Raise 'em Right....

The Allman-Betts Band brings the soulful sound of the Allman-Brothers to a Sold Out State Theatre.

As a big Allman Brothers fan, it's only natural that I gravitate towards to the music of The Allman-Betts Band. Fronted by Devon Allman and Duane Betts, the sons of legendary rockers Greg Allman and Dickie Betts, it's safe to say the Allman Brothers sound is well preserved. Devon and Dickie grew up together on the road formed a natural bond that is evident on stage.

The show started our with a short video intro consisting of old Allman Brother family footage and then opened with their biggest (and best) song "Magnolia Road." I'll admit, I'm typically a "setlist.fm" guy so I do monitor the sets of bands I'm going to see in the near future. A lot of artist do pretty much the same set every night on a tour with maybe 1 or 2 detours. In my opinion, the best bands switch it up every night so you don't know what's coming (The Dead, Dave Matthews Band, Billy Strings, etc.). Upon monitoring the Allman-Betts sets, it seemed like 70% or so stayed the same each night... Well, not this night. After the intro and Magnolia, everything I thought I knew coming up was different. What a pleasant surprise. As disappointing as it is to not hear them play "Blue Sky" or "Midnight Rider" in the Allman-Brothers segment of the show, I'd gladly trade them for a surprise "Melissa" anytime...The set wrapped up with "Down to the River" and was followed by a an encore of "Sailin' 'Cross the Devil's Sea" and "King Crawler."

Parking/Tailgating/Entry: B+

Since it's a theatre downtown, there is obviously no traditional tailgating, however, there are a ton of great bars/restaurants within a 3 block radius. There are a handful of spots to park on the street right out front, but also a large parking garage located just behind the building. I had no issues at all getting in or out of the parking garage (and I was running late due to other work prior). They allow you to leave the venue and come back in as well... Not many do that so a big ol' tip of the cap to The State Theatre for that.

Concessions: B+

The theatre is on the smaller side so there were no long lines or hassle getting in or at concessions. Concessions wise, think movie theatre concessions plus alcohol. The prices were great!  Boy, is it refreshing to only pay $6-8 for a beer rather than the $12-17 I've grown accustomed to at shows. Staff is super friendly and helpful.

The Views: A

For me, if a concert is in-doors, smaller theaters are the way to go. The sound engineering is often top notch and with limited space, almost any seat you get comes with a great view. The State Theatre proved to be all that. I sat in the back section of the lower level (Orchestra - Row N - Photo #1) and ventured up to the balcony (left side - Photo #2) for the last few songs. I can honestly say, I would sit anywhere in the venue and be very happy with my experience. If I had to choose between the floor or the balcony, I'd take the balcony because of the slight elevation. It doesn't feel like an "upper deck" but more of a straight on view on the band/stage.

Overall Grade: A-

Anytime a band I like is playing The State Theatre, I'll be in attendance. You can bet on that. The sound is crisp and the views from everywhere are great. Beer and concessions are more than reasonably priced and there is a ton to do downtown before and after the show. Staff is super friendly and helpful.

Notes When I Go Back: 

The majority of people sat for the show so I would prefer a seat on the aisle or close to it. While having a seat in Row 3, dead center, might seem much better than one in Row 9 on the aisle,  in my opinion, it is not... You're so close to the stage from everywhere that I would rather have an aisle or close to it so I don't have to shuffle past 8-9 people every time I want to get a beer or use the bathroom. I was so happy to be on the end and slide in and out a few times during the show without feeling like I was bothering anyone. If your not planning to get up during the performance more than once, then you're fine wherever you want to sit.