Tatum France-Kelly
(Julia Dellafiora, Radio 1190)
Devon Allman’s Blues Summit at the PACE Center
Sept. 11, 2025 the Parker Arts, Culture, and Events (PACE) Center welcomed Devon Allman’s Blues Summit to Parker, Colorado. The concert was a stirring and upbeat display of blues, with a mix of covers and songs pulled from Devon Allman’s recent collaborative album: The Blues Summit.
As the son of Gregg Allman of the Allman Brothers Band, music has been instrumental in Devon Allman’s life from a very young age. He’s previously described his earliest memories of attending concerts and listening to music as a child. He’s stated some of his greatest influences to be the Beatles, KISS, Jimmi Hendrix and other guitar heavy rock. (Smith)
Allman first debuted with the blues rock band Honeytribe in 2006 as the lead guitarist and vocalist. Following his time in Honeytribe, Allman formed the blues rock supergroup the Royal Southern Brotherhood alongside Cyril Neville, Mike Zito, Yonrico Scott and Charlie Wooton. In 2018 he formed the Allman Betts Band with sons of the three founding members of the Allman Brothers Band. Recently, Allman joined the 2025 Experience Hendrix tour, a multi-artist celebration of the music and legacy of Jimmi Hendrix.
Allman’s skillful guitar playing and compelling songwriting was joined by the talents of Jimmy Hall, Larry McCray, and Sierra Green. Each artist was given an opportunity to shine throughout the set. Hall steps up to center stage with “Wang Dang Doodle,” leading the band with his commanding vocals and harmonica solos as the crowd clapped along with the beat. Green is given the spotlight with “Real Love” as the music mellows out and her velvety voice takes over. McCray and Allman frequently play off each other, each guitarist’s technically complex solos adding to the rich blues atmosphere. Multiple impromptu covers also made their way into the set, such as Allman’s iteration of Jimi Hendrix’s “Are You Experienced.”
“We really enjoyed the variety of talent. Sierra’s voice is beautiful, and everyone, from the individual musicians to the crew members, worked extremely well together to keep the performance flowing!” One patron who wished to stay anonymous said.
The Blues Summit truly excels in dynamics, the group leads the audience through quiet interludes before ramping up again with driving guitar and vocals. The stage is filled with a wide array of instruments, from bass and guitar to saxophone and synth. Allman’s stage presence is active and humorous. The audience is implored to stand and dance along with particularly jovial and well-known songs such as “Blues is a Feeling.” He cracks jokes between songs and even thanks the audience for “coming to support real music made by human beings.”
Devon Allman’s Blues Summit was a beautifully assembled night of music and fun. Each musician is essential, both in their individual moments as well as in the overall composition of each and every song. The Blues Summit is a must listen for anyone who loves blues and feel-good music.
“Kicking off our 15th season with the Devon Allman Summit was nothing short of incredible. Their energy, talent, and connection with the audience set the perfect tone for a milestone 15th season.” The Parker Arts Cultural Director, Carrie Glassburn, said.
Sources:
Smith, Michael Buffalo. “Swampland.Com.” Swampland, swampland.com/articles/view/title:devon_allman_the_gritz_interview. Accessed 15 Sept. 2025.
“Devon Allman’s Blues Summit – Devon Allman Project.” Devon Allman Project -, 30 Oct. 2024, devonallmanproject.com/devon-allmans-blues-summit/. Accessed 15 Sept. 2025.
(Julia Dellafiora, Radio 1190)