The Wallflowers and Vedera

We enjoyed another great show at Red Butte Gardens on Sunday night. We were baking in the sun from the time the gates opened but once the show started clouds started moving in providing some welcome shade and finally becoming somewhat ominous. The rain thankfully held until the drive home.

The opening band was Vedera, a girl led Indie band. Kristin May's vocals were pretty and she played guitar and keyboard on various songs. She mentioned that Vedera would be back to Salt Lake in the fall. Here's a clip of their song 'Satisfy':


Next up were the Wallflowers who started off a little slow but by the time they played 'One Headlight' the crowd was on its feet (well, except for that one old guy a few blankets in front of us who had been on his feet for the entire show).

From Wallflowers

We had a fun group at the show, Anna, Brian, Candace, Cody, Erin and her man whose name is suddenly escaping me (danggit!) and Ban and I.

Red Butte Garden Concert #1 (for me)

Monday night, in front of a sold out crowd, three awesome bands took the stage in the picturesque amphitheater. This show marked my first Red Butte show of the season and it was terrific. Friends had secured an incredible spot in the line so our blankets ended up about five blankets back from the stage.


I packed a picnic that included these Smoked Chicken & Sun-dried Tomato sandwiches. They were scrumptious! Our friends Anna and Brian brought a picnic too including marinated cucumbers that were like crack. I could not get enough of them.



First up was Ra Ra Riot. The band members looked to about 12 years old but we still like them. The lead singer also bears a strong resemblance to our friend Alex.


Next to take the stage was Andrew Bird. His music was full of violin (or is it fiddle?...not sure if I know the difference) and whistling. Some of his songs reminded me of Devotchka. Check out this clip:



Death Cab for Cutie was up next. Their set had lots of the crowd up on their feet swaying to the music. The light show and fog machine were nice additions to music. Overall, it was a fabulous way to start my outdoor summer concert schedule. Next up....the Wallflowers!

Red Butte Garden

It finally occurred to me that to reread my ticket confirmation email today from my Red Butte Garden concert ticket purchase. I've been waiting for them to mail me the tickets and thus far, no go. Turns out that it states quite clearly on the email that I can pick them up at the Garden or they'll hold them for me at will call.


I had another appointment in Research Park this afternoon so afterward I stopped at the Garden to grab my tickets. I'd forgotten that the Indigo Girls are playing there tonight. I could hear their sound check from the parking lot. So, after I picked up my tickets I walked around the garden to get a closer look.

The music sounded terrific and I could see the line of concert-goers waiting outside the gates for the doors to open. I wished that I'd bought tickets for tonight's show. But alas, I had not. So, I wandered around until the Garden closed and took a few more pictures but missed a bunch of potentially terrific shots.

A hummingbird was hovering so close to my head while I was watching the sound check but by the time I got my camera out it was long gone. I also missed getting the shot of what appeared to be a squirrel/terrier mix. It was a damn big squirrel!

Summer Concerts

I know people have been complaining about the sudden onset of heat in Salt Lake this week but all it makes me think about is summer concerts. I look forward to these shows on all those long, dark days of winter. I've attempted to compile a list of venues and their offerings so that you can fill out your calendar now and not miss a single, awesome show.

The best place to see shows is at the Red Butte Gardens Concert Series. This is the most beautiful venue and you can bring in your own picnics. I'm going to five shows and contemplating a couple more. Many of the shows have sold out so if you want to go you'd better check the schedule and order now.

Another favorite is the Twilight Concert Series at Gallivan. This one is free! Unfortunately for me, they are on Thursday nights and I have roller derby practice on Thursdays. I sometimes get resentful about this. I did skip practice one night last year to see Neko Case (she's playing Red Butte this summer).

While not an outdoor venue, the Peppermill Concert Hall in Wendover is a pretty good venue and has some interesting acts. Lyle Lovett skips his outdoor visit to Salt Lake this year to play Wendover on Friday night. Also, the B-52s and Pat Benatar will make stops in Wendover this summer. Stop snickering. I saw Pat Benatar there two summers ago and she killed it! The lady has pipes. Still.

I will find any excuse to get up to Snowbird and Live Music at Snowbird is just another reason to get a room at the Lodge and enjoy the spectacular scenery and some good tunes.

I missed this one last year but hope not too again. The Park City Jazz Festival is a great time. If you've got some extra cash, I'd recommend splurging for the VIP passes. You get killer seats and access to snacks and drinks all day (yes, those kind of drinks). The VIP passes are absolutely worth the money.

A victim of the economic downturn and budget cuts, the Salt Lake City Jazz Festival won't be free this year but I'm willing to throw down for killer jazz at Washington Square. Are you?

I'm sure that there are venues that I'm missing. If you know of any please let me know and I'll add them to the list. Until then, I'll be busy planning dynamite picnic menus to wow my friends.