Candlelight: Queen vs ABBA

 Candlelight is an amazing company that reimagines classical music set to candle light in beautiful venues across 100’s of cities around the world. This was our second time going to one of the events and I have to say, there is really just something magical about it. It feels way more intimate than seeing an orchestra in a big concert hall. Plus, the hundreds of candles really just set a nice ambiance. Last time we saw a Halloween show. Today we saw Queen vs ABBA. We are all fans of both groups (but honestly, who isn’t?) so it was a great option for our friend group.

They offer an assortment of different shows which vary depending on venue, and song selections. Today, like last time, it was a quartet of women on string instruments. In fact, I think it may have even been the same women as last time.

Quick Details:

Length: NA
Trail Type: Event
Difficulty: DR2. Modern building.
Elevation Gain: NA
Restroom: Yes
Dogs? No.
Other Info: Fee area. Prices vary based on show and seating. Also I am not sure how long each tour runs, or how recurring they are (I would guess it depends on popularity). There is at least one more upcoming Queen vs. ABBA in the schedule you can find on their site (outside link).

To Get Here:

Depends. However, both shows we have seen in SLC were at the Grand America.

From i15 take the 6th south exit and head east to Main Street hang a left, then at the light, go right and right again into the parking garage. Follow signs for Grand Ballroom Entrance. Note: it does cost money to park here. Alternate options include finding street parking, or taking Trax.

Take Trax to either the 600 South station, or the Courthouse station (they seem fairly equidistant) then walk about a half block.

The Adventure:

The stage with tons of candles!

When the performers come out they ask that you not take any photos or videos until the final song.

The general list of songs they played (I pulled this list from the next queen vs. ABBA concert. I remember most of these being played, but as the site says, it could vary slightly).

Dancing Queen - ABBA
SOS - ABBA
Money, Money, Money - ABBA
Voulez Vous - ABBA
Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen
I Want to Break Free - Queen
Killer Queen - Queen
Waterloo - ABBA
Super Trouper - ABBA
Mamma Mia - ABBA
Don't Stop Me Now - Queen
We Will Rock You - Queen
We Are the Champions - Queen
Gimme Gimme Gimme - ABBA

The final song was We Will Rock You by Queen.

Video.

Playing again. I found myself being fascinated by their electronic sheet music. It took me a minute to figure out they “turned the page” with a foot pedal. I bet that is super handy when playing music.

Bowing.

They decided to do an encore. ABBA: Gimme Gimme Gimme.

Another quick video.

This one seemed a bit shorter than the Halloween one, but it was still neat.

Afterwards we explored the hotel a little bit.

Fountains in the courtyard.

Closer.

Neat pool fountain.

We decided to pop into the Gibson Lounge for another drink before ordering an Uber.

Fancy.

Outside we found a magnolia tree. This is only the 2nd one I have ever seen. Neat.

A Cedar of Lebanon. These are interesting trees.

Looking up at the Grand America.

Little America across the street.

Well that was a lot of fun. 2 bands I really like done in classical style, it was great! I did like the Halloween show a little bit better, but hey it was still neat and I am glad we got to experience it again. 9 squirrels.

As for difficulty, it is a simple walk from the front doors to the event hall. DR2.

Dogs are not allowed.