Allman Brothers Music and Tales at McCurdy’s Music Monday
Author Alan Paul and Wade Tatangelo, Editor of the Herald-Tribune’s Ticket, put their heads together to bring an evening of everything Allman to Sarasota’s music aficionados. Comedian Les McCurdy’s Comedy Club was the venue for the intimate sold-out event. Alan Paul, an expert on Allman Brother’s lore, has written two books on the band. The first book, “One Way Out- The Inside History of the Allman Brothers Band” was published in 2015 and featured interviews with the band. His newest book, “Brothers & Sisters, The Allman Brothers Band and the Inside Story of the Album That Defined the ’70s” delves into the album and behind the scenes of the ’70s and was the theme of Monday’s night show. Sarasota’s WhiteLeaf Events and RJ Howson’s company, Spiral Resonance Ventures promoted the show. Alan was signing books for a line of Allman fans before the show started as the crowd was arriving.
Wade and Alan started the night off with a 30-minute conversation about the Allman Brother’s Band history, interviews, and research for the book. There were stories about the Gregg/Dickey feud, Watkins Glen, and their relationship with the Grateful Dead. While waiting for the band to take the stage, Les McCurdy did a short comedy bit that was hilarious about this being the only gig in town on a Monday night in Sarasota/Bradenton and that you could drive home on U.S. 41 doing 100mph and no one would care because no one is on the road. Don’t forget to check out McCurdy’s for great comedians coming to town; they’ve been doing it for over 35 years!
The band of the evening was a who’s who of musicians in the Sarasota area and some with serious Allman connections. Berry Duane Oakley, the son of the late Allman Brother member Berry Oakley, was on bass. Mike Kach, on keyboard and vocals, played with the Dickey Betts Great Southern Band, Local guitarists in the SRQ, RJ Howson and Thorson Moore hit the riffs, and Garrett Dawson was on drums. Alan Paul joined the band on guitar. Later in the evening, there was a special surprise guest as Grant Tyler, grandson of Dickey Betts, son of Kim Betts arrived to join in. He played a 1953 Red Fender Telecaster given to him by his grandfather. The band played a setlist of Allman Brothers beloved tunes that included “Midnight Rider,” “Statesboro Blues,” “Melissa,” and a great jam on “Southbound” that had the audience up on their feet in several standing ovations. They closed the show with “Jessica,” and the encore was “One Way Out,” with the audience singing along.
After the show, Alan Paul was signing more books for the crowd as Berry Duane Oakley was taking photos with fans. A great night for Sarasota and Allman Brothers fans! Check out McCurdy’s website for Music Mondays. Mccurdys Comedy Be sure and put Monday, December 4th on your calendar for the CD release of Twinkle and Rock Soul Radio’s new album “Freaks & Weirdo’s” played live in its entirety with special guests.
Vicky Sullivan Photos