Relive the Utah Concert Experience!
By: Tiffany Mull
Modest Mouse came out hard and fast with the somewhat-psychedelic “Poison the Well,” a new number that stays true to the band’s belovedly bleak outlook. Next was “Satellite Skin,” exploring the futility of existence, followed by “3rd Planet” (listening to The Moon and Antarctica is as good as time travel for me).
Continue reading “Modest Mouse September 20, 2019, Red Butte Garden”By: Kevin Rolfe
Do you ever hear your friends or peers mention a band or solo artist with such reverence and admiration that you start to wonder, even though you feel like you love music more than anyone ever, “How have I not heard of this person/band”? That was me some years ago with Jason Isbell. His name would come up in social circles or I’d be at a concert waiting for a band to come on and I’d hear people mention how they’d seen Jason Isbell live and how any fan of live music needs to see him. When people had asked me, “Have you been to a Jason Isbell concert?” and I’d say that I hadn’t the look of shame and embarrassment for me meant only one thing, I’d better see Jason Isbell live or lose all credibility.
By: Blythe Penn
Approaching Red Butte Garden Amphitheater, I could hear opening act, Los Coast, blaring across the parking lot. The Austin, TX band describes their sound as “punchy psychedelic-pop- soul.” The little bit of their set I caught felt both edgy and danceable. Audience members were rocking out by the side of the stage.
Continue reading “Gary Clark Jr. September 6, 2019, Red Butte Garden”
This was not your usual night at Red Butte Amphitheater. I’m sure many of the subscription holders were there. But overall it felt like a much different crowd. A special audience turned out for “An Evening With Gov’t Mule”. The Southern Rock band celebrated a night of career-spanning music. And they brought their loyal fans with them. People were barefoot, tie-dyed and ready to jam.
Continue reading “Gov’t Mule September 4, 2019, Red Butte Garden”By: Blythe Penn
The day of Amos Lee’s show at Red Butte Garden Outdoor Concert Series was typical of Salt Lake City at the end of summer. The searing desert sun thoroughly baked the concrete urban sprawl and was beginning to set as I caught a ride with a pedicab from the end of the venue parking lot to the entrance gates. The quick trip made light of my late arrival and I met my first friend of the night. (Thanks Carlos!)
Continue reading “Amos Lee August 29, 2019, Red Butte Garden”By: Kevin Rolfe
Almost three years to the day, Lord Huron made their triumphant return to Salt Lake City on August 14 at Red Butte Garden Amphitheater. I can’t think of a better pairing than one of my favorite Utah venues with this great American Indie band. When you’re set up in just the right spot, you can see the sun setting over the Salt Lake Valley. It’s a beautiful venue with gorgeous views. Having a soundtrack like Lord Huron mixed in makes for a perfect evening. This was Lord Huron’s first time playing Red Butte Garden and I think they made their mark on the summer concert series.
Continue reading “Lord Huron August 14, 2019, Red Butte Garden”By: 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”By: Kevin Rolfe
When I saw that Berlin, OMD, and the B-52’s were going to tour together to celebrate the B-52’s 40th anniversary I was really excited. I also thought this was such a random collection of great bands from the 80s. Being from the same decade is really where their similarities stop. But maybe that was enough because the show at Red Butte Garden Amphitheater totally worked! It was one of my favorite concerts of the whole summer.
By: Tiffany Mull
This World Needs More Appalachian Murder Ballads
Southern Gothic is one of my favorite literary genres. I’d argue that certain musicians fit into this genre as well, Shakey Graves among them. Never mind his playfully macabre alias, the themes of his songs touch on death and decay, murder, alcoholism, drug abuse, execution by electric chair, and the way ex-lovers haunt one another. All this, though, is presented with good humor and a (wholesomely) wicked Texas grin, side-by-side with themes of shirking the predictable life and embracing the shiftless, devil-may-care habits of a tramp. Shakey’s musical style is tricky to pin down. Clearly influenced by bluegrass, hobo folk, blues, rock, and country, it might be safest to simply say, “Americana.”
Continue reading “Shakey Graves August 13, 2019, Red Butte Garden”By: Evelyn Salazar
O.A.R. is still killing it like it’s 1996. That’s when the rock band originally formed but you wouldn’t be able to tell, because the band is still so alive and filled with so much energy. You can see how happy they are to play, almost as if it’s their first big show, which is definitely not the case. Last Friday, Red Butte Garden was packed with fans of all ages, eager to enjoy a nice night and a good show. It definitely was a great show!
Continue reading “OAR & American Authors August 9, 2019, Red Butte Garden”