media, Ms. Lambert became under the weather and wasn’t comfortable performing with her voice in the state it was in. It’s disappointing when a show needs to be postponed, but I admire Miranda for wanting to give her fans the best show possible. This performance was well worth the wait.

Continue reading “Miranda Lambert February 25, 2020 Vivint Arena”

Brandi Carlile February 8, 2020, Vivint Arena

By: Kevin Rolfe

Photo Credit: Melissa Majchrzak @melissamajch

Brandi Carlile made her much-anticipated return to Utah Saturday night at Vivint Smart Home Arena, easily the largest venue she’s played in the Beehive State.  Carlile was originally set to play Vivint Arena on December 6 but found it necessary to reschedule due to a bruised vocal chord following a bout with laryngitis.  Rescheduling a show can be difficult. Most of your tour is already laid out, and usually, it’s taking you further and further from the location you’ve had to cancel.  I was happy to get a firm rescheduled date. Sometimes the “We’re working on a new date…” can hang in limbo until we forget about it or the artist is ultimately unable to find a new date on the calendar to play.  But Brandi Carlile made sure she was coming to Utah, and we didn’t have to wait too long. She rescheduled the arena date to February 8, almost two months exactly from when her original show was meant to be. That can also be unusual.  KISS, for example, had to postpone their September 2019 show out at USANA Amphitheater and weren’t able to reschedule the date until this upcoming summer. So, a huge thanks to Brandi for making up her show so soon!  

Continue reading “Brandi Carlile February 8, 2020, Vivint Arena”

The Wood Brothers August 28, 2019, Red Butte Garden

By: Erica Fasoli

Photo Credit: Erica Fasoli

On Wednesday night, a unique combination of Americana, folk, and country music filled the air in the foothills of Salt Lake City. I walked into Red Butte Garden Amphitheater at quarter to 7:00 pm and already the place was full. People had claimed their space with chairs and blankets and were enjoying the surprisingly cool weather. One thing that I love about this outdoor venue is the atmosphere. There’s always been such a positive vibe – people sitting around enjoying each other’s company over a beer and some laughs. Thursday night was no different. Everyone was there to have a good time. 

Continue reading “The Wood Brothers August 28, 2019, Red Butte Garden”

LeAnn Rimes, August 19, 2019, Scera Shell Outdoor Theater

By: Evelyn Salazar

Photo By: Evelyn Salazar

Not only is LeAnn Rimes absolutely beautiful, but she has the voice of an angel. This past Monday she had the Scera Shell Theater packed with fans of all ages. All the seats were sold out and the lawn was covered with tons of blankets and chairs filled with people setting up to see their favorite artist. I got there before showtime and watched the Mayor of Orem City on stage, welcoming everyone to the concert. Before the show, the venue gave out pamphlets to everyone and they were doing giveaway prizes on stage! If your pamphlet had certain stickers on certain pages, you were able to win some really cool prizes. I thought that was awesome and a fun way to get everyone focused on the stage before showtime.

Continue reading “LeAnn Rimes, August 19, 2019, Scera Shell Outdoor Theater”

Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real August 8, 2019, Deer Valley

Photo By: Fred Hayes

The beauty of live music is the simple fact that no live show is exactly the same.  And Lukas Nelson & the Promise of the Real was a testament to that! Never has the Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater felt more outdoors than it did on the night of August 8, 2019.  Not only were we treated to one of the best shows so far in the Deer Valley Concert Series, but on this night, ‘Ol Mother Nature didn’t want to be left out of the action.  

The evening began as any other might at a Deer Valley concert.  Many fans showed up early, lawn chairs in one hand, picnic baskets in the other ready to wine and dine with their friends on the hill before an incredible night of music.  This is one of my favorite aspects of the Deer Valley Concert series. We get to escape the warmer temperatures of the Salt Lake Valley and enjoy a cool pleasant evening with the food, drinks, and pleasant company.  The atmosphere is casual in nature and the 360° views are incredible. 

Photo By: Fred Hayes
Continue reading “Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real August 8, 2019, Deer Valley”

Jason Aldean July 27, 2019, USANA Amphitheater

Photo By: Kevin Rolfe

Photo By: Kevin Rolfe

So I don’t know if you guys have heard or not but Jason Aldean is really really big.  Like, sold-out concerts all over the country big. Don’t get me wrong, I knew he was a big-time country star.  I guess I just didn’t realize how big. I have a bit of a confession to make. Leading up to this concert I didn’t know any Jason Aldean songs. How is that possible? I like country music, and I’ve seen Jason Aldean on awards shows and on Saturday Night Live, but sometimes even the biggest stars slip through the cracks.  Now, why would you want to read a review from someone who didn’t even know one song going into the concert at USANA Amphitheater last Saturday night? Well for one, if you weren’t there, I’m going to tell you all about it.  And if you were there, you’ll want to continue reading to relive just how epic that evening was! 

Continue reading “Jason Aldean July 27, 2019, USANA Amphitheater”