Michael Franti & Ziggy Marley June 30, 2019, Deer Valley Concert Series

By: Denise Bruhns

Photo By: Julie Attig

The Deer Valley Concert Series has officially begun! Sunday night marked the opening of the seven-show series that will take place throughout the summer. The series which is presented by Deer Valley Resort along with The State Room Presents takes place on the majestic resort at the foot of what in the winter would be a ski slope.  If you’ve only been to Deer Valley in the winter you’d never know that once summer hits, this ski slope turns into the beautiful Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater. It’s the perfect place to escape the heat of the valley. It can get a little cool up on that hill, but what better way to warm up a brisk mountain evening than with reggae and blues funk? Michael Franti & Spearhead along with Ziggy Marley. 

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Weathers June 30, 2019, Kilby Court

By: Evelyn Salazar

By: Evelyn Salazar

Have you ever seen someone rocking out while using a crutch? Well, Sunday night everyone at Kilby Court did. The popular, downtown, urban venue was the chilliest spot you could be on a Sunday night. Everyone lounged around outside the venue, chatting it up and waiting for Weathers to come on! Closer to show time, the venue filled up with eager fans, lots who were rocking their Weathers merch. Once the boys came out on stage the screams did not stop! I don’t think I’ve ever heard louder screaming from a crowd at Kilby Court than I did that night. Lead singer, Cameron Boyer, hopped on stage up to the mic, rocking a crutch on his left arm. The lead singer had hurt his ankle but that did not stop him from getting on that stage and rocking out, and rocking out hard!

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The Struts June 29, 2019, The Depot

By: Kevin Rolfe

Photo By: Kevin Rolfe

So I saw The Struts last night.  I could easily save us some time and just write, “WOW!” and be done with my review.  There is just so much to say about this show so I’ll continue writing. But, WOW you guys, Wow.  The Struts played to a fired up sold-out crowd at The Depot on Saturday night. This was just the third time The Struts have played Utah.  After seeing this show I instantly regretted not having seen them the other two times.  

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RAIN-A Tribute to The Beatles June 22, 2019, Eccles Theater

By: Matt Wolf

Photo By: Matt Wolf

If you were to ask a group of people, “What band/singer do you wish you could have seen live in concert?” who would they say?  I’d imagine Elvis is one most people would mention. I would also think that Freddie Mercury with Queen would be another. For me, I would have loved to have seen Buddy Holly or perhaps Whitney Houston.  Speaking of Buddy, I’m excited for the chance to “see him” and Roy Orbison in lifelike hologram form at the “Rock ‘N’ Roll Dream Tour” this October at Eccles Theater. But of all the bands and singers and musicians around I would have to think if you asked someone who they wish they could see in concert it would be The Beatles.  Even when they were together and all the band members were alive they didn’t play live nearly as much as people would have liked. Unfortunately, John Lennon and George Harrison have passed. Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr still tour on their own, but what would it be like to have seen The Beatles in concert? Well, that’s where RAIN comes in.  They put on a show that gives you as close a look as you’re ever going to get.

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All Hail the Silence June 25, 2019, Red Butte Garden

Photo By: Allister Ann

By Kevin Rolfe

Being the opening band in a concert can be a pretty different experience.  Being the opening act at Red Butte Garden can be a really different experience.  Red Butte Garden is a beautiful venue. But it’s different. Many of the tickets for their concerts are sold in a season ticket package.  So a lot of the audience just goes to everything on the schedule whether they like the artist or not. These are generally the people who talk the entire evening then leave the show halfway through the headliners set.  You’re also allowed to bring food and drinks with you so many people will pack a cooler and wine and dine while the opener is on stage. And as enjoyable as that is, I always feel for the band on stage who is performing and trying to get their music out there while most likely feeling ignored. 

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Empire of the Sun June 22, 2019, Salt City Sounds Gallivan Center

By: Efrain Cuessy

Photo By: Efrain Cuessy

Remember that one song that you always heard in the Honda Civic commercial? The dynamic duo of Empire Of The Sun, known for their hit single “Walking On A Dream”, took over the Gallivan Plaza for their third show in the Toyota Salt City Sounds series. The atmosphere they brought was different than any other performance I have ever seen. Lead singer,Luke Steele,brought his Australian energy on stage to create a show like none other. Seeing their art from their unique album cover come to life put the cherry on top of the whole show. Empire Of The Sun brought the audience into an environment like none other, (and I mean it when I say like none other!) From the opening acts like FORD. and Whethan, to an encore performance and guitar being thrown across stage, Salt City Sounds shows us that they can truly create a festival-like atmosphere in a smaller venue.

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Patty Griffin June 19, 2019, Egyptian Theater Park City

By: Morgan Jones

Photo By: Jenn Silva

The thing about Patty Griffin is that her voice isn’t perfect. I would go as far as to say it is an acquired taste, a voice that, even when you’re a fan of some of her songs, has to grow on you over the course of an evening. During her opening number at Park City’s Egyptian Theatre, that was the thing that struck me. I’ve always found her voice to be unique but it was even more unique live and honestly took a little getting used to and I think the biggest thing is you have to realize that Griffin is who she is, she is confident and makes no apologies and that may be the thing that makes her voice so inviting. There are other artists you go see and you’re disappointed when they hit a sour note but it actually seems that imperfection is one thing that makes Patty Griffin endearing.

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Train/ Goo Goo Dolls June 18, 2019 USANA Amphitheater

By: Charlotte Reynolds

Photo By: Cassie Anderson

It’s always good to see a jam-packed USANA Amphitheater. It means that summer has arrived and good times concerts have moved to our great outdoor venues. I don’t know if I’ve seen USANA this packed since Def Leppard played here last. There was a buzz in the air as Goo Goo Dolls and Train fans made their way through the turnstiles.

Photo By: Cassie Anderson
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David Gray June 18, 2019, Eccles Theater

By: Kevin Rolfe

I’ve been a David Gray fan for a long time.  I’ve seen him in Los Angeles, in London and many times here in Salt Lake City.  I do whatever I can to be sure to see him whenever he tours. There was even one time when David Gray was coming to Kingsbury Hall and I wasn’t going to be able to attend.  I was forced to summon the assistance of the concert gods and David ended up needing to reschedule that concert for a date that I could attend. And that concert was so good!  When I saw that DG was bringing his Gold in a Brass Age Tour to Salt Lake I was thrilled.  But when I noticed that the concert would be taking place at the Eccles Theater I couldn’t think of a better combination.  And I was not wrong.

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Aly & AJ June 15, 2019, The Complex

By: Evelyn Salazar

Photo By: Evelyn Salazar

Bring on the nostalgia!

Saturday, June 15, 2019, Salt Lake City was blessed with the appearance of the sister, pop- duo Aly & AJ. Fans of all ages anxiously waited outside The Complex hours before doors opened, so they could snag a good spot. The iconic sister duo came back from a 10-year hiatus from music last year, and just released their new EP Sanctuary last month. For a lot of fans, this would be their first time seeing the girls live because of their 10 year break. It was amazing to see young kids to grown adults in line. If you were a Disney Channel kid like I was, then you know just how amazing Aly & AJ are! They were a huge part of my childhood, with their catchy songs and unforgettable music videos that would play during commercial breaks. When I think of them, it takes me back to simpler days in the 2000’s era. They remind me of summer breaks and my pre-teen bedroom, covered in posters from those teen magazines! So I was excited to hear them perform live too!

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