Becca and I love our summers. Summer is nostalgic for us because it's when we met, fell in love, and decided to make a go of it. Whenever it gets warm enough for Becca to pull out her flip flops, cargo shorts, and polo shirts I always feel familiar and excited butterflies because that's when we met, when she was summer Becca. Because we love our summers so much, we always have a really hard time letting them go. Summer 2011 was one for the records: weddings, Bike MS, hiking, walking in Pride, BBQs with friends and family, birthdays and dinners up the canyon. It wasn't anything too crazy, but it really was perfection. I was finished with coursework, Becca's scheduled slowed a bit, and we just enjoyed the crap out of it. Fortunately for us, the weekend before school provided us a lineup of concerts that were straight from our own personal music gods. We ended the summer doing what we do best: hanging out, listening to live music, eating great food, and enjoying each other's company. Ours is a Sunday kind of love; and these are the Sunday concerts we polished off our summer with.
SUGARLAND
We sure love this country duo. I'll admit it, Jennifer Nettles? Total crush. NBD. We saw Sugarland for the first time in concert in May 2010. It was such an amazing show that we vowed that anytime they come to our area, we're going. It's a promise that we kept. They toured in August 2011, and we were there dancing, singing, and enjoying the night.
 |
| It poured rain all the way out to the USANA ampitheatre.... |
 |
| But the sun finally came out... |
 |
| Just in time for Sara Barailles to open for Sugarland. I am a huge Sara Barailles fan and was not disappointed at all! She was funny, friendly with the crowd, and amazing live. I'm happy to say that she totally won Becca over, too. |
 |
| The girl's face behind us is amazing. |
 |
| Jennifer and Christian. Yeah, we're on a first name basis...love them so much. BAH! |
 |
| Out of the entire space at the USANA ampitheatre, we ended up sitting right next to these lovely women from my graduate program. It was very fun to dance the night away with Stephanie and Julie, as well! |
 |
| Overall an excellent evening. Tomorrow morning? Concert round two. |
BRANDI CARLILE
Oh, Brandi, Brandi, Brandi. What is there to say except for that we love you so.so.so much. It may sound dramatic, but Brandi Carlile is number one on our list when it comes to music.
We have seen her many times, and will continue to. Yeah, she's that good. :) Red Butte Garden in Salt Lake City, Utah is a fabulous concert venue. It was recently remodeled and can now accommodate more people. We have a certain area that we sit in every year that is fairly close to the stage, but not in the middle of the craziness. Perfect for a sunny Sunday afternoon to end the summer. With coolers of light beer, diet soda, swedish fish, fresh strawberries, and Subway, we lounged on the grass the entire evening and just enjoyed a fabulous finish to another wonderful summer.
 |
| Love summers. Fell in love with this woman all over again. :) |
 |
| Brandi and her band |
 |
| It honestly doesn't get much better than this. Sunset, open amphitheater, and Ms. Carlile at the mic |
 |
| Look at her arms! |
Another great evening, and a great end to summer. Coming home to this guy doesn't hurt either. School starts tomorrow...
