JACKSON, Wyo. — A year into their triumphant return after an extended hiatus, Alabama Shakes bring power soul to King Concerts this weekend — the only act of the summer settling into a two-night run on the town hill. It’ll be their second-ever Wyoming show, 13 years after closing the 9th Annual Targhee Fest in 2013. The opener each night will be Billy Allen & The Pollies.
When Alabama Shakes took a pause in 2018 following the massive global success of 2015’s Sound & Color — an album that swept four Grammy Awards and redefined modern garage-soul — fans were left wondering if they’d ever hear that seismic sonic blend again. Frontwoman and powerhouse guitarist Brittany Howard threw herself into a celebrated solo career, dropping critically lauded solo records like Jaime and What Now, frequently joined by Shakes bassist Zac Cockrell. This summer, they’ve mixed headlining dates with stadium support shows alongside Zach Byran and Tedeschi Trucks Band.
A new chapter has dawned, which includes their long-awaited third studio album, I Must Be Dreaming, set to drop on Aug. 28 via Island Records — their first LP in 11 years. The current touring lineup includes Howard, Cockrell, and longtime lead guitarist and backing vocalist Heath Fogg, along with drummer Lewis Wright, keyboardist Ben Tanner and a rotating cast of backing vocalists and horns.
Don’t sleep on the high-energy opener, Billy Allen & The Pollies, rooted in the legendary musical soil of Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Formed by joining the ferociously soulful frontman Billy Allen with indie-rock veterans The Pollies — guitarist Jay Burgess, bassist Spencer Duncan, drummer Jon Davis, and keyboardist Clint Chandler — the band delivers a raw, electrifying fusion of garage grunge, soul, gospel, funk, and classic Southern rock.
King Concerts presents Alabama Shakes with Billy Allen & The Pollies, Friday and Saturday, July 31 and August 1, at the top of Snow King Mountain. GA tickets are still available, starting at $111, which includes gondola access. SnowKingMountain.com.
P.S. For those looking for another King Concert show in the next week, check out Fitz and the Tantrums with Thunder Jackson (July 29) or Interpol with Youth Lagoon (August 2).
