It’s wet, parking is a slog and there is a chilly wind kicking…but you’re in line to see Bob Moses and Cannons, so everything actually is going to be okay! This is what I feel every person waiting in line outside the Union Event Center this Monday thought, if just for a split second. Speaking to some inside and out of the venue as we were all waiting for doors, there were so many people looking forward to this specific show — fans of all ages, some on dates, friend groups led in by that one friend, whole families even, all sharing in the live music experience that was absolutely worth it.
The venue filled up slowly, but with it hitting 6:30, it was time to get things started with the early birds, and the rest could just miss out. Solo artist Oxis took the stage at the center behind a keyboard stand with guitar and mic within reach, playing tracks from the keyboard, adding in some loops and effects while providing pleasant, chill vocals that added to the vibe of the music’s overall sound, which was part dance, electronic and alternative pieces. Sharing a short intro to the songs and a micro backstory to each of the purposefully sea life-themed titles such as “Fish,” “Cod” and “spicy tuna,” Oxis charmed the growing audience with each piece and solidified at winning the holdouts as one track covered “Mr. Brightside” in her own fashion.
Set change, bathroom rush, maybe the first beverage of the evening. I took some more rounds to speak to more attendees (check out all the images), and both floors of the entire building continued to fill, as conversations filled the gap in anticipation of Cannons to take the stage. When they did, the room turned dark, a bit of light hit the stage and revealed fog had been let loose around the floor and members of Cannon came out from the curtains. They took their spots as sporadic “whooos” grew into a full-on cheer as the last member, Michelle Joy, came to the front to a cheering crowd. Playing a medley of hits such as “Hurricane,” newer music like “Starlight” and also taking a moment to intro to the crowd, they took the room back to the beginning with some older pieces and reflected on their own history during their performance.
It was time for the next artist to take the stage, and after another scramble for that shirt, album or another drink for the rest of the show, Bob Moses, the electronic rock duo visiting from Canada, took it away. With members Tom Howie (vocals, guitar) and Jimmy Vallance (synthesizers, keyboard) front and center, they began their set playing known favorites like “Tearing Me Up” and “Love Brand New,” and the entire house loved every second of it. Taking a moment in between songs, Howie spoke to the crowd, thanking them for coming out, recounting the last time they visited SLC and sharing the truth that gatherings such as occurring at the moment and sharing the experience are times of life to be thankful for. There was no loss on that sentiment from that message with this crowd, however; the air filled with people enjoying each note, each moment.
Photos by Logan Sorenson:
Mother and daughter duo Ambria and Tandie are hitting the
scene! Coming back into the
practice of going to shows. After overcoming a recent cancer diagnosis, these bad
–
asses are
celebrating with their first show back and eager to see Cannons at the Union Event Center!
Cecil, Zach, Sophie, Taylor, family unit is ready to go! Looking forward to hearing some
Heartbeat Highway from Cannons and others as they’re just getting into the venue on this
murky Monday evening.
Shawn, Chantalisa, Kai, arrived early and waiting for the rest of the group, whom some of which flew in from Vegas for the show. Some looking forward to hearing some Love Brand New from Bob Moses and determined to enjoy their night out.
Merch area remains a popular one with all the
sales peeps hawing shirts and albums all night long from all three artists.
Plenty of awesome retro designs are available on this tour for all artists, a great selection for
the live show collectors out there.
Bartenders Nikki, Chris, Amber and Amanda hold down the main bar right at the top of the
21 plus area upstairs, providing all the tasty beverages
for the evening.
Opening and lone artist Oxis takes the stage front and center at a set-up with keyboard and
synth, with headphones and guitar within reach.
Artist Oxis, providing vocals over the tracks that are seemingly al
l themed for sea life, Oxis
provides soft, calm vibes throughout the set.
Oxis, lone musician, opening the show for Cannons and Bob Moses, pictured on stage at the
Union Event Center in Salt Lake City.
Oxis, playing guitar, adjusting the track and providing vocals for their entire set, on stage in
Salt Lake City, Utah.
Opening artist Oxis providing vocals for their lone set, on stage at the Union Event Center in
Salt Lake City.
Matt, Jag, Tavia, Brook and Connor, all gathering outside on the balcony before the show continues on, Tavia’s 1st official show seeing Cannons and she is ready for it, with the
support of friends, they will get her through if there is an overload of too much good.
Guitarist for Cannons, Ryan Clapham, pictured just taking a moment du
ring the opening
moments of the show as the music is kicking in. Photographed in Salt Lake City at the Union
Event Center.
Cannons lead singer Michelle Joy just beginning the set at the Union Event Center in Salt Lake City.
Michelle Joy of Cannons and the packed crowd directly in front, pictured in Salt Lake City at the Union Event Center.
Drummer for Cannons photographed on stage during their set at the Union Event Center in
Salt Lake City, UT.
Michelle Joy of Cannons reaching out, expressing through the lyrics as she sings on stage at the Union Event Center in Salt Lake City, UT.
Michelle Joy of Cannons back lit by blue and darkness, with an all-white flowy corset type
outfit and long curly blonde locks, singing on stage during their set at the Union Event Center in Salt Lake City, UT.
Bassist for Cannons, Jade Fink, photographed on stage in Salt Lake City, and the Union Event
Center.
Singer Michelle Joy for Cannons with mic in hand, reaching for the audience while providing
vocals on stage at the Union Event Center in Salt Lake City, UT.
Cannons pictured from the side as they are playing to a packed crowd in the moody and
colorful venue of the Union Event Center in Salt Lake City.
Cannons continue on their set with singer Michelle Joy pictured front and center in front of a row after row of heads from the audience in the foreground. Captured at the Union Event Center in Salt Lake City.
Cannons Guitarist Ryan Clapham and Singer Michelle Joy pictured from the front of house as they play and dance towards each other during their set at the Union Event Center in Salt
Lake City, UT.
Bob Moses’ Tom Howie, providing vocals at the front mic while on stage in Salt Lake City, UT
at the Union Event Center.
Bob Moses on stage with a sphere on the giant LED board, captured in Salt Lake City, playing
at the Union Event Center.
Touring bassist,
Julio Tavarez photographed on stage, foot raised and wailing on the strings.
Tom Howie of Bob Moses singing at the mic, with green tinted shades on stage at the Union Event Center in Salt Lake City, UT.
Julio Tavarez
touring bassist for Bob Moses, pictured in front of a giant LED wall, playing during the set and looking at fellow band members while on stage in Salt Lake
City.
Bob Moses vocalist, Tom Howie, both hands on the mic, singing while on stage during their
set at the Union Event Center in Salt Lake City.
Bob Moses members Jimmy Vallance and Tom Howie photographed side by side during their set in Salt Lake City.
Bob Moses playing on stage during their set at the Union Event Center in Salt Lake City.
Bob Moses drummer
Joe Zizzo, pictured on set playing at the Union Event Center in Salt Lake City
Jimmy Vallance of Bob Moses playing keyboard while on stage at the
Union Event Center in
Salt Lake City.