The first time I saw her, she opened for Gov’t Mule at Alabama Theater in 2007. Since then, I have been hooked. The show started promptly at 8:00. Grace is opening for Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings. I wasn’t sure what to expect as this was the first time I had been to this venue, but judging by the lineup on their concert calendar, it seemed like the place to be. I was right. The crowd was a little thin at the start of the show, but it was early on a Saturday night. In the South, college football is a big distraction. It was one of the more diverse crowds I have seen in a long time, fans of all ages.
The show focused heavily on the band’s newest release. Catherine Popper was noticeably absent and missed, with John Rogone from Blues and Lasers filling in and doing his part well. Grace was wearing a shimmering dress, and the band receded back into the stage wearing mostly black. She works the stage from the second the lights go down. The crowd gets quiet and the show takes off. For all of her stage presence, she does an incredible job showcasing each of the band members over the course of the set. While not an original, there is something incredibly sexy and intoxicating watching Grace sing “White Rabbit.” And then she gets down on the stage and starts pounding on the bass drum. It all ended too quickly, but it was a good set. When it ended we were left wanting more.
You can get a copy of the show taped by Tim Discenza here. Here’s the setlist:
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Minglewood Hall
Memphis, TN
9-18-1001: Joey
02: Oasis
03: Only Love
04: One Short
05: Ah Mary
06: Tiny Light
07: Apologies
08: White Rabbit
09: Nothing But The Water (part 1)
10: Medicine
Until next time, enjoy the photos.
Photos © Patrick Nelson (143245.org)…
Photos © Derek Trimble…
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