MUSIC PICKS MAY 8 - MAY 14 

• Slater Coffin
• Magic Sword

Magic Sword & Mega Ran at Urban Lounge 5/9
There is an idea that the past is not simply being nostalgically reflected upon, but that it contains ghosts of still possible futures. From the shadows of Boise emerges Magic Sword, a masked trio known only as The Keeper, The Seer and The Weaver. Cloaked in anonymity, their pulse-pounding synth-driven soundscapes have echoed through video games and a cinematic blockbuster. As their legend grows, the prophecy has yet to be fulfilled—so check your Hero's Journey at the door. "We are not the chosen! We are the Cursed!" The Keeper told Brutal Planet Mag. "Forever bound to the sword until we find the chosen one. The one destined to wield the Magic Sword and imprison the Dark One for all time." Could their latest stop in Salt Lake City reveal the one to unleash the true power of the weapon? Perhaps, but be warned: The music of the sword can really mess with your head. Besides the live performance, it is best to experience them through good headphones, from wax on your turntables and at home in the dark—late at night. The mesmerizing Starbenders and hip-hop heavyweight Mega Ran open. If you have never caught a Mega Ran gig, don't sleep on the way he can rock a crowd or his arm cannon. Catch these artists on the Year Of The Sword tour at the Urban Lounge on Friday, May 9. Doors at 7 p.m. Tickets for the 21+ show are $25 at 24tix.com. (Mark Dago)

• via Instagram
• Wilbere

Official KBP Kickoff Party: Wilbere, Lonely Heights, Anyone Awake, Lovingly Clad @ Kilby Court 5/9
For the past six years, Kilby Block Party has transformed downtown SLC into a hotbed of incredible music, beautiful weather and eager showgoers. Early May has not only signified the beginning of better weather and a rapidly-approaching summer, but has become synonymous with this incredible extravaganza. The festival runs for four days this year instead of the traditional three, and you can get a jump-start on the fun with this kickoff party on May 9. At the top of the bill is Wilbere, who brings their sincere and thoughtful indie jams, always captivating the crowd. Lonely Heights is also joining the party, their catchy riffs sure to get you up on your feet. Coming to visit from Idaho, Anyone Awake will complement the lineup with their alt/indie sound that's hard to forget. Last and never least, Lovingly Clad will make this lineup perfect with their charming indie sound. While Kilby Block Party officially spans the four days, there are a bunch of adjacent shows like this one to add to your enjoyment. There's no way you can be bored with all of the shows coming up. Come kick off KBP week on Friday, May 9 at 7 p.m. Tickets for the all-ages show are $15 in advance and $17 at the door. Grab tickets at 24tix.com. See feature preview of locals on the KBP bill on p. 22. (Emilee Atkinson)

• Freezeframe 43
• Virtual Riot

Virtual Riot @ The Depot 5/10
German producer/DJ Virtual Riot (Christian Valentin Brunn) started out in ambient dubstep and future garage music before honing in on his edgier style of bass-heavy and melodic dubstep. Brunn's first album, Simulation, was released in 2021, and was a huge success, launching an album tour across the United States and sold-out shows. His latest album Stealing Fire dropped in 2024, and includes the song "Give In To You" featuring powerhouse producers REZZ and One True God. The lyrics, "I can feel you pull me under / I can feel you, you're not the one / If you're coming any closer / I give in to you," show his unique range as an artist, since it is a mid-tempo song (REZZ's speciality) and delivers a powerful punch. Brunn has a keen sense for sound development and it hasn't gone unnoticed. His sounds were used in the Disney+ series The Mandalorian, which reached audiences worldwide. Within the electronic music world, he's already been a huge star and has performed at the biggest festivals like EDC, Tomorrowland, Lost Lands and Rampage. Supporting acts include bass artists Steller and Skellytn. This show is 18+ on Saturday, May 10 at The Depot. Use this opportunity to skip driving and take TRAX (Blue Line to Arena stop). Doors open at 9 p.m., general admission costs $46.50. Go to v2presents.com for tickets and additional event information. (Arica Roberts)

• Dana Trippe
• Allison Russell

Allison Russell @ The Commonwealth Room 5/13
Canadian singer, songwriter, musician and activist Allison Russell has come a long way in the limited expanse of her solo career, but her tenure in the Po' Girls, Birds of Chicago and the supergroup-of-sorts Our Native Daughters gave her a platform from which to grow her career. Warmly embraced by the Americana community, her soulful vocals, assured presence and clear commitment to common cause further attest to the fact that women and people of color have become a dominant force within those rich musical environs, and will continue to be so moving forward. Indeed, with eight Grammy nominations and one win, three Canadian Folk Music Awards, and one Juno Award to her credit, as well as double consideration for the prestigious Polaris Music Award, she's clearly made her mark as a formidable force in today's Americana realms. Yet beyond the music, she's also unafraid to speak her mind about acceptance and engagement. She stated in a 2023 interview with Out magazine that "empathy is a superpower and that diversity is not a dirty word" and added, "Our differences are riches..." No doubt she'll emphasize those points in her upcoming performance, providing proof that a dedicated artist can infuse their music with a message that ensures important ideals will remain intact. Allison Russell with special guest Kara Jackson performs at The Commonwealth Room on Tuesday, May 13 at 8 p.m. General Admission tickets cost $37 plus taxes and fees at axs.com. (Lee Zimmerman)

• Amy Harris
• Kenny Wayne Shepherd

Kenny Wayne Shepherd & Bobby Rush @ Capitol Theatre 5/14
Kenny Wayne Shepherd has a keen sense of musical history. Truly inspired by some of the blues greats, the self-taught guitarist applied what he learned. And he combined such knowledge with an omnivorous approach to music that appreciates the many styles that came from the blues: rock, soul, R&B and more. He released his debut album, the smash hit Ledbetter Heights, in 1995; last year, he headlined an all-star lineup of guitarists on the Experience Hendrix tour. Bobby Rush's musical career, meanwhile, has spanned 50 years, at 20 twenty record labels and most American popular music genres—so he's tough to pigeonhole. He's earned several awards and scored chart singles, so at age 91, Rush has nothing left to prove. Recipient of 14 Blues Music Awards and a three-time Grammy Award winner (Best Traditional Blues Album), he could be forgiven if he chose to rest on his laurels, looking back proudly on an impressive body of work that extends over that half-century period. Instead, he's still wowing concert audiences. Now Shepherd and Rush have teamed up for Young Fashioned Ways, a collaborative blues album, now touring in support of that release. The two play the Capitol Theatre on May 14 at 7:30 p.m; tickets are $40 and up, available at saltlakecountyarts.org. (Bill Kopp)