MUSIC PICKS JUN 26 - JUL 2 

• Hisashi Uchida
• Jake Shimabukuro

Jake Shimabukuro @ Egyptian Theatre 6/25-27
Ukulele probably isn't the first instrument that comes to mind when one thinks of powerfully rocking music. But Honolulu-born Jake Shimabukuro is the sort of artist who can make that comparatively humble instrument work in a surprising variety of contexts. His 2016 album Nashville Sessions is something one rarely encounters: a ukulele-led (say that three times fast) power trio. It's astoundingly good, and recommended for fans of Cream and Joe Satriani. He continued in a similar vein when guesting on Mick Fleetwood's 2024 album Blues Experience. Tackling well-loved tunes from the likes of Jeff Beck, Procol Harum and the original Fleetwood Mac, they create a wonderful set of instrumentals that simmer and soar. Most listeners will have never heard uke like this; they likely won't even recognize that what they're hearing is a ukulele. And even when Shimabukuro explores other styles—funk, bluegrass, jazz, folk, flamenco and more—he always does it with style, creativity and wit. His supremely friendly, tuneful brand of music defies easy categorization, and his deep catalog features more than two dozen studio and live albums, including several created specifically for the Japanese market. Jake Shimabukuro comes to the Egyptian Theatre for three nights, June 25-27 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $33 and up, and are available from parkcityshows.com. (Bill Kopp)

• Courtesy photo
• Bonnie X Clyde

Bonnie X Clyde @ Sky SLC 6/27
This weekend the electropop, synthpop, house and trap music duo Bonnie X Clyde will be in town. In simpler terms, expect what can be called "vocal bass." The producers Paige Lopynski (Bonnie) and Daniel Litman (Clyde) are high-school buddies who have worked hard over the past decade to rise to the top of the electronic music world. Their earliest hits in 2016, "Rise Above" and "Bass Jam," are still classics, while their more recent song "Love is Killing Me (Helion Remix)" is a crowd favorite. If you've ever experienced the feeling of being hurt by someone's love, the lyrics, "You put a bullet in my heart / Every time you look at me / And it gets worse when we're apart," likely resonate. The Bonnie of the duo, Lopynski, graces nearly every track with her silky, smooth vocals. What's most interesting is that they have juggled producing and touring together while dating, until the relationship came to an end the year before their 2023 album Tears in Paradise was released. They chose to stick through with Bonnie X Clyde, however, and released some truly emotional songs like "Another You" and "In Too Deep." Tier 3 tickets are left for this 21+ show. General Admission costs $34.23 for Bonnie X Clyde at Sky SLC on Friday, June 27. Doors open at 9 p.m. with direct support from GLÖ b2b COLETTA. Go to tixr.com to purchase tickets and for more event information. (Arica Roberts)

• Rachel Winslow
• Esmé Patterson

Esmé Patterson, Cactus Tree @ Kilby Court 6/28
Gaining popularity in the 2010s, singer/songwriter Esmé Patterson had that folk/indie rock sound that everyone was very into at that time; think of artists similar to Florence & The Machine and Weyes Blood. Patterson made steady releases through that decade, until her 2020 release There Will Come Soft Rains. It dropped right as lockdowns were happening that March—we all know how that time was, we don't need to rehash it (lockdown is going to be a trigger word for a lot of people for a long time). Patterson then made her triumphant return in 2023 with her album Notes from Nowhere, which "return[ed] to the (super)natural world, evoking the chill of dead winter, parched-forest lightning, midday moons, and the cicada hum of summer swamps," according to her website. The album certainly has ethereal and fairy-like qualities, transporting you to a world unknown. Patterson's most recent release, "Dearly Departed," features Shakey Graves, and has an energetic, eclectic Americana/folk sound to it. Joining Patterson is SLC's own Cactus Tree, solo indie/folk solo project of Tori Smith. These two will fit together very well musically, so don't miss the chance to vibe with them on Saturday, June 28 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the all-ages show are $24.63 in advance and $29.06 at the door (oddly specific, I know). Grab tickets at 24tix.com. (Emilee Atkinson)

• Via Instagram
• The Waldron Brothers

The Waldron Brothers, Aurhe, KMAS, Nick Johnson @ The DLC at Quarters 6/29
There have been plenty of noteworthy sibling team-ups in music, but SLC has its own epic musical sibling team-up with rock duo The Waldron Brothers. "Blood brother rock duo," they specify on their Instagram—making it clear to listeners they're real brothers, and not just "bros." Hopping onto the scene in 2018 with their debut single "Side A, Side B," the Brothers made a lasting and distinct impression with their beautiful and well-crafted sound. One of their most popular tracks, 2021's "Electric Love," is exciting and atmospheric, a perfect song for dancing in the living room after a long day at work, or while hanging out with the bros (blood or otherwise). Also joining the party are fellow rockers Aurhe (pronounced Ah-ree). Their indie pop-punk sound is rooted in emo lyrics and hard-hitting riffs. Their latest single "Wannabe" is an elder emo's dream—it draws inspiration from emo/pop-punk bands of yesteryear with modern sensibilities. It'll be a treat to hear them play live. KMAS and Nick Johnson help complete the bill. Come rock out on Sunday, June 29 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the 21+ show are $12.76 and can be found at 24tix.com. (EA)

• NICK SPANOS
• Debbie Gibson

Debbie Gibson @ America First Square at Rio Tinto 6/30
Fame certainly can be tough, particularly when you become a symbol for an idealized persona. Debbie Gibson came on the scene during a time of musical evolution (circa 1987) that some saw as morally impure (see: Tipper Gore). I love a good moral panic about new and harmless things like "bubblegum pop." I mean, who amongst us hasn't listened to "Shake Your Love" and acted a fool? If I recall correctly, Gibson wrote and sang all of the songs on her debut LP, Out of the Blue at the age of 16. In 2025, It seems a little more mainstream now, but for a teenager to do that in the mid-'80s was/is remarkable. However, don't expect a "best of" set at her Utah stop—just superior pop music in about every way. "People get so into nostalgia and it's funny to put myself in that category, because I don't feel like an old person," Debbie told Classic Pop Mag. "But it does feel like people are nostalgic for that kind of pure, feel-good music." And look, Debbie Gibson performed backing vocals for the Circle Jerks with their version of "I Wanna Destroy You," and for this reason alone she is on the "good person" list. Catch this artist on the Newstalgia Live: Greatest Hits & Beyond tour at America First Square (Downtown Daybreak in South Jordan) on Monday, June 30, at 8 p.m. Tickets for the all-ages show are free; VIP meet and greet are available for $150 and can be found at debbiegibsonofficial.com/newstalgia-live-in-utah. (Mark Dago)