Photo Credit: Chris Brush

Earlier this week, The Allman Betts Family Revival celebrated founding member of The Allman Brothers Band, Dickey Betts’ 80th birthday with a hometown show at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, Fla. During the night, the band, led by Devon Allman (son of Gregg Allman) and Duane Betts (son of Dickey Betts) ran through an assemblage of covers that paid homage to their father’s roots. Included were sit-ins from Jimmy Hall, Ally Venable and Tal Wilkenfeld. 

Tuesday night’s concert commenced on “Sailin’ ‘Cross the Devil’s Sea,” followed by a Blind Willie McTell cover, “Statesboro Blues,” featuring Hall. The ensemble returned to Allman Brothers material on “No One to Run With” before picking up The Gregg Allman Band original “I’m No Angel,” the title track off their 1987 album, with added licks from Venable.

The musicians pulled out “Melissa” and progressed into “Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More,” with help from Wilkenfeld. Another Eat a Peach classic arrived next, “Blue Sky.” The band closed set one after completing “Dreams.” Upon their return to the stage, the latter half of the night heated up on “Seven Turns” before a pause for celebration, honoring Dickey Betts’ birthday. Serving as a homage, they pulled out “Pony Boy,” a tune written by the esteemed guitarist. 

Allman Brothers originals ensued, taking shape as “Come and Go Blues,” “Jessica,” and “Soulshine,” capped with Sonny Boy Williamson’s “One Way Out.” The fan favorite, “Ramblin’ Man,” served as the second-to-last song of the frame, preceding “Whipping Post,” with help from Hall and Wilkenfeld. For the night’s encore, the band reemerged and delivered “Magnolia Road,” followed by a jammed-out “Midnight Rider,” with all musicians on stage and adding to 1970 released number.

Year seven of The Allman Betts Family Revival has succeeded with multiple sold-out performances, including a memorable night at The Beacon Theater in New York City. Tuesday’s sold-out concert continued their legacy of honoring classic material from The Allman Brothers Band’s beloved catalog. 

Photographer Chris Brush shared photos from the Dec. 12 event via press release. Scroll down to view an image of Dickey Betts and his gold-top Les Paul guitar cake.

The Allman Betts Family Revival 

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall – Sarasota, Fla. 

Dec. 12, 2023

Set I: Sailin’ ‘Cross the Devil’s Sea, Statesboro Blues+, No One to Run With, I’m No Angel^, Melissa, Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More&, Blue Sky, Dreams

Set II: Seven Turns, Happy Birthday to Dickey Betts, Pony Boy, Come and Go Blues, Jessica, Soulshine, One Way Out, Ramblin’ Man, Whipping Post+^&

Enc.: Magnolia Road, Midnight Rider

Notes: 

+ With Jimmy Hall

^ With Ally Venable 

& With Tal Wilkenfeld 

Setlist via setlist.FM.