Wow, I didn’t realize how much I missed live music! I’ve watched a few live streams over the last year+, and it was fun but not the same. I didn’t buy any, though, to me a concert is an event. If you’re just sitting at home watching a screen it’s hard to justify… it’s also hard to carve out the time to sit and watch. I got tickets for the Allman Betts Band at the Orlando Hard Rock. Normally, I’m not a fan of that venue, as it’s a long ways from parking, and it’s usually more expensive for similar acts. I was surprised how open parking was very open… and free, which is NOT the case around Halloween Horror nights, which adds $20 to the total cost). Once inside Universal City Walk, I was also a bit surprised how crowded it was. I hadn’t been around that many people in a year and a half! It took a little bit of time to get used to that, for sure.
The venue was about half to two-thirds full. Definitely not sold out, but a good crowd. I think a lot of people were in my boat: very enthusiastic to be back seeing live bands, and it showed in the crowd response and interaction. I purposefully bought an isle row seat, which I felt would give me a bit of separation.
Have you seen anything recently? What was your reintroduction to live music, if so? If not, is there anything on your radar? Let me know in the comments.
River Kittens
River Kittens opened up – they were a roots acoustic duo with fantastic harmony vocals and fun songs. They did a great job, and it was an excellent reintroduction to live music. They did a mix of covers and originals, and on top of both women singing, they played guitar, mandolin and ukelele. I don’t know much about the duo, but their vocals blended so well I wondered if they were sisters. Definitely check them out.
The Allman Betts Band
I had listened to them a few times on Spotify, but I didn’t know their catalog very deeply. Even not being very familiar, their songs were easy to get into – Southern Rain, Airboats & Cocaine and Much Obliged in particular were good singalongs. They also did a somewhat surprising number of Allman Brothers covers: Trouble No More, Jessica, Ain’t Wasting No More Time, and Southbound.
In my opinion they have a perfect mix of southern rock and blues – some long solos, some more pop-structured songs. It never felt tedious one way or another. Easy to get into, but also deep enough to enjoy over and over.
The band sounded incredibly full and rich – with three guitars, drums, percussion, keys and bass. While of course Duane Betts and Devon Allman are the bigger names, I was particularly impressed with Berry Duane Oakley on bass and vocals – he was super tight – and John Ginty on keyboard. The sound was also a perfect level – I was in about the 15th row, but it wasn’t too loud and the mix was good.
Explore More
I’m so happy live music is coming back – I’m happy for the bands, and for the joy it’s bringing. Take some time to explore both River Kittens and the Allman betts Band – you’ll be glad you did. And go see live music when you’re able and you feel safe
Guitar Vince 