Many classic rock lovers headed to the Maverik Center in West Valley City on Sunday, June 11th to spend the evening with the legendary Doobie Brothers on their 50th Anniversary Tour! The excitement and anticipation were tangible from fans who had likely loved them through all of those fifty years, or at least through a few decades!
It’s hard to believe it’s been a year. Well, a year and a few days. On Memorial Day 2022, Lord Huron played a sold-out show at the Sandy Amphitheater. If you remember it wasn’t your typical Memorial Day. It was cold and windy. It was snowing in Park City and the threat of rain in the valley was real. The skies fortunately cleared and despite the cold, the concert went off without a hitch. Mostly without a hitch.
Lord Huron founder and frontman, Ben Schneider had played in Boise the night prior and I believe caught a cold that caused him to start to lose his voice. He powered through and from what I remember he only had to cut the show by one song. Following our show here in Utah, Lord Huron was set to play a string of sold-out gigs in Colorado at Red Rocks Amphitheater. I’m sure his vocal condition was scary, but from what I heard he did just fine in Colorado.
My niece knows that I review and photograph concerts. For at least two years, probably more, she has been telling me that I need to cover Melanie Martinez when she comes to town. Other times I’d visit her she would ask me if I knew when Melanie was going to play here. I have had my eye out for this tour for some time. I’m sure you could imagine how exciting it was to finally tell my niece that Melanie Martinez would finally be returning to Utah on her Portals Tour. Martinez has not been here since 2019. I would imagine the pandemic had something to do with that. Judging by the size and enthusiasm of the crowd at the Sandy Amphitheater, my niece wasn’t the only one excited about seeing this concert.
Tuesday, May 23, marked the opening night for the Red Butte Garden Outdoor Concert Series. Les Claypool’s Fearless Flying Frog Brigade and supporting band Fishbone brought their Summer Of Green Tour to the gardens. The sold-out show ended up being an exciting way to start off what is expected to be an incredible summer of concerts at the venue.
On Wednesday, May 17th Mr. Bungle brought their Geek Show tour to The Union Event Center. They were joined by supporting bands, Melvins, and Spotlights. Talking with fans before the show, I was told that Mr. Bungle’s concerts are known for taking their fans on a wild ride. I should expect the unexpected.
What a night! Not only was it the opening show for The National Parks tour. And not only was it a hometown show for the Utah-based band. But it was also the album release show for their new album 8th Wonder. I think the excitement of having one of Utah’s favorite bands performing their tour opener and debuting many of the 8th Wonder songs mixed in with other favorites had this crowd buzzing from the opening of The Union doors. Support acts, Andrea von Kampen (Who will be joining TNP for the Spring leg of the 8th Wonder Tour), and Lantern By Sea only fueled the crowd’s fire with impressive performances. Following the openers, everyone was more than ready for The National Parks.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! We can think of no better way to celebrate than to share our review of our amazing time at The Depot in Salt Lake City, with The Young Dubliners. The Young Dubliners have been a favorite in Utah for many years. As far back as the old Zephyr Club. A long-standing venue that hosted many bands in the 80s and 90s.They even played Salt Lake City during the Winter Olympics in 2002. The Zephyr Club has since been torn down, but Salt Lake City’s love of The Young Dubliners is as strong as ever.
On December 16, the multi-talented violinist Lindsey Stirling brought her Snow Waltz Tour to the Maverik Center in West Valley City, UT. Fans ranging in age from toddlers and beyond filled the arena excited for a night of Christmas music and entertainment! Even though I had played (or as my brother would say, “screeched,”) the violin for nearly a decade, for some reason I wasn’t too familiar with Lindsey Stirling. For years, I have heard from many that she is extremely talented and puts on a wonderful show. So I was excited to experience it for myself!
LAWN PASS NOW AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER 2023 OFFERING FANS ACCESS TO 30+ CONCERTS
Live Nation announced the return of Lawn Pass, giving fans access to some of Summer 2023’s most incredible concerts at select local amphitheaters. With Lawn Pass, fans will have guaranteed general admission lawn seating and Fast Lane access all summer long for $199 plus a fee for 30+ shows.
One of my favorite things about covering concerts is getting the opportunity to see an artist before they skyrocket into stardom. Some I’ve had the chance to see as early as Kilby Court. Others I’ve seen somewhere in the midst of their assent. One of my least favorite things is to just miss an artist before they hit that launch pad and I’m just like everyone else, seeing them in the stratosphere trying to claim I knew about them earlier but without proof. Such is my experience with Lizzo.