CONCERT REVIEW: THE ALLMAN BETTS FAMILY REVIVAL AT TOYOTA OAKDALE THEATRE

On Thursday, December 4, 2025, The Allman Betts Family Revival performed in Connecticut at the Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford. The annual concert tour led by Devon Allman (Gregg Allman's son) and Duane Betts (Dickey Betts' son), celebrated the legacy of Allman Brothers Band through blues, rock, and Americana music is sponsored by Gibson Guitars. Taking inspiration from The Last Waltz, the concert features multiple sets that pay tribute to the music of Duane, Gregg, and Dickey. It offers a distinctive blend of rock highlighted by long, improvised jams.  

Doors opened at 7 p.m.  The crowd was very excited to enter the venue. Several thousands were present to listen to the music of the Allman Brothers carried on by the son duo of Devon Allman and Duane Betts. The theatre seats quickly filled.  The audience were in fire as soon as “Little Martha” from the Allman Brothers’ 1972 Eat a Peach record blasted over the speakers.

The spectacular show kicked off with the band playing Hot’ Lanta, an instrumental piece performed by the Allman Brothers Band. The song debuted on their live album at Fillmore East, released in July 1972. The Fans went crazy at each time more songs were playing during the performance. The Allman Brothers Family Revival grows in attendance and revenue year after year this being their 9^th year. The secret is the lineup and the good old jam sessions that it offers. Nothing too fancy, it’s just a group of talented musicians hitting the stage, singing songs that shaped and defined Southern rock across America.

The performance walked the fans through at least 3 decades of the American jazz rock blend that’s never been better represented than through the Allman and Betts families. The lineup included Amanda Shires, Luther Dickinson, Cody Dickinson, Robert Randolph, Judith Hill Jimmy Hall, Eric Johnson, Mattie Schell and The Allman Betts Band – Devon Allman (guitars/keyboard/lead vocals), Duane Betts (guitars/lead vocals), Johnny Stachela (guitar), John Ginty (keyboard), Alex Orbison (drums), and Berry Oakley (bass).

I have always loved The Allman band's southern rock music. However, Duane Betts and Devon Allman, along with friends of their fathers, who decided to keep this wonderful music alive, had increased my admiration for the group. This is the sixth time I have been to these amazing shows, and I have loved every minute of this exceptional rendition of this fantastic South Rock music.

About The Allman Brothers Band

Formed in 1969 in their hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, The Allmans were led by Gregg Allman, who sang and played organ. The real stars of the band were the twin-guitar attack of Gregg’s older brother, Duane, and Dickey Betts. The group incorporated elements of blues, jazz and country music and their live shows featured jam band-style improvisation and instrumentals.

The band’s first two albums, The Allman Brothers Band (1969) and Idlewild South (1970), both released by Capricorn Records, gave them a sort of visibility on the music scene. Their 1971 live album At Fillmore East received a huge acclamation from the public. Group leader Duane was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1971; however, the band continued, releasing Eat a Peach in 1972. The band retired in October 2014 after their final show at the Beacon Theatre.

Setlist

Little Martha (The Allman Brothers Band song)

Set 1:

1-      Hot’ Lanta (The Allman Brothers Band cover)

2-      Call It Stormy Monday but Tuesday is Just as Bad (T-Bone Walker cover)

3-      Statesboro Blues (Blind Willie McTell cover) with Jimmy Hall

4-      Blue Sky (The Allman Brothers Band cover)

5-      Come and Go Blues (The Allman Brothers Band cover)

6-      No One Left to Run With (The Allman Brothers Band cover)

7-      Ain’t Wastin’ Time No More (The Allman Brothers Band cover) with Judith Hill

8-      Dreams (The Allman Brothers Band cover)

Set 2:

   9. Jessica (The Allman Brothers Band cover)

10. Trouble No More (Muddy Waters cover) with Jimmy Hall and Robert Randolph

11. Southbound (The Allman Brothers Band cover) with Judith Hill and G. Love, Amanda Shires

12. Can You Fool (Gregg Allman cover) with Jimmy Hall and Amanda Shires

13. Melissa (The Allman Brothers Band cover)

14. Seven Turns (The Allman Brothers Band cover)

15. Multi-Colored Lady (Gregg Allman cover) with Mattie Schell

16. Back Where It All Begins (The Allman Brothers Band cover)

17. One Way Out (Sonny Boy Williamson cover) with Robert Randolph and John Fusco, G Love

18. Whipping Post (The Allman Brothers Band cover) with Amanda Shires

Encore:

19. Magnolia Road

20. Midnight Rider (The Allman Brothers Band cover)