July 3 (Wednesday)
Who: Charley Crockett
Where: Granary Live
When: 6 p.m.
What: Granary Live doesn’t get nearly enough love. CAAMP is coming. So is Railroad Earth. This week they’ll host one of my top picks: Charley Crockett. If you haven’t listened to his 2022 album The Man From Waco, a) you still have lots of time to correct that mistake and b) follow it up with his show. The guy’s released 10 albums since 2015, believe it or not, so there’s plenty to choose from. If this is the direction ‘new country’ is headed, I’m here for it.
July 9 (Wednesday)
Who: Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
Where: Sandy Amphitheater
When: 7 p.m.
What: If four decades in the business, a string of gold records, and at least 14 onstage musicians aren’t enough for you, what more do you need? Had a rare opportunity to catch up with Mr. Lovett at home in Texas and in the middle of six straight weeks of shows for the musician. He’s as nice a guy as you probably believe he already is. “I’ve been lucky to work with the same core group of musicians for years now,” Lovett told me. “Every time we come back from a break, we can always pick up right where we left off, so we’re never starting from scratch.” Watch for our preview article coming soon.
July 11 (Friday)
Who: Common w/ Utah Symphony
Where: Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater
When: 7:30 p.m.
What: The Symphony’s done this before and they’re doing it all over again. Andy why not? It’s a winning formula. After offering a memorable night out with Amos Lee not so long ago, the symphony is returning to back another powerhouse — Common — and they’re taking the show outside. Grab a blanket and flee the heat to the Park City mountains for one of those one–of-a-kind type experiences. Did you know Common’s the first rapper to have won an Emmy, a Grammy, and an Oscar too? Now you do.
July 12 (Saturday)
Who: 4AM Vinyl Presents: Folk Hogan
Where: 353 W. Reed Ave (Salt Lake City)
When: 6 p.m.
What: 4AM Vinyl exists as the brainchild of a local music lover who wanted to give the local talent in our state a brighter spotlight by pressing their songs to vinyl records. Their first one already came out, and it features a couple guys who know how to draw a crowd (Daniel Young, Timmy The Teeth), and plans are already in motion for lots more. 4AM has started sponsoring backyard shows, too. If my math is right, this one’s just their second, and they’ve picked Folk Hogan as their hometown heroes du jour.
Tickets: Free (donations suggested)
July 12 (Saturday)
Who: EarthGang
Where: Gallivan Center
When: 6 p.m.
What: Salt Lake’s Twilight Concert Series begins officially July 12 with EarthGang out of Atlanta, one of only two remaining shows in the series that still have tickets left to sell. EarthGang’s music is newer to these ears than everything else on this list, but the songs make me move. Their flow makes me smile. This is Southern hip hop at its finest. JMSN and Bad Luck Brigade open.
July 14 (Monday)
Who: Ben Kweller
Where: Urban Lounge
When: 7 p.m.
What: While the name may be familiar — he was an on-again, off-again staple in this city years ago — Kweller hasn’t toured for a bit. When his son passed, he wrote about it, and his new album celebrates a life cut short. The first single released (featuring MJ Lenderman) is called “Oh Dorian.” Kweller shared more in a recent press release: “I took the approach of: I’m actually talking to a really great friend I haven’t seen in a while — and I can’t wait to hang out again,” adding that he wrote the song, in part, for Dorian’s high school friends who still come and visit his grave. “He’s not really gone. I’ll see him again.”
July 17 (Thurs)
Who: Sierra Farrell
Where: Library Square, 200 E 400 S
When: 5 p.m.
What: Short story time: I once volunteered for the Ft. Desolation festival in Torrey just so I could see Sierra Farrell do what Sierra Farrell does. In a short space of time, her relentless touring, incredible music and attention to detail (those! costumes!) have caused us all to like bluegrass a whole lot more. She’s what you get when you combine a younger Dolly Parton with a pint-sized female Post Malone. It makes for an infectious vibe. Don’t show up late. Local Ogdenite Sammy Brue opens, and if you saw his Justin Townes Earle tribute earlier this year, you already know the kind energy that guy carries with him.
July 23 (Wed)
Who: Built to Spill
Where: Urban Lounge
When: 7 p.m.
What: The hottest act to ever come out of Boise. One of the most memorable parts of this year’s Kilby Block Party. No stranger to Salt Lake City. Fan of long, delicious, drawn-out guitar solos. Built to Spill is all of these things, and there’s a reason we have them back as often as we do. We really like what we hear, every time.
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