Listen to this articleThe Red Butte Concert Series is a popular venue for Salt Lake City concerts, and it attracts diverse acts and crowds. Big-name performers are commonplace and many of the most well-known gay and lesbian artists make their way to this outdoor venue. However, many of the concerts sell out quickly, so it is advised to purchase tickets as soon as possible. The following is a list of the remaining summer lineup. For more information, visit RedButteGarden.org.
June 24 Sheryl Crow
Her updated folk music has attracted audiences of all ages, genders and orientations. Crow’s voice and style are reminiscent of an older generation, but her hits are made contemporary and mainstream. The multi-platinum recording artist has won nine Grammy Awards.
July 6 Pink Martini
The so-called little-orchestra was founded in 1994 and consists of 12 members. The group is known for its jazz and lounge-style music. However, they also are masters of incorporating Latin, pop and classical sounds. Thomas M. Lauderdale, founder of the band, described their sound as “music of the world without being world music. If the United Nations had a house band in 1962 hopefully Pink Martini would be that band.”
July 14 Michael Franti & Spearhead
Michael Franti is at the forefront of the hip-hop’s socially conscience movement. The poet, author and activist formed his group and has been releasing critically acclaimed albums ever since. He tackles issues such as AIDS activism and gay rights through his lyrics.
July 17 Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
The nine-member group from Brooklyn wows audiences with their heartfelt lyrics and performances. With gritty and beautiful vocals, these performers have been astounding listeners since they formed more than a decade ago.
July 19 Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band
The Moscow, Idaho native has released six full-length albums, toured Ireland and his latest record, So Runs the World Away was named by NPR one of the best albums of 2010. His lyrical music is honest and has his Americana-style music is appealing to a wide array of listeners.
July 22 Fleet J
The Seattle-based folk band is known for its unique style and harmonious lyrics. According to the band, their music can be described as “baroque harmonic pop jams.” The latest album, Helplessness Blues was released at the beginning of May.
July 24 Steve Miller Band
This rock group is known for psychedelic music and had some of the biggest hits of the ’60s and ’70s. Some of the classics this group produced were “Jet Airliner,” “Take The Money and Run,” “Fly Like An Eagle” and “The Joker.” In 2010 the group released an album of R&B covers called Bingo.
July 27 Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers/Bela Fleck and the Flecktones
Bruce Hornsby is a singer, pianist, accordion player and songwriter. His music infuses classical, jazz, bluegrass, folk and rock music. His fourth album was released in 2009.
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones use bluegrass and jazz along with a variety of African instruments. The four-time Grammy Award-winning group has an eclectic style that reaches across many musical genres.
July 31 Lyle Lovett and His Large Band
Last year this performance was one of the most electric of the summer. While his music is typically associated with country, he also has blues, jazz and gospel influences. The four-time Grammy Award-winning artist has been performing for more than 30 years.
Aug. 2 k.d. lang
Lang, an out-and-proud lesbian, is a vocal supporter of human rights around the world. The Canadian native’s music has garnered her four Grammy Awards and she was a guest performer on the hit TV series, Glee.
Aug. 7 Jerry Jeff Walker/James Cotton Superharp
Walker, 69, is a country music singer/songwriter from New York … go figure. His most notable song “Mr. Bojangles,” is about a talented tap-dancing alcoholic drifter, and which is probably considered the mentor of country music writing today.
Aug. 11 G. Love & Special Sauce
G. Love & Special Sauce is known for its laid-back blues sound. The group formed in 1994 and has enjoyed success with hits “My Baby’s Got Sauce,” “Cold Beverage” and “Rodeo Clowns.” The latest album, Fixin’ To Die is a return to the group’s country blues roots.
Aug. 14 Jonny Lang/JJ Grey & Mofro
Jonny Lang has the voice and sound of someone 40 years his senior. His experienced voice allows him to belt out a resolute and powerful blues sound. His blaring and inspiring guitar solos are awe-inspiring.
JJ Grey & Mofro utilizes its southern routes to weave lyrical rhymes and stories that are complex and beautiful at the same time. From funk to R&B, this group has mastered a unique and engaging style that is truly a wonder to hear live.
Aug. 16 Gipsy Kings
The Gipsy Kings are a group consisting of two bands of brothers: The Reyes and the Bailardos. Their rumba and Spanish Flamenco style has produced hits to international acclaim. The gipsy roots along with traditional Spanish style make their performances an engaging adventure.
Aug. 17 Peter Frampton
The platinum-recording artist has been touring for well over 30 years and his live performances are widely regarded as some of the best in the industry. The Frampton Comes Alive! 35th Anniversary World Tour will feature songs from across his career.
Aug. 21 Brandi Carlile
Carlile is a petite, sassy songstress with a unique voice that will leave you awestruck. From piano ballads to stints of booming country rock … and even yodeling, this lesbian leaves her audiences in a wild frenzy – so much so that her concerts sell out quickly, so move fast.
Aug. 28 Return to Forever IV with Zappa Plays Zappa
Return to Forever is a jazz fusion band founded and led by legendary keyboardist Chick Corea, along with bassist Stanley Clarke. Combining jazz, funk, rock, Latin music and pop, Return to Forever defined the jazz-fusion genre.
Sep. 1 Thievery Corporation
This deejay duo consists of Rob Garza and Eric Hilton, a couple of clubbers who decided to try mixing unusual style elements to club music. From Trance to Brazilian to acid jazz and from Middle Eastern to reggae to dub, Thievery Corporation have made an impact on the music world.
Sep. 4 Alison Krauss & Union Station
Her latest album, Raising Sand, earned Alison Krauss six Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year and Song of the Year. Across a storied career, Krauss has won an unsurpassed total of 26 Grammy Awards.
