Duane Betts and All-Stars Perform Stellar Show for Sarasota

Tuesday night blew the roof off Stottlemyer’s Smokehouse! Over 500 braved the rain and packed in for a performance of Duane Betts and the All-Stars, which included Mike Kach on keyboards and vocals, Mark Serio on guitar, Frankie Lombardi on drums and vocals, Burt Engelsman on bass and 2nd generation guitarist, son of Allman Brother’s Band Dickie Betts.

Duane, who came home to Sarasota for a few days and put on a free show for the locals along with the great band of musicians assembled.

It was a family affair with his sister singer Kimberly Betts, of the Gamble Creek Band in attendance with her daughter and their cousin Troy Betts and his wife Carrie.      Sarasota’s own songstress Twinkle, joined the band onstage for an emotional version of “Stormy Monday” recorded by the Allman Brothers for the “Live at Fillmore East” album in 1971.  The setlist included a tribute to Gregg Allman with “Melissa”, “Statesboro Blues” and an incredible version of “In Memory of Elizabeth Reed” with Betts playing tribute to the man he was named after, Duane Allman.

The crowd knows and appreciates the music.  This is Allman country where Gregg lived at one time and Dickie has made his home. Duane grew up here but has been living and working in L.A.  As a teenager he played with the Allman Brothers Band and Dickie Betts & Great Southern.  Great to have Duane visit and treat the community to an evening of great music!  Hope he comes back often and brings the music with him!

photos by Vicky Sullivan / Rock The Lens Photography