On August 21, The Historic Park Theatre in Cranston, Rhode Island, turned into a sanctuary for blues lovers as Devon Allman brought his Blues Summit Tour to town. Devon Allman and his group of multi-talented musicians on the Blues Summit Tour, took the Cranston crowd to the highest limits you can legally go. The evening was a celebration of soul, heritage, and collaboration—proving once again that when the Allman name is on the marquee, you’re in for something unforgettable.
The night kicked off with a fiery set from Ghalia Volt, who couldn’t hide her excitement about returning to the Park Theatre after opening for Tab Benoit earlier in the summer. With her slide guitar and raw, heartfelt vocals, Volt immediately connected with the crowd. Her performance was soulfully gritty yet joyful, a perfect appetizer for the powerhouse lineup that followed. She can shred with the best of them! Get out and go see her ASAP!
When Devon Allman and his all-star ensemble took the stage, the energy in the room shifted to a full-throttle celebration of blues and Southern rock. They eased in with “Wash in Am,” setting a smoky, soulful tone before the chemistry between the musicians took flight. “After You” saw Jimmy step forward, with Sierra later joining, their harmonies adding a sweet counterbalance to the grit.
The setlist unfolded like a love letter to the blues, with plenty of room for each player to shine. “Blues Is a Feelin’” closed with Larry delivering a searing solo that left the audience buzzing, followed by a barnstorming Jackson & Larry guitar showdown that raised the roof. The band dove into Elmore James’ classic “One Way Out” before shifting gears to a raucous, communal take on Willie Dixon’s “Wang Dang Doodle,” led by Jimmy and Larry.
Sierra brought a dose of elegance to “Real Love” and the aching beauty of “Please Call Home,” while Devon himself delivered emotional, stripped-down versions of “Southern Rain” and the timeless Allman Brothers’ gem “Melissa” Larry’s soulful touch elevated songs like “Soulshine” and “Smooth Sailing,” while Jimmy and Ghalia joined forces for a crowd-pleasing “Keep on Smiling.”
The night built toward a communal spirit with “Peace to the World” before the encore brought everyone together. Devon and Sierra shared the spotlight on “Runners in the Night,” before the whole ensemble closed with a triumphant, all-hands-on-deck performance of “Midnight Rider.” The crowd sang along with every line, closing the night in a chorus of unity that only music like this can deliver.
As the final notes rang out, it was clear that Devon Allman’s Blues Summit is more than a concert—it’s a gathering of friends, a family reunion, and a reminder of the enduring spirit of the blues.
And speaking of family, the road ahead promises even more. Devon will continue to the west coast of the United States with the Blues Summit Tour, and this fall brings the beloved Allman Betts Family Reunion Tour with longtime friend and musician Duane Betts —a celebration of legacy, love, and the road that, for Devon Allman, truly never ends.
If this tour comes anywhere near your town, don’t miss it. Nights like this at the Park Theatre remind us why we go see live music in the first place: for the joy, the catharsis, and the community that only happens when the blues come alive.
Go See Live Music……..
Till the next show…Joel
Words and Photography by @JoelShoverPhotography
Blues Summit Tour — West Coast Dates
The tour continues to shimmer out West with a handful of highly anticipated dates:
Sep 4, 2025 – Phoenix, AZ at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM)
Sep 5, 2025 – Las Vegas, NV at the Big Blues Bender festival
Sep 6, 2025 – San Juan Capistrano, CA at the Coach House
Allman Betts Family Revival Tour — Fall 2025
Then, this fall, Devon will hit the road again as part of the ninth annual Allman Betts
Family Revival Tour—a star-studded, cross-country celebration of legacy and community. Here are the confirmed dates:
Nov 29 – The Factory in Saint Louis, MO (with Luther & Cody Dickinson, Robert
Randolph, Jimmy Hall, Sierra Green, Alex Orbison, The Allman Betts Band)
Nov 30 – Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, IL (same ensemble)
Dec 2 – Palace Theatre in Greensburg, PA (featuring Amanda Shires among others)
Dec 3 – Kleinhans Music Hall in Buffalo, NY
Dec 4 – Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, CT
Dec 6 – Beacon Theatre in New York, NY
Dec 7 – The Paramount in Huntington, NY
Dec 8 – Capital One Hall in Tysons, VA
Dec 10 – Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville, TN
Dec 11 – Gaillard Center in Charleston, SC
Dec 12 – Symphony Hall in Atlanta, GA
Dec 13 – Sunrise Theatre in Fort Pierce, FL
Dec 14 – Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, FL
Dec 16 – Tobin Center in San Antonio, TX
Dec 17 – ACL Live at The Moody Theater in Austin, TX
Dec 18 – Buddy Holly Hall in Lubbock, TX
Dec 19 – Fox Tucson Theatre in Tucson, AZ
Dec 20 – The Orpheum in Los Angeles, CA
Dec 21 – The Fillmore in San Francisco, CA
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