I started with the best intentions of putting together a summer recap full of the roadtrips, life changes [I moved!], weddings, and events I went to. Which would maybe be followed by a brief summary of a few concerts I went to. But the concerts took over and here we are. Consider this a prequel to my summer recap. So stay tuned people who loved my instagram stories featuring full of long clips of muffled music and blurry lit stages off in the distance. THIS ONE’S FOR YOU.

Ogden Twilight: Oh Land/ Wild Belle/ The Shins/ Miike Snow

I made the journey to Ogden three times this year for Oh Land/ Wild Belle, The Shins, and Miike Snow. Every concert meant lucky slice pizza and a visit to my favorite brown vinyl clad car of the frontrunner. Probably the most memorable train ride was when a kid eavesdropped on me giving a summary of an L.M. Montgomery book which somehow led to us adopting him for the night. Although I doubt he is reading Blue Castle right now, which is a shame because it’s a great read.

The Shins was sold out and amazing.

Salt Lake Twilight: Little Dragon/ Cat Power/ Solange

Twilight was it’s usual madness. Little Dragon was wonderful and had crazy costumes and lighting as well. Solange was life changing [duh].

Little Dragon featuring her crazy neon veil.

But first, Cat Power. I read somewhere that everyone who’s been to a Cat Power show has a crazy story to go with it. I did not fully understand this until I saw her perform. She would start songs and change her mind. Constantly adjust, unsatisfied with the sound and the stage. In between the starts and stops she would apologize to the crowd. But no apologies were needed. Despite being the was the only one performing [not a single backup singer or band member to be seen], she filled the stage, switching between her guitar and piano. Her voice was less polished, but more powerful. And right when we needed it she spoke from her heart and gave us the pep talk we needed.

Solange almost didn’t make it due to weather delays, but once she was there any inconvenience was totally forgotten. Everything about the show was captivating. Her voice, the backup dancers, the arrangements, the band. At one point she and her backup singers just screamed into the microphones and somehow it still came out music. Magic.

No bad days when Solange is in town.

Red Rocks/ Father John Misty

We travelled all the way to Colorado to see the infamous Red Rocks venue and it almost didn’t happen. On the way there a semi truck caught ON FIRE and blocked all the lanes. But we persevered through the standstill traffic, roadside “bathroom” stops [things got real], and made it just in time for the show. Red Rocks was gorgeous and the perfect venue.

Us waiting in stopped traffic.

Also us waiting in stopped traffic. IT WAS A ROLLERCOASTER OF EMOTIONS. 

Red Rocks!

HAIM/ Red Butte

One of the highlights of the summer, this was an amazing show [“Right Now” is still playing in my head]. We walked in thinking most of the spots were taken, but ended up in a little corner right at the front. Not only were we up close and personal for the drum solos and giant cricket intruders, but we got to be a part of their mass high five/ running to the crowd at the end. The cherry on top was their cover of Shania Twain’s “That Don’t Impress Me Much”, which if you have listened to I highly recommend [check it out here].

30 Seconds to Mars/ Muse

This was an unexpected end of summer treat thanks to my friend Mindy, who last minute offered me a ticket. Jared Leto was a presence to be reckoned with. Muse performed a flawless, seamless set with incredible lighting design and projected graphics. None of which  turned out in my photos, so you’ll just have to trust me ok?

Currently: reading Madam, Will You Talk? [my book club book for the month]