Menu
An hour and half down the road in Macon, GA lies (historic) Grant’s Lounge. Located downtown a short walk from Capricorn Records, Grant’s resides in a thriving office and restaurant district. Giving a nod to Grant’s legacy of hosting southern bands early in their career, Kentucky’s Magnolia Boulevard hit the stage late Friday night. The band is fronted by soulful Maggie Noelle (vocals, guitar) and Gregg Erwin, a blues and slide guitar master. Together, their sound is in the vein of the Allmans and The Tedeschi Trucks Band, but they have their own voice and lyrical direction.
The band unexpectedly had to replace a drummer for the show, and maybe that brought a spark, too. The band had an intended setlist, but they ventured into other songs that felt right perhaps due to mood, drummer Bill May’s strengths, and/or audience encouragement.
Their setlist included an excellent array of their own songs (see setlist below) as well as several well-performed covers, all of which did the original artists proud, especially hometown heroes The Allman Brothers Band.
Highlights included Erwin’s slide guitar on “Lovin’ Me” and “Statesboro Blues,” dueling guitar solos with Ryan Allen (co-founder, keyboards, backing vocals) and opener Dustin McCook, and anytime Noelle seems to effortlessly belt out a song. This was especially evident in “More,” a gorgeous love note to her young daughter.
Grant’s provided a decent crowd, but this band is one that deserves more. They’ve played festivals and opened for more well known bands, but it’s time for this group to find their place on a larger stage. On the other hand, they’re some of the most approachable artists you’ll find, so if you’re near one of their August shows, bring your friends and hang around after the show. They love to meet their fans always have cool merch on hand!
Additional photos follow.
Partial setlist:
