Hey there sweet family,
We had a tease of Spring weather here in Raleighwood, NC on Wednesday with temps in the high 60’s, but then we were plunged back into the shivery stuff on Thursday. Nothing like the blast that hit the North… let’s hope for an early Spring in NYC in March!
There is so much going on in Allman-land it’s hard to know where to start, so pull up to the table and we’ll run through the list with you.
First off, let’s have a big round of applause for Gregg for debuting at #5 on the Billboard top 200 list with Low Country Blues — his highest ever placement on the list! Go Midnight Rider! And, Low Country Blues has been #1 in Blues music on Amazon.com for days on end, and was #1 in the overall Music category for several days! Fantastic recognition for a great release from an even greater artist. We’re proud of ya!
The media and press coverage has been overwhelming. Google “Low Country Blues” and you get almost 3 million hits! GA has been in the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Reuters; on Letterman, CBS Sunday Morning, A&E Private Sessions, numerous magazine covers, and so many other places.
His next major appearance will be on NPR’s World Cafe on February 18, 2011. You’ll find information on where and when to listen at this link:
http://www.greggallman.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=NS-Admin_Messages&file=listmessage&mid=40
You can even listen to the CD on RollingStone.com:
http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/listen-new-gregg-allman-album-low-country-blues-20110114
We still have a few of the special limited edition packages left but they are almost gone. They include Low Country Blues on both vinyl and CD, a beautiful T-shirt, an autographed poster you would be proud to hang in your office or music room at home, and more.
You’ll find this and several other very cool packages that are not available anywhere else at this link:
http://www.greggallman.com/images/gaf/lcb2/
OK, over to Beacon news… Lana and I have booked out tickets and are counting down the days to musical Nirvana — are you? We can feel the excitement already… there’s nothing like that feeling when the lights go down and the music roars off the stage! Two or three hours of bliss… yes!
The Beacon shows always sell out but there are still a few good seats left – a word to the wise, the selection of seats is not going to get any better, this would be a good time to grab yours if you haven’t already. Just wander over to:
http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/734412
Several of you have been asking about the VIP packages for the Beacon — they are also very cool and limited in number. If there are any left, you can buy them at the same Ticketmaster link. Here’s what’s in ’em:
VIP FRONT ROW PACKAGE
. One Front row center seat
. Pre-show hospitality
. Live CD recording of concert
. Exclusive merchandise item
. Collectible laminate
VIP GOLD HOT SEAT PACKAGE
. One Premium Price Level 1 Ticket
. Pre-show hospitality
. Live CD recording of concert
. Exclusive merchandise item
. Collectible laminate
VIP SILVER HOT SEAT PACKAGE
. One Premium Price Level 2 Ticket
. Exclusive merchandise item
. Collectible laminate
More details about the packages are at:
http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/5uodu5?ac_link=ALLMANBROS_artist_mod_vip
When they’re gone, they’re gone…
Great news for our brothers and sisters in Europe — with the release of Low Country Blues, Gregg is coming there this summer! Dates have been announced for Spain and Germany — the details are on Gregg’s website at:
http://www.greggallman.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Calendar&file=listevents-gaf2009-all
OK, almost done!
The lineup for Wanee is out and I don’t know how any Allman fan can read this list and not salivate:
The Allman Brothers Band
Widespread Panic * Robert Plant & the Band of Joy * The Steve Miller Band * Warren Haynes Band * Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Band * Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band * Ween * Stephen Marley * Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings * Mike Gordon * Hot Tuna * 7 Walkers Featuring Bill Kreutzmann * Galactic * Taj Mahal * North Mississippi Allstars * Keller Williams * John Popper & The Duskray Troubadours * The Radiators * Wanda Jackson * Rusted Root * Oteil Burbridge and The Lee Boys * Dirty Dozen Brass Band * Big Gigantic * Melvin Seals & JGB * Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe * Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk * The New Deal * Lotus * Dead Confederate * Tea Leaf Green * DJ Logic * Toubab Krewe * Devon Allman’s Honeytribe * Bobby Lee Rogers Trio * Soul Rebels Brass Band * Guitar Shorty * Dangermuffin * Honey Island Swamp Band * Kevin Hammond * Death on Two Wheels * The Yeti Trio * Jacob Jeffries Band * Griffin Anthony
I have to admit, when I see a list of bands this long all playing at the same event, I usually know the first 5 or 6 and then start seeing unfamiliar names. Don’t get me wrong, often those unfamiliar bands become new faves, but it can be hit or miss. But this list?! Wow, great musicians that I’ve seen and loved all through it. This is going to be an amazing three days of music.
Wanee is April 14 to 16 and you just gotta go! Here’s the link, grab some tickets and see you there:
http://www.waneefestival.com/
I told you there was a lot of news to share. One more thing — we are consolidating the ABB Facebook page that Sony put up at www.facebook.com/AllmanBrothersBand with the official page. If you are a fan of the official page, you will be made a fan of the merged page. This should make it easier for fans to find us in the future.
That’s a wrap for this time — have a Peachy weekend and and here’s to warmer weather and hot music!
Take care and know that you are loved,
Rowland and Lana
