Rainbow Kitten Surprise switched venues from Saltair to the Sandy Amphitheater for a sold out show. (L-R): Ethan Goodpaster, Jess Haney, Ela Melo and Drew Long. Photo: Ethan Clewell
Pulling into the parking lot of the Sandy Amphitheater, concertgoers couldn’t ignore the line stretching from the venue entrance all the way to the sidewalk of State Route 209.
The band Rainbow Kitten Surprise sold out the Sandy Amphitheater after the show was moved from the Saltair. Their performance spanned a wide dynamic range, shifting from the high-energy jumping of “Tropics” to a slowed-down, extended acoustic session.
The setlist pulled from their entire discography, dating back to their album Seven + Mary up through their newest release, Bones. They closed the night with their most popular song, “Freefall.”
The band has been a beacon for the LGBTQ+ community since lead vocalist and cofounderEla Melo publicly transitioned in 2022. On Wednesday night, there was a wave of visible support, with several pride flags throughout the crowd.
Sandy Amphitheater offered a different experience, shifting from a standing general admission setup to a seated layout. This meant the seating was first-come, first-served. The seats were limited, but there was also a separate space for dancing. Fans didn’t seem to mind, however, as many of them danced the entire night.
The Australian-based band Spacey Jane got the night started with a fun, high-energy set. As the sole opener, they had the time to play an extensive setlist spanning their discography, stretching back to their 2020 album, Sunlight.
Darrick “Bozzy” Keller playing the guitar while singing During Rainbow Kitten Surprise set at the Sandy Amphitheater, July 15, 2026.
Rhythm Guitarist Darrick “Bozzy” Keller strums during Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s set at the Sandy Amphitheater, July 15, 2026.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise Bassist Maddie Bouton performs during their set at the Sandy Amphitheater, July 15, 2026.
Darrick “Bozzy” Keller beckons the crowd at the Sandy Amphitheater, July 15, 2026.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise Ela Melo sings to a sold out crowd at Sandy Amphitheater on July 15, 2026.
Jess Haney playing the drums during Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s set at the Sandy Amphitheater, July 15, 2026.
Ela Melo sings during Rainbow Kitten Surprises performance at the Sandy Amphitheater, July 15, 2026.
Maddie Bouton strums the bass during Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s set at Sandy Amphitheater on July 15, 2026.
Drew Long performs during Rainbow Kitten surprise’s set at the Sandy Amphitheater, July 15, 2026.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise lead guitarist Ethan Goodpaster performs during their set at Sandy Amphitheater on July 15, 2026.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise coming together on stage during their set at Sandy Amphitheater. (L-R): Darrick “Bozzy” Keller, Ethan Goodpaster, Ella Melo, Drew Long, and Maddie Bouton.
Ela Melo, lead for Rainbow Kitten Surprise, at the Sandy Amphitheater, July 15, 2026.
Sandy Amphitheater has seating, but it was merely optional during Rainbow Kitten Surprises set. July 15, 2026
Rainbow Kitten Surprise played in front of a sold out Sandy Amphitheater on July 15, 2026.
Fans Dale Rillion (left) and Kayla Kunz (right) dancing in the concourse section of the Sandy Amphitheater. July 15, 2026
Rainbow Kitten Surprise played in front of a sold out Sandy Amphitheater on July 15, 2026.
George Clanton and Randy Burton watching Spacey Jane’s set from outside of the amphitheater venue on July 15, 2026.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s Ela Melo (left) and Maddie Bouton (right) share a moment on stage during their set at Sandy Amphitheater on July 15, 2026.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise frontwoman Ela Melo performs at Sandy Amphitheater on July 15, 2026.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise frontwoman Ela Melo performs at Sandy Amphitheater on July 15, 2026.
Rainbow Kitten Surprise frontwoman Ela Melo performs at Sandy Amphitheater on July 15, 2026.
Caleb Harper sings to the crowd during Spacey Jane’s opening set at Sandy Amphitheater on July 15, 2026.
Drummer Kieran Lama playing the drums at Sandy Amphitheater on July 15, 2026.
Spacey Jane frontman Caleb Harper performs during their set at Sandy Amphitheater on July 15, 2026.
Bassist Peppa Lane performs during Spacey Jane’s set at Sandy Amphitheater on July 15, 2026.
Guitarist Ashton Le Cornu does showing off his stage moves during Spacey Jane’s performance at Sandy Amphitheater on July 15, 2026.
Guitarist Ashton Le Cornu does showing off his stage moves during Spacey Jane’s performance at Sandy Amphitheater on July 15, 2026.
Spacey Jane frontman Caleb Harper (left) and bassist Peppa Lane (right) perform at Sandy Amphitheater on July 15, 2026
Peppa Lane, bassist for Spacey Jane, sings during Spacey Jane’s set at Sandy Amphitheater on July 15, 2026.
