Summer Concerts

One of my favorite things about summertime is all of the amazing outdoor concerts. The music just hits different being outside. Standing in the grass, baking under the hot sun and hearing your favorite artists rock your socks off. If you didn’t already know, the Ogden Twilight Summer Concert Series is perhaps the best place in Utah to make your summer dreams a reality. They have shows almost every week and there is no place where you can see these caliber of bands for such an affordable price.

This past week was one of the most anticipated shows of the season with co-headliners Deerhunter and Washed Out.

Deerhunter

The amphitheater was still filling up when Deerhunter took the stage. The band members came out one by one as the crowd started to perk up. The lead singer, Bradford Cox, was the last one to take the stage. He walked out with a Japanese style sun umbrella and snow goggles. They opened with “Death in Midsummer” from their 2019 release Why Hasn’t Everything Already Disappeared?. It was incredibly fitting as the crowd roasted in the 90 degree weather. Bradford thanked the crowd and then opened the next song with, “this one goes out to all the homosexuals in Ogden.”

Over the next hour, Deerhunter jammed out 10 songs primarily from their latest release and their 2010 album Halcyon Digest. Bradford said, “we are not here to impress you, we are just here to play our music”. I was still very impressed as the band zoned in together and just played the music. They were relaxed and comfortable on stage. They switched instruments. Brought out a sax for a song and a violin for another. They ended with a 10 minute long rendition of “He would have Laughed” that was absolutely spectacular. Deerhunter brought their A-game and started the show off strong.

Washed Out

By the time Washed Out came out, the place was packed. The sun had set, cooling down the air and pampering the crowd for a party. The 3 musicians played around with synths, electric drums, guitars and laptops, while an entire set of coordinated visuals danced on the screen behind them. Their set was well mixed with new and old songs including some old crowd favorites “Get Up” and “New Theory”. Ernest Greene kept the crowd entertained and the energy levels high throughout the show. The audience members jumped around and sang along, enjoying the music and atmosphere. Washed Out’s set was perfect for a summer concert. The kept it fun and upbeat, creating a perfect vibe for an awesome summer night.

Up Next

Ogden Twilight Summer Concert Series continues this week with The Flaming Lips and The Growlers coming to town on Thursday July 18th. Salt Lake’s Twilight Series also starts up this week with Hippie Sabotage on Saturday. So get your friends together and get ready for an amazing weekend of outdoor concerts!