Every year come March there is a madness that descends on New York City that has nothing to do with college basketball. The Allman Brothers Band does a string of shows at the Beacon theatre every March...

and they have been doing it as long as I can remember. Each year the number of shows vary, 2006's run being thirteen shows. It doesn't matter that it happens annually or that they will be back in the summer they always sell well if not completely out for the entire run. If that doesn't seem like a big deal name one other band that can match that or even come close.

It may seem odd that a band with Southern roots as strong as they have would want to visit the oft times frigid March of Manhattan but they generate an amazing amount of heat from the stage. If you've never had the pleasure of seeing a show in the Beacon run in person check out either the CD "Peakin' At The Beacon" or the DVD "Live At The Beacon Theatre". You will see and / or hear the Rock, Blues, Jazz, and Country elements in their music and the Brothers ability to weave from one style to the next effortlessly.

These releases are from the current line up that is "The Allman Brothers Band". This line up includes Warren Haynes who after the departure of Dicky Betts is unquestionably the savior and musical leader of the group. His guitar sparring partner these days is Derek Trucks nephew of original member Drummer Butch Trucks. The other original members still around are Jaimoe and the lone brother Gregg Allman. The group is rounded out by longtime members percussionist Marc Quinones and bassist Oteil Burbridge. What keeps these musicians fresh and on their toes is that all of them record and tour with bands that they are the driving force behind. Something must be said though for The Allman Brothers Band that all these men who are the focal point of other acts will constantly put those endeavors on hold while touring and recording under the Allman's flag. Go to just one of the Beacon shows and you will notice them each having multiple moments in the spotlight.

You will get a different show on each night and always the final show is the longest running performance of the run if not the most intense. The set list changes night by night and very often the band takes this opportunity to showcase new material from albums whose release is still months off. That doesn't mean that an evening with The Allmans is all new material. The band will play tunes from every period of their career. The different times that the songs come from is also reflected in the audience. Every age from teens to middle age and even a few that dare I say it seem "elderly". The one thing I do notice though is that each year the chorus of voices screaming "Whippin' Post" certainly sounds younger and younger.

I know that come the Summer The Allmans will be playing outdoor venues all across the country. Those shows are always great and hold the added attraction of being a much more logical show that you can ride to, but trust me, no matter where you live you will not see the brothers in a better setting than all the madness that is March at the Beacon Theatre.    *Note this Friday March 3rd tickets for the 14th and final show of the 2006 Beacon run go on sale. Don't miss your chance all the other shows are sold out !!!!