The Royal Oak Music Theatre was set ablaze as Blackberry Smoke took the stage, delivering a high-energy show that left the audience captivated. Supported by the gritty Americana sound of Sam Morrow, the night was a true celebration of Southern rock at its finest.

Igniting the Night with Soulful Roots Rock

Sam Morrow: A Captivating Blend of Genres

Opening the night, Sam Morrow, a Houston native, captivated the audience with his unique blend of Southern grit and modern soul. Kicking off with "By Your Side," the first track from his latest album "On The Ride Here," Morrow effortlessly showcased his distinct sound, which seamlessly blends bluegrass soul, grungy rock & roll, and country funk.Morrow's powerful baritone voice, brimming with bluesy swagger and infectious energy, was the driving force behind his performance. Tracks like "Quick Fix," "Rosarita," and "Addicted to Love" showcased his vocal prowess, while the tight-knit band behind him provided a fierce and cohesive backdrop that elevated each song. Fans were treated to mesmerizing solos, including a grooving bass solo in "Cigarettes" and a melodious keyboard solo in "St. Peter."Morrow's stage presence was a captivating mix of laid-back confidence and genuine gratitude. Between songs, he shared personal anecdotes that resonated with the audience, drawing laughter and nods of recognition. Ending on an upbeat note with "Paid by the Mile," Morrow left the stage to thunderous applause, leaving the audience eager for more.

Blackberry Smoke: Torchbearers of Southern Rock

As the crowd erupted in anticipation, Blackberry Smoke took the stage, immediately igniting the energy with the high-octane track "Workin' for a Workin' Man." Lead vocalist and guitarist Charlie Starr commanded the stage with effortless charisma, his voice perfectly suited to the band's signature sound. The rhythm section, anchored by bassist Richard Turner and drummer Kent Aberle, provided a thunderous backbone, while keyboardist Brandon Still and guitarists Paul Jackson and Benji Shanks added depth and texture to the performance.The band's setlist was a perfect blend of fan favorites and deep cuts, with songs like "Pretty Little Lie" and "Ain't Got the Blues" sparking powerful sing-alongs. Newer tracks from their latest album "Be Right Here" were also met with enthusiasm, as the crowd eagerly danced to the infectious grooves of "Hammer and the Nail" and "Like It Was Yesterday."One of the standout moments of the night came during the performance of "Azalea," which the band dedicated to their late drummer Brit Turner, who had passed away earlier that year. The crowd and band alike sang the song in reverence, honoring the memory of their beloved bandmate.Blackberry Smoke's true essence as a jam band was on full display throughout the evening, as they took time to indulge in extended jams during songs like "Let It Burn," "Waiting for the Thunder," "The Whippoorwill," and "Whatcha Know Good." These moments showcased the band's raw passion and musicianship, captivating the audience with their virtuosic performances.The encore featured a raucous rendition of "Shake Your Magnolia," followed by the classic closer "Ain't Much Left of Me," which included a captivating intro of Fraternity Of Mans' "Don't Bogart Me" and an interlude of Canned Heat's "Let's Work Together." This epic finale left the audience buzzing, reaffirming Blackberry Smoke's status as torchbearers of the Southern rock genre.