It must be the clean livin’, because Utah has a fantastic lineup of outdoor music this year. While outdoor concerts can at times create an uneasy cocktail of whitewater raft guides, Paxil-crazed soccer moms, the newly-divorced, public radio drones, and the idle rich…this year’s slate of music promises several marquee experiences for 2009:
TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES
Gallivan Center
July 9 – August 27
Highlight
Iron & Wine perform August 20. Sam Beam’s incredible disc The Shepherd’s Dog made my Top 10 in 2007; reconsidered, it was probably among the year’s two or three best. Rarities Around the Well was released last Tuesday.
Other Shows
Bon Iver / Jenny Lewis July 09
The Black Keys / Human Highway July 16
M Ward July 23
Sonic Youth July 30
Okkervil River Aug 20
RED BUTTE CONCERT SERIES
Red Butte Gardens
May 31 – September 3
Highlight
Los Lobos comes to Salt Lake August 19. How Will the Wolf Survive? is a classic of the 80’s and Los Lobos have been cranking influential Southwest country, R&B, and gospel ever since.
Neko Case May 31
David Byrne June 21
Death Cab / Andrew Bird July 13
MOUNTAIN MUSIC FESTIVAL
Snowbird Ski Resort
July 10 – 12
Highlight
Son Volt open the weekend festivities July 10. At one time, Jay Farrar threatened to inherit the Alt Country mantle from Uncle Tupelo. However, after 1995’s Trace, Farrar’s songwriting turned a bit erratic. Son Volt will release American Central Dust just three days before they play.
Others Shows
Cowboy Junkies July 10
Old 97’s July 11