CAKE @ Eccles Theater 02.16

An Evening with CAKE at the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater promised attendees a more intimate, two-part musical performance from their favorite alternative rock group. In the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, fans made their way into the various entrances of the Eccles Theater, took selfies with the event posters, bought some concessions or just explored the floors of the venue. Soon, the theater doors opened, and ushers showed the way to assigned sections. The atmospheric high ceilings and mezzanine were slowly filled with smiling faces as the show slowly began with a musical intro and a voiceover to introduce the band. CAKE arrived onstage and greeted the audience, and they begin playing fan favorite hits such as “Wheels,” “Love you Madly” and “Meanwhile Rick James.”

After a few select hits, frontman John McCrea told the audience members just entering that “No, you have not entered late. You have not missed the opening act. … This is an evening with CAKE.” And later in the show, McCrea brought out a potted tree to the stage, asking audience members to answer what tree it is. One woman answering correctly won a peach tree, and promised to take care of it forever and post pictures.

Throughout the show, the energy was high and the enjoyment topped out. Audience members could not help but sway, clap, sing along or even dance in the aisles of the theater. Couples and families of multiple generations came out to enjoy the unmistakably mellow alternative rock sounds that only CAKE and a little vibraslap can provide. With over two hours of great music in a great venue, you would be hard pressed to find a better Friday night option in Salt Lake City than spending an evening with CAKE.