Relive the Utah Concert Experience!
Train • REO Speedwagon • Yacht Rock Band • August 30, 2024 • Utah First Amphitheater
Reviewed and Photographed by Josilyn Wakkuri Lybbert
Train pulled into West Valley City for their Summer Road Trip 2024 Tour at Utah First Credit Union Amphitheater on August 29. They brought along Yacht Rock Revue and REO Speedwagon making for a night of fun music that spanned across the decades!
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Cera Gibson will be headlining the opening night of the Mind the Gap Festival in Salt Lake City. She’s not only playing Soundwell on Friday night, August 22, but she’ll be debuting her new single, “Eclipse”. We had the opportunity to chat with Cera leading up to the show and release. Enjoy!
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Shakey Graves • Atta Boy • August 19, 2024 • Red Butte Garden Amphitheater
Reviewed and Photographed by Austin Dayton
A sold-out crowd packed their way into Red Butte Garden this last Monday, August 19th, to spend their evening singing and dancing with folk-rock, singer-songwriter, Shakey Graves. The Salt Lake City crowd was treated to a high-energy yet personal show by the Austin city-based performer. One could not have asked for a better evening as all the stars seemed to align, the days of storming had just cleared up and set the stage for one of the best shows of the summer.
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St. Vincent • August 14 • Ogden Amphitheater
Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe
Ogden Amphitheater transformed into a vibrant hub of eclectic sound and energy as St. Vincent took the stage for the Ogden Twilight Concert Series. Known for her avant-garde style and electrifying performances, St. Vincent, whose real name is Annie Clark, did not disappoint the eager crowd that had gathered to witness her live.
The atmosphere at the Ogden Amphitheater was charged with anticipation even before the show began. The Ogden Twilight Concert Series, which has become a staple in the local music scene, brought together fans of all ages, united by their love for innovative and genre-defying music. The amphitheater, with its intimate setting and excellent acoustics, provided the perfect backdrop for St. Vincent’s performance.
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Koe Wetzel • Kolby Cooper • August 9, 2024 • Sandy Amphitheater
Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson
August 9th marked an electrifying evening at the Sandy Amphitheater, where Texas country-rock sensation Koe Wetzel brought his “Damn Near Normal” tour to life, with Kolby Cooper warming up the stage as the opener. The concert was a dynamic blend of raw energy, lyrical depth, and Southern charm, making it an unforgettable night for fans.
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Killer Mike • Hippo Campus • Bad Luck Brigade • August 8, 2024 • Ogden Amphitheater
Reviewed and Photographed by Mark Daluz
Ogden Twilight hasn’t been pulling any of their punches when it comes to insane show lineups. Diplo, St. Vincent, and Killer Mike making an appearance to name a few. But this particular show has been a big mark on my calendar for quite some time. Having indie-rock favorite Hippo Campus and hip-hop star Killer Mike perform on the same day was one that initially confused me. I was eager to see it nevertheless.
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Peso Pluma • August 11, 2024 • Delta Center
Reviewed and Photographed by Marlo Matamoros
The 25-year-old global superstar from Guadalajara, Mexico would make his ÉXODO tour stop in Salt Lake City, Utah on August 11, 2024. Peso Pluma had his breakthrough year in 2023 with his GÉNESIS album which went on to win a Grammy for Best Música Mexicana Album. In 2023 he also collaborated with Eslabon Armado on a song titled “Ella Baila Sola” which became one of the most streamed songs around the world. Peso Pluma has played a big part in the corridos tumbados movement which translates to trap corridos. Peso Pluma is known for his raspy voice style and was the first Música Mexicana artist to perform at the MTV Video Music Awards this last year.
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Michael Franti & Spearhead • Citizen Cope • July 31, 2024 • Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater • Deer Valley
Reviewed and Photographed by Mark Daluz
On the evening of July 31st, the traffic at Park City was worse than normal but that didn’t come without reason. Michael Franti & Spearhead were playing at the Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater at Deer Valley and the town was eager to see him. As a Park City local, DV concerts are always so special as the setting is stunning and the once-ski slope turns into a great gathering place for shows. Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit just a couple of weeks ago with The Dead South and Gregory Alan Isakov appearing in the following weeks. I love how Park City (renowned for world-class skiing) is a part of Utah’s music scene.
Once I could find parking, I made my way into the venue. Not shockingly, I was able to point out a couple of people I knew within the lines and catch up with many of them during the wait. Unfortunately, The line was so long that the opener was already nearing its end when I got through.
Feeling a little disappointed in myself for not anticipating traffic I knew was there, I brushed it off to make the most of the opener. When I made my way to the VIP area, everyone had their eyes locked in, it seemed that making my way past people wouldn’t be an issue in breaking that focus. Citizen Cope is mainly focused on the Reggae & Alternative Indie scenes. The music was funky and they had so much joy on stage. Their sets were a great way to ease into the night.
As the time drew closer for Michael to take the stage, The venue was pretty much filled to the brim with people. During this time, a countdown was starting at 10. As the number closed in on zero, you could hear the excitement and screams from everyone at Deer Valley. A video played after the countdown of Michael reminds us to remember and focus on the good things in life. Right as the video ended, his band started to make their way to the stage with Michael coming out last.
They immediately played “Meet Me When the Sun Goes Down, ” setting the tone for the rest of the night. The high-energy song was enough to get people still sitting on their blankets to get up and start waving their hands in the air. It was also too much for Michael as halfway through the song, he sprinted into the crowd and started singing alongside the members of the audience.
Michael was consistently interacting with the crowd, and the people loved it. It was rare to listen to a song that didn’t have Michael saying “Go say Hi to someone new” or “Dosey-doe with the person next to you”. Every song had sparks of positivity through words and the pure happiness that he was showing. Michael was very animated and moved all over the stage. He interacted with his fellow bandmates often as well. Michael brought many people up on the stage with him. Including one girl who got to bring her whole family up to join in the singing and got everyone over the age of 80 to join the stage with him as well. I admired that he made sure everyone introduced themselves and took a major interest in the people who joined him.
Don’t get me wrong, I love how positive Michael was the entire show but I personally think that got in the way of the music. When talking to other members of the crowd, some also shared this sentiment. He tried to push out the message of positivity every chance he got which made the show feel repetitive. One guy even said “We didn’t really come for the music but more so Michael’s charisma and being amazing at giving others energy. He does a great job at making everyone feel like they were part of a community celebration”. I will give him that, his charisma was truly palpable throughout the performance. He has a unique ability to connect to his audience on a personal level effortlessly.
As I left the Snow Park Amphitheater, I started to think about Michael’s impact on the people he sang to today. In a world with so many sad and horrible things happening. He served as a reminder to all be present, to care and love others close to you. Michael delivered a performance that was both entertaining and meaningful. For those who needed it the most, I know it was an unforgettable experience.
Noah Kahan • Jensen McRae • July 9, 2024 • Utah First Amphitheatre
Reviewed by Kevin Rolfe
Photos by Vanessa Holt
It was an epic scene out at Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre. It wasn’t just a sold-out crowd. That would be awesome on its own. But there was a buzz in the air I had not felt in some time. There had been an anticipation for the show the moment it was announced. I don’t remember a show being talked about quite so much. If I wore my I Was/ I Am Tour shirt out of the house, someone for sure would compliment me and ask me if I was going to the show. It was so exciting to walk into Utah First Amp and see all the excitement.
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Hamilton • August 1, 2024 • Eccles Theater
Reviewed by Kevin Rolfe
It’s a special feeling having Hamilton back in town. This is the third tour to stop in Salt Lake City at the Eccles Theater. It’s almost hard to believe that we’ve been this fortunate to have this show in our state this many times. And this time the Hamilton is here for a five-week run! I think it’s pretty clear that I don’t need to mention how big this show is. It is THE musical of this generation. It will go down in history as one of the greatest of all time. Lin-Manuel Miranda created a masterpiece that will be unmatched in so many ways.
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