Sandy Amphitheater Archives - Utah Concert Review

August 13, 2026August 17, 2026

Death Cab For Cutie

Death Cab for Cutie • Nation of Language • July 28, 2026 • Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson

Death Cab for Cutie proves the past and present can share the same stage at Sandy Amphitheater. There are some bands whose music becomes intertwined with different seasons of life. For many, Death Cab is one of those bands. Judging by the sold-out crowd at Sandy Amphitheater on Tuesday, July 28, their music still hits just as deeply today as it did decades ago. Originally scheduled for a single Utah date for their I Built You A Tower tour, the demand was so high that a second night was added quickly. I had the opportunity to attend night one.

August 12, 2026August 14, 2026

UCR Interview: Josh Lovelace of NEEDTOBREATHE

UCR Interview • Josh Lovelace of NEEDTOBREATHE • August 14, 2026

GRAMMY-nominated rock band NEEDTOBREATHE is set to play Sandy Amphitheater on August 15. The band recently released their powerful new album, The Long Surrender.

Known for fan favorites including “Brother” (feat. Gavin DeGraw), “Who Am I,” my personal favorite, “The State I’m In,” and many more, NEEDTOBREATHE continues to blend rock, Americana, Soul, and Gospel into songs that resonate through themes of hope, resilience, and redemption. Their electrifying live performances have built a passionate global following and continue to sell out venues across the country.

Utah Concert Review had the opportunity to visit with keyboard player and backing vocalist Josh Lovelace as the band was gearing up to begin the tour. Lovelace talks about the new album, the tour, his origins with the band, how people interpret NEEDTOBREATHE’s music, and more. Enjoy!

Interviewed by Kevin Rolfe

August 7, 2026August 13, 2026

Stray Cats

Stray Cats • August 4, 2026 • Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

The Stray Cats brought their U.S. Tour to Sandy Amphitheater recently. And it was one of those shows where you couldn’t help but simply feel grateful to be there. That it was happening at all. In recent years, there had been some canceled Stray Cats tours, and Brian Setzer Orchestra concerts were put on hold due to an autoimmune condition with Setzer. He was unable to play the guitar, let alone hold a pencil. Understandably, there was some fear that we might never see these Rockabilly legends together in concert again. Well, the Stray Cats are back on tour, and from my point of view, there was no issue with Brian’s playing. He worked hard to get it back, and it’s to the benefit of those who get to see him play those beautiful Gretsch guitars every night.

July 31, 2026August 5, 2026

Jimmy Eat World

There are anniversary tours, and then there are anniversary tours that remind everyone exactly why an album became a classic in the first place. Jimmy Eat World’s two night residencey at Sandy Amphitheater was firmly in the latter category. Celebrating 25 years of Bleed American, the band treated Utah fans to performances that balanced nostalgia with the kind of energy and musicianship that proves they haven’t lost a step.

We went to night two of the band’s Utah stop. If there was any sign of fatigue after the previous evening’s show, it was not apparent. Everyone on stage seemed fired up to bring this show to a new crowd. Jim Adkins and company looked completely at home from the moment they walked out, greeted by an enthusiastic crowd that was more than ready to celebrate one of alternative rock’s most beloved albums.

June 24, 2026June 24, 2026

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band • June 14, 2026 • Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

For nearly six decades, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has occupied a unique place in American music, blending country, folk, and rock into a sound that has influenced generations of artists. Their appearance at Sandy Amphitheater as part of their “All The Good Times” Farewell Tour, “60 Years of Dirt,” was more than just another concert stop. It felt like a celebration of a remarkable career. And this was indeed their final tour stop in Utah, a chance for fans to say thank you to a band whose music has become part of countless lives.

June 18, 2026June 18, 2026

Metric, Broken Social Scene, and Stars

Metric • Broken Social Scene • Stars • June 13, 2026 • Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Amelia Weyerstall

The warm summer night had Metric fans of young and older generations having the best time of their lives. Fans of Metric, Broken Social Scene, and Stars were dressed in full handmade outfits of their merch, had bright colored hair in pinks and greens, and had an electric energy that was contagious. The night was filled with fun, friendship and all the feels on the “All the Feelings Tour”

June 8, 2026June 8, 2026

Tash Sultana

Tash Sultana • May 30, 2026 • Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Tash Sultana’s performance at Sandy Amphitheater on May 30th was a masterclass in musicianship, creativity, and connection. On a warm evening under the open sky, fans gathered to witness one of the most unique performers in modern music. They were rewarded with a concert that felt both intimate and larger than life. Known for blending multiple genres and building entire songs live through looping, Tash Sultana delivered a captivating set that showcased extraordinary talent and an unmistakable passion for performance. This was the perfect concert to usher in a summer full of great shows at the Sandy Amphitheater.

October 21, 2025October 21, 2025

Ziggy Marley and Burning Spear

Ziggy Marley • Burning Spear • October 12, 2025 • Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Amelia Weyerstall

Ziggy Marley played a groovy set, playing a mix of his own original songs and the familiar reggae hits of his father Bob Marley. Burning Spear literally warmed up the crowd with their distinctive rhythms that brought nearly everyone to their feet to start moving to their Rasta beats. Everyone enjoyed the grooves, crisp fall air, beautiful sunset, and the positive vibes at Sandy Amphitheater.

It was the final show for the season at Sandy Amphitheater. We have thoroughly enjoyed covering concerts at Sandy Amp. It’s one of our favorite summertime venues, and we can’t wait to get back there in the spring.

August 25, 2025August 25, 2025

Chicago

Chicago • August 21, 2025 • Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

For more than five decades, Chicago has been delivering a unique brand of rock fused with jazz and pop elements, creating a sound that is instantly recognizable and endlessly beloved. Seeing Chicago in concert is more than just attending a show—it’s an immersive journey through some of the most iconic music in American rock history. On August 21, Chicago played to a sold-out crowd at the beautiful Sandy Amphitheater.

August 5, 2025August 8, 2025

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.