Madison Beer

Madison Beer • UPSAHL • June 4, 2024 • The Complex

Reviewed and Photographed by Mike Ferguson

Tuesday, June 4th, marked a night to remember at The Complex in SLC, UT, as music enthusiasts gathered in anticipation of a double-bill concert featuring the talented Madison Beer and the dynamic Upsahl. The venue was abuzz with excitement, with eager fans filling every inch of available space, signaling a near sell-out show.

Upsahl

Photo Credit: Mike Ferguson

Opening the evening was Upsahl, a rising star whose magnetic presence and infectious energy immediately captured the attention of the audience. With a setlist that seamlessly blended catchy hooks, introspective lyrics, and pulsating rhythms, Upsahl commanded the stage with confidence and flair.

From the moment she stepped into the spotlight, Upsahl exuded a raw and unbridled passion for her craft, channeling her emotions into each note and lyric. Tracks like “Drugs” and “People I Don’t Like” showcased her knack for crafting anthemic pop-rock tunes with a rebellious edge, while introspective ballads like “Fine” allowed her to showcase the depth and vulnerability of her songwriting.

But perhaps the most captivating aspect of Upsahl’s performance was her infectious charisma and magnetic stage presence. Whether she was dancing with abandon, engaging in playful banter with the crowd, or delivering powerhouse vocals that reverberated through the venue, Upsahl held the audience in the palm of her hand, leaving them hungry for more.

As her set drew to a close, the cheers and applause that erupted from the crowd served as a testament to Upsahl’s undeniable talent and star power. For 45 electrifying minutes, she had set the stage on fire, leaving an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to bear witness to her captivating performance.

As the lights dimmed and the anticipation reached a fever pitch, it was clear that the stage had been set for an unforgettable night of music. And with Madison Beer poised to take the stage, the energy in the room was palpable, signaling that the best was yet to come.

Madison Beer

Photo Credit: Mike Ferguson

From the instant she emerged, clad in an ensemble that radiated both style and sophistication, it was evident that the audience was in for a treat. With a setlist spanning her repertoire of hits and fan favorites, Madison’s performance was nothing short of spectacular.

Photo Credit: Mike Ferguson

For nearly 90 minutes, Madison held the audience in the palm of her hand, effortlessly transitioning between heart-wrenching ballads and high-energy anthems. Her powerhouse vocals soared through the venue, sending shivers down the spines of all who were fortunate enough to bear witness. Each song was accompanied by mesmerizing visuals and choreography, further enhancing the immersive experience for concert attendees.

But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Madison’s performance was her undeniable connection with her fans. As she interacted with the crowd, sharing personal anecdotes and words of encouragement, it was clear that she genuinely valued the support of her dedicated fanbase. This sincerity only served to deepen the emotional resonance of her music, forging an unbreakable bond between artist and audience.

By the time Madison took her final bow, the energy in the room was electric, reverberating with the echoes of a truly unforgettable performance. As concertgoers spilled out into the night, their hearts full and spirits lifted, it was evident that they had borne witness to something truly special. Madison Beer and Upsahl had not only delivered a concert, but an experience—one that would linger in the memories of all who were lucky enough to be a part of it.

Photo Credit: Mike Ferguson

Melanie Martinez

Melanie Martinez • Men I Trust • May 18, 2024 • Delta Center

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Melanie Martinez is a musical force that cannot be stopped.  It seems with each tour she gets bigger and bigger.  From being a contestant on season 3 of the acclaimed singing show, The Voice to selling out major arenas on her recent Trilogy Tour, Martinez is a force to be reconned with.  I had the opportunity to see Melanie on her last stop in Utah on her Portals Tour at the Sandy Amphitheater.  I was impressed with her fanbase then, but that was nothing compared to what I saw inside the Delta Center on May 18.  The arena was filled with devoted fans dressed up as nymphs, fairies, and baby dolls.  Glitter and sparkles were everywhere.  Outside of a Taylor Swift Concert, I haven’t seen so many fans dressed up.

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Kane Brown

Kane Brown • Tyler Hubbard • May 17, 2024 • Delta Center

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Country Music superstar, Kane Brown brought his In The Air Tour to the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on May 17.  He was joined by superstar in his own right, half of Florida Georgia Line, Tyler Hubbard and up and comers Parmalee.  Kane Brown has quickly become one of the best entertainers in country music.  His concerts never disappoint and this tour stop was no exception

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Kilby Block Party 5

Kilby Block Party • May 10-12, 2024 • Utah State Fairgrounds

Reviewed and Photographed by Logan Fang

Kilby Court Block Party: Now A Salt Lake City Tradition

This May, local concertgoers and music lovers from afar returned to the Salt Lake fairgrounds for the fifth iteration of the Kilby Block Party. This year’s music festival celebrates the 25th year of its namesake, Kilby Court. For the past five years, Kilby has brought a countless number of esteemed music icons to the festival stage, including the likes of indie titans Phoebe Bridgers, Steve Lacy, and The Strokes. As the festival continues to curate a dazzling array of artists, this year’s lineup featured performances spanning several eras of indie-rock.

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Al Jardine & His Endless Summer Band

Al Jardine & His Endless Summer Band • May 25, 2024 • Scera Shell Outdoor Theater

Reviewed and Photographed by Josilyn Wakkuri Lybbert

On May 25, 2024, The Music of The Beach Boys brought by Al Jardine, Carnie and Wendy Wilson, and Matt Jardine was the kickoff show for the season for Scera Shell Outdoor Theater in Orem! 

It was my first time at this venue. I was so impressed with the kindness of the staff there. My husband was equally as impressed with their reasonable concession prices! Venue workers all adorned leis. There was a vintage Volkswagen Beetle with surfboards, and beach balls were scattered throughout the area. This made for a perfect setting to welcome one of the founding members of The Beach Boys and many of his friends and family who all played their own role in The Beach Boys in different seasons of the iconic, legendary band!

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Ogden Twilight: Phoenix

Phoenix • May 16, 2024 • Ogden Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Concerts have officially moved outdoors! I can’t explain how much I love the feeling of the first outdoor concert of the year.  It means that not only is the weather warming up, but that we’re in for a great run of outdoor concerts, and festivals.  It was a perfect evening in Ogden as we commenced with the first show of the Ogden Twilight Concert Series of 2024.  French Indie Rock band, Phoenix seemed very fitting as the series opener.  Last year, Beck embarked on his Summer Oddessy Tour with Phoenix as his support.  When Beck made his stop at Ogden Twilight, the show was more of an intimate acoustic set.  Because of this, Phoenix wasn’t in the lineup.  So while we had to wait a bit, it was worth it to finally see them grace the Ogden Amphitheater stage for the very first time.  

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X Ambassadors

X Ambassadors • New West • Rowan Drake • May 13, 2024 • The Depot

Reviewed and Photographed by Mike Ferguson

X Ambassadors Electrify the Stage with
A Night of Raw Passion and
Musical Mastery

Photo Credit: Mike Ferguson

On Monday, May 13th, the atmosphere at The Depot crackled with anticipation as fans eagerly awaited the arrival of X Ambassadors. As the lights dimmed and the stage ignited with energy, it became evident that this was no ordinary concert—it was a musical journey that would linger in our memories for years to come.

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Jade Bird

Jade Bird • Halley Greg • May 2, 2024 • The State Room

Reviewed and Photographed by Morgan Newbold

Photo Credit: Morgan Newbold

Earlier this month, in the heart of Salt Lake City, Jade Bird graced the stage in a quaint intimate venue called The State Room. If you’ve never been there, It’s a charming theatre with a decently sized floor and layered seating. Above the center of the room, hangs a giant mirrorball. When I walked in, I was pleasantly surprised by the size of the room and stage. It wasn’t too stuffy, but cozy. For a show that wasn’t completely sold out, I had plenty of room to shoot from anywhere. I was excited to be here, not only for the first time but to shoot at a new venue. I’m always worried about the lighting of small venues, but I had no issues here. AND I had a mirror ball to add a touch of flare to these glowy shots I was about to get. 

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Annie The Musical

Annie The Musical • May 10, 2024 • Eccles Theater

Reviewed by Alisha Gregson

Photos Courtesy of Broadway at the Eccles/ MurphyMade

The May 10, 2024 performance of “Annie” at Eccles Theatre in Salt Lake City was a delightful and heartwarming experience that captivated both children and adults alike. This run of the beloved musical, directed by Jenn Thompson, who herself played an orphan in the original Broadway production, was full of charm and energy.

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