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S.E.R.P.E.N.T. TOUR

KOKA BOOTH AMPHITHEATRE NC

August 14, 2024 Review by Jed Gammon

While outer bands of a weakened Hurricane Debby produced sporadic showers to the area, Slash’s S.E.R.P.E.N.T. festival provided stellar blues for the fans in attendance at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary, NC.

Robert Randolf, ZZ Ward, Larkin Poe, and Slash’s Blues Band thrilled the crowd with both original music and covers that had fans dancing in the rain and made the most of the rainy evening.

Opening was Robert Randolf, he never disappoints and tonight was no different. While his band only had roughly 30 minutes to play, they made the most of it by starting with “I’m So Glad” and running through a few jams.

An additional treat, they invited Greensboro resident – and tour supporting act – Eric Gales onstage to accompany them on an instrumental song Randolf and Gales co-wrote years ago, however, it was the very first time they played it live.

Gales stayed on for the last song, a rousing version of “Foxy Lady” by Jimi Hendrix that thrilled the audience.

After a quick set change, ZZ Ward was up and played through eight songs. Before her third song, “Mother,” she explained that she is on the road with her three-year-old and six-month-old, and was therefore exhausted.

It was not apparent in her performance as her voice was strong, singing through a few originals, as well as a few covers. Songs like “My Baby Left Me,” “Ride,” Cannonball,” and “Put the Gun Down,” drew cheers from the crowd. Ward ended with an excellent cover of “Cadillac Man” by The Jesters and set the stage for Larkin Poe.

With the rain getting steadier, Larkin Poe started off with “Summertime Sunset” and went straight into a cover of “Jessica” by The Allman Brothers. Larkin Poe is comprised of sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell, who provide constant energy throughout the set, singing and playing guitar and lap steel, respectively, while dressed in matching denim.

Many conversations in the crowd before the show centered on the excitement of seeing this group perform. As a first timer, I can see why. They really brought the intensity through their 10-song set with eight originals that featured “”Summertime Sunset,” “Bluephoria,” “Bad Spell,” “Wanted Woman,” and the covers – “Jessica” and “Preachin’ Blues” (Son House).

Their finale was a gritty blues song called “Bolt Cutters & The Family Name,” complete with full audience participation.

At long last, Slash’s blues band took to the stage and they were primed and ready to entertain the rain-soaked crowd. In the blink of an eye, the venue warmed up and electricity filled the air.

They began the night with “Parchman Farm Blues.” Followed by covers of “Killing Floor” and “Born Under a Bad Sign.” Despite the weather, it was obvious the band and crowd were in sync; feeding of each other, in tandem to the sonic blues journey they were now partaking in.

This was my second time seeing Slash in a smaller setting, and this blues setup was a great way to witness his incredible talent.

The rest of the band – Johnny Griparic on bass, Teddy Andreadis on keys/harmonica/vocals, Michael Jerome on drums, and Tash Neal on guitar/vocals – were all equally impressive, sculpting the blues sound in a different way from the originals.

Slash released his second solo album, “Orgy of the Damned,” in May and played many tracks from it including “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” “The Pusher,” and “Crossroads.”

Needless to say, the album is a fantastic selection of rocking blues covers and it was great experience for all to see them brought to life.

As if the show couldn’t get any better, Eric Gales came back out to lend his guitar prowess on “Stone Free” before Slash wrapped up his set. It was an incredible moment to see both these guitar giants at work.

For those who stayed through the rain, the two-song encore ended with covers of “It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry” and “Shake Your Money Maker.”

And just like that, the show was nearing its end. Slash thanked the crowd, told everyone to “stay dry,” and walked down to the pit handing out picks to the crowd gathered in the front.

If you are used to seeing Slash on the big stage, this made for an unbelievable experience to see him and his amazing band in a more intimate setting.

The hope is he will do this again soon and you can check it out for yourself!

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by Jed Gammon Photography

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