New York Times best-selling author Alan Paul commemorated the 50th anniversary of The Allman Brothers Band’s iconic fourth studio LP, Brothers and Sisters, with a captivating musical celebration held at New York’s City Winery on July 30. The gala event marked the release of Paul’s book, Brothers and Sisters: The Allman Brothers Band and the Inside Story of the Album That Defined the 70s, which is set to debut at an impressive #7 spot on the New York Times nonfiction hardcover bestsellers list on Aug. 13.

Paul, also known for his superstar celebration of The Allman Brothers Band called Friends of the Brothers, took the stage alongside acclaimed musicians, including guitarists Junior Mack and Andy Aledort, who are members of the Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, and Jaimoe bands. Their exceptional performance at this year’s Peach Music Festival earned high praise from Allman Brothers Band founding member Jaimoe, who described them as “a hell of a band.”

The musical extravaganza featured a lineup of special guests, including Duane Betts, Lamar Williams Jr., and Vaylor Trucks, the sons of ABB members who played pivotal roles in the tremendous success of the album. The additional special guests were organist Peter Levin, renowned for his five-year collaboration with the aforementioned Gregg Allman, and guitarist Johnny Stachela (Allman Betts Band, Duane Betts). The star-studded affair drew a sold-out crowd, which included esteemed NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt.

The event was emceed by legendary ABB Tour Mystic Kirk West, who brought never-before-heard interviews to Paul’s book—the evening commenced with an engaging author interview conducted by Brad Tolinski, the editor of Guitar World and a distinguished biographer of legendary musicians like Jimmy Page and Eddie Van Halen.

During the interview, Paul emphasized the sense of community at the core of The Allman Brothers Band and the profound impact of their music. These sentiments resonated throughout the 12-song set that followed, with the Sons of ABB members, Duane Betts, Lamar Williams Jr., and Vaylor Trucks, making heartwarming appearances on and off the stage.

Williams, who embarked on a European tour with the New Mastersounds the following day, expressed his joy at performing with his extended Allman Brothers family. “Any time I can be on a stage with Duane and Vaylor is special, and I’m so glad that Alan and Friends of the Brothers made this night possible,” Williams shared.

Duane Betts led the group in a mesmerizing performance of five songs written by his father, Dickey Betts, including beloved classics like “Blue Sky,” “Southbound,” “Ramblin’ Man,” “Jessica,” and “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed.” The onstage reunion of Duane Betts and Andy Aledort, who played together in Dickey Betts’ Great Southern for a decade, left the audience elated.

Reflecting on the evening’s festivities, Duane Betts simply said, “That was a great night. I’m glad I was there.”