Tag: Singer Songwriter

Posted on

Branson Anderson

Branson Anderson Keep It Moving EP Release February 10, 2023

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Photo Credit: Kevin Rolfe

Branson Anderson is a singer songwriter from right here in Utah. We’ve had the privilege of interviewing and covering another EP release a few years ago. Anderson has also appeared on several stages of other bands we’ve covered. It’s been fun having the opportunity of seeing him perform multiple times over the years. I consider myself a Branson Anderson fan. So it was exciting to get the notice that Branson would be releasing a new EP and that we would get to attend this EP release party. The 2023 release titled, Keep It Moving has six songs that will thrill any Branson Anderson fan. It’s likely to draw him a new fan base as well.

Continue reading “Branson Anderson”
Posted on

Regina Spektor

Regina Spektor• July 6, 2022• Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Photo Credit: Kevin Rolfe

Indie singer-songwriter, Regina Spektor played a two-night residency at the Sandy Amphitheater.  I was privileged to attend night two, the Wednesday night sold-out show.  Sandy Amphitheater is facing north to south with trees lining up the west side of the venue.  This is a perfect setup because, despite the warm summer’s eve (I wrote that for the Kenny Rogers fans), the sun was blocked by the trees, and most of the amphitheater was shaded.  I really enjoy walking into a concert venue and seeing the look on people’s faces.  It’s the first indicator of whether this will be a good crowd and a good show.  Sometimes crowds want to be social, be seen, and strangely enough, can make the music secondary.  That was not the case with this crowd. 

Continue reading “Regina Spektor”
Posted on

Jade Bird October 4, 2021 The State Room

Photo Credit: Kevin Rolfe

As a concert reviewer, I’ve had the opportunity to see many artists as they’re starting out.  I’m always thrilled to see them move on to the next step of their career.  An album release, a TV appearance, or what’s most impressive to me, when they stop back by Utah but in a larger venue than before.  For example, we were able to cover Conan Grey, when he was at Kilby Court then again on his next tour at The Depot.  Not everyone has that kind of trajectory in their music career so it’s exciting to see when it does happen.  

Out of all these artists,  my favorite has been Jade Bird.  Jade was one of the very first artists to reach out to Utah Concert Review for coverage when she was coming to play Utah.  Of course, this was exciting to me. One, the website was gaining some traction, and two, someone saw the value in it that they would want us out to cover their show.  I eagerly accepted the invitation without having ever heard of Jade Bird or listened to her music.  She was opening for Son Little at The State Room and that was about all I knew. But upon seeing that initial performance, I’ve become a big fan ever since.  

Continue reading “Jade Bird October 4, 2021 The State Room”
Posted on

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. 

Continue reading “Glen Hansard September 20, 2019, Eccles Theater”
Posted on

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.

Continue reading “John Craigie September 18, 2019, The State Room”