The Strike • Poolhouse • June 28, 2025 • Rio Tinto Kenecott Stage at America First Square
Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson
On June 28, 2025, The Strike closed out their five-stop North American tour with a high-energy performance at Utah’s newest concert venue, the Rio Tinto Kenecott Stage at America First Square in South Jordan. The venue in Daybreak is part of the new ballpark that is home to the Salt Lake Bees. As a photographer and concert lover, I’ve been to countless venues across the state—and I can confidently say this one is a standout. It was Utah Concert Review’s first time covering a show at the venue, and I’m already looking forward to coming back.
The Rio Tinto Kenecott Stage is brand new, but it’s already setting the bar high. When I walked in, it reminded me of The Gallivan Center—but with a better stage setup. There’s a large lawn where concertgoers can lay out blankets, a standing section closer to the stage, rooftop viewing spots, and plenty of places to sit, stroll, and hang out. The venue has close parking, great access via the TRAX station right across the street, and—most importantly—a family-friendly vibe that’s rare in the live music scene. Kids were playing and dancing freely while parents enjoyed the show, and the entire atmosphere felt open, safe, and community-oriented. By far, it’s the most family-friendly venue I’ve been to in Utah.
The sound and lighting were both top-tier, with production quality that matched long-established venues. The stage was framed by simple but effective visuals, with string lights above the lawn that switched on as the show came to a close, adding a magical finish to an already fantastic night. Food and drinks were available near the baseball field, and in the future, the venue will add restaurants like Hires Big H and Nomad. Upcoming concerts include Ben Folds, The Lower Lights, and Howard Jones (who will play on the baseball field). It’s clear that this space is just getting started, and it’s off to an incredible beginning.
Poolhouse
The night kicked off with an opening set from Poolhouse, a young indie rock band with deep Utah roots. With members Jake Buckner, Jonny Steed, Lucas Olivier, and Tate Cope, Poolhouse has built a name for themselves. Performing at local venues like Kilby Court, Velour, and festivals like Fork Fest and Kilby Block Party. Their nostalgic, melodic sound felt right at home in the laid-back setting of the lawn. They played crowd favorites like “Blue” and “Strawberry,” along with a couple of new songs, and the audience was clearly into it. The band has great stage presence and stayed after the set to meet fans, take photos, and sign merch. I’ve seen them before, and they never disappoint.
The Strike
But the main event was The Strike—a band that started in Provo, Utah, and now calls Los Angeles home. Made up of frontman Chris Crabb, drummer Jay Tibbitts, and guitarist/keyboardist David Maemone, The Strike is known for their powerful live shows and a retro-leaning rock sound that brings serious ’70s and ’80s vibes with a modern twist. Their set did not disappoint.
This was the final show before they head out to tour with The Fray, and they made it count. The crowd, which included everyone from longtime fans to first-time listeners, was up and dancing from the first note. The Strike’s setlist was packed with hits like “Painkillers,” “The Getaway,” “Reckless,” and “Nothing New,” and they even treated fans to a cover of The Outfield’s “Your Love.” The energy stayed high through the encore with “Devils in the Canyon.”
Chris Crabb is a magnetic frontman, effortlessly holding the crowd’s attention with his charisma and powerful vocals. The band’s visuals were kept clean and minimal—just some fun lighting, fog, and a screen with their name—but that allowed the focus to stay squarely on the performance. At one point, Crabb told the crowd that this was the biggest show they’ve ever played in Utah. It was a great full-circle moment for a band that got its start here.
The crowd was loving every second of it. People were dancing across the lawn, kids were jumping along with the beat, and fans of all ages were singing the words to every song. After the show ended, the overhead string lights switched on, and fans lingered to chat, take photos, and meet the band. The Strike was generous with their time, talking with fans, posing for selfies, and reconnecting with local friends and family. It was a genuine, heartfelt end to a memorable night.
This was my first time seeing The Strike live, and they were everything I hoped for—tight musicianship, great vocals, and an infectious energy that had the whole venue moving. But just as memorable as the band’s performance was the venue itself. The Stage at America First Square is a huge win for Utah’s live music scene. Whether you’re a serious concertgoer or just looking for a fun night out with your family, this place has something for everyone. I’m excited to watch it grow and bring even more incredible shows to South Jordan.
If this night was any indication, The Strike and The Rio Tinto Kenecott are both on a trajectory toward something big.
For information on upcoming concerts and events at America First Square, click here.