Devon and Donavon- Wonder Ballroom, Portland, OR
How many times can one say they’ve been a part of a world record while attending a concert in a medium sized venue? Not often I can imagine. But, I was lucky enough to do just that while checking out Devon Allman (yes, lets get it out of the way, yes, an Allman, son of Gregg Allman, but let’s not reduce this man’s musical skills to who his parents are), and Donavon Frankenreiter. These two embarked on their wold record setting journey, of 50 shows in 50 states in 50 days; which in and of it self sounds utterly grueling, but holy shit, insanely exciting too, hoping to inspire others to travel, to leave their little bubbles, and get out there to see what’s out there. Their tour, aptly named, The See it All Tour.
The two fused genres, between Allman’s southern rock and blues, together with Frankenreiter’s laid back west coast inspired indie folk, you now get this beautiful melange of heavy roots rock guitars with Pacific Ocean ispired vocals , a little bit of funk and grunge, and some fun jazzy riffs, you are treated to quite the world record setting experience.
Allman shredded every moment of the set, reveling in each riff and showmanship you could expect from someone breaking a world record. He was as personable as your favorite uncle on stage, connecting with the crowd, rippin guitar picks into the crowd, and even handing one to a lucky young fan. Frankenreiter, your other favorite uncle, reveling in his own guitar licks, bouncing side to side.
The Portland stop was #43, after a quick overnight jaunt from Alaska but you’d never know these two, along with their fellow bandmates, have hit 42 other cities in 41 days. Their energy never wavered, their faces donned geniune smiles and the legit looked like they were having fun. They were in the home stretch.
The hit the record, in fact, they beat the 50/50/50, they hit 50 shows, in 50 states in 49 days with their final show at Beachlife Ranch in Redondo Beach, CA.
Kings of the Road I tell ya, it was pure joy to watch these guys.
photos by Julia Varga
