Jay Som September 21, 2019, Urban Lounge

Photo Credit: Kaden Severn

By: Kaden Severn

It was an exciting night at Urban Lounge.  Jay Som, alternative songwriter sold out the venue and anticipation was definitely in the air as the support bands played their sets.  Jay Som, the pseudonym of Melina Duterte. She actually used the same Wu-Tang Name Generator site that gave Donald Glover his pseudonym, Childish Gambino.  After posting songs on a variety of social media outlets, Jay Som was signed to a label and began touring supporting other bands and getting her name out there.  And now here she was, selling out her own headlining show in Utah. The evening was electric. It’s exciting to see an artist on the cusp of taking their career to the next level.  

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Glen Hansard September 20, 2019, Eccles Theater

By Kevin Rolfe

Photo Credit: Kevin Rolfe @utahconcertreview

When it was first announced that Glen Hansard was going to be playing the Eccles Theater my initial thought was, “I’m definitely going to that show!”.  But as the summer concerts were announced I had a real dilemma on my hands. Two other shows that I wanted to see were announced for the same date. This was a problem.  (I know, “Poor Kevin, he has to choose between three concerts to go to!”) I’m not saying it’s a bad problem to have but one I didn’t anticipate. One was a band that I’ve always wanted to see, and another that was playing their farewell tour. What to do? As I weighed my options the thing that came to mind was “Which of these shows will you regret missing the most?”  Glen Hansard was the answer every time. I was not disappointed with my decision. Glen played a two hour, ten minute set befitting of the beautiful downtown theater hosting his concert. 

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Angels & Airwaves September 25, 2019, The Union

By: Evelyn Salazar

Photo Credit: Evelyn Salazar @takenbyevelyn

I don’t think there are words that could truly describe how incredible yesterday was, not only for myself but for thousands of Angels & Airwaves/Blink-182/Boxcar Racer/Tom DeLonge fans that attended the AVA show in Salt Lake City. However, SLC fans were treated with a special, intimate acoustic AVA set, earlier that day at Club 50 West, hosted by Utah’s favorite alternative radio station, X96. Space was limited so fans, including myself, lined up hours early to make sure we snagged a spot. I stood in line for about 3 hours. The first 50 people in line also got wristbands that allowed us to get a photo with Mr. Tom DeLonge and the rest of AVA after the acoustic set. I was bursting with excitement I almost couldn’t contain it. Angels and Airwaves and Tom himself have been a major part of my life since my pre-teens. And even to this day, at 23 years old, AVA’s music inspires me, fills me with hope and has gotten me through some of the hardest times in my life. I listen to AVA when I’m happy, when I’m sad, when I’m hurting, and when I’m rocking out with friends in the car. They hold a special place in my heart. 

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Pink Sweat$ September 19, 2019, The Greek Station

By: Kaden Severn

Photo Credit: Kaden Severn @simplybrilliantstudios

Good vibes, passionate lyrics, and soulful music were the themes at the Greek Station (formerly known as In The Venue) for the Pink Sweat$ concert. I arrived at 7 when the doors were originally supposed to open, the line stretched out down the block. I had known of Pink for a while but didn’t realize he had this big of a fan base. Although it was cold outside, spirits were high.

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Modest Mouse September 20, 2019, Red Butte Garden

By: Tiffany Mull

Photo Credit: 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).

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John Craigie September 18, 2019, The State Room

By: Justin Hicken

Photo Credit: Kevin Rolfe @utahconcertreview

John Craigie is a one of a kind singer-songwriter, comedian, and storyteller. His well-balanced mix of folk songs and comical stories make for a wonderful evening and that’s absolutely why John Craigie and his audience were all smiles at the State Room for a rare seated show on Wednesday night September 18th.

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Oliver Tree September 18, 2019, The Depot

By: Kaden Severn

Photo Credit: Kaden Severn @simplybrilliantstudios

Out of all the strange things made popular or famous by the internet, I don’t think anything can even come to close to being as awesome as Oliver Tree. The internet meme turned successful Anti-Pop artist sold out The Depot to a crowd of fans ranging from old ladies to little kids wearing his infamous scooter shirts.

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Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit September 19, 2019, Red But Garden

By: Kevin Rolfe

Photo Credit: Erica Fasoli

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.  

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Branson Anderson September 20, 2019, Kilby Court

By: Katie Barber

Photo Credit: Alex Wardell

The crowd was forced to part as a casket was brought into the room. Its pallbearers strained under the weight before laying it down next to Kilby Court’s stage. The wildly unexpected sound of an industrial saw ripped through idle chatter—something was breaking free from within the casket. Emerged a figure with dark hair, a blue bandana around his neck, and a face painted ghostly white. Branson Anderson was back from the dead. 

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Tobi Lou September 17, 2019, Kilby Court

By: Kaden Severn

Photo Credit: Kaden Severn @simplybrilliantstudios

Tuesday Night in Salt Lake City brought out dedicated fans to see fast-rising rapper, Tobi Lou. Kilby Court was buzzing and you could feel the excitement of hip hop fans eager to see the new but very talented artist. I had seen Tobi perform as an opener for KYLE about a year ago and was excited to see him headline for the first time. 

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