Events

Alabama Shakes headlines Mercedes Benz Evolution Tour at 200 Peachtree In Downtown Atlanta

The Grammy-nominated rock group, Alabama Shakes, headlined Mercedes Benz Evolution Tour in Atlanta last Thursday evening (Aug 7). Held at the swagged-out 200 Peachtree venue in Downtown, Atlanta, Alabama Shakes performed to an intimate group of 300 or so social media fans and special guests, with a much-anticipated performance that rallied the crowd as lead singer Brittany Howard belted out soulful, bluesy riffs and howls.

Only the second stop on a nine-city tour, Mercedes Benz went all out in an effort to promote their 2015 GLA-Class. As you entered the venue, guests walked the black carpet to photographers snapping candid shots ported to iPad portals, accessible by email. The venue was very posh and decked out like a concert at the music awards, only smaller. Guests were treated to an open bar and free products by vendors vying to entice and appease them. Trendy and stylish silk-screened tanks and tee’s boasting a Pink Dolphin, and the Mercedes brand logo were a part of the swag give-a-way.

Opening acts The Deslondes, and Clear Plastic Masks played 20-minute sets to a semi-hyped crowd all too eager to see Alabama Shakes, who delivered a roaring opening performance. Brittany Howard did her thing and the band’s in-tune synergy set the stage for what became an hour or so long performance of riveting proportions. Singing favorites from their 2012 debut album “Boys & Girls,” including “Hold On,” “I Ain’t the Same” and “You Ain’t Alone,” the crowd was in a frenzy. Howard performed some new songs from their upcoming sophomore album – out 2015, and her father even got a shout-out, as he watched the performance from the second-floor balcony.

Eager to speak with the bands on their upcoming projects, we hope to feature exclusive interviews with The Deslondes, Young The Giant, Mayer Hawthorne, Clear Plastic Mask and Alabama Shakes in the next print issue and digital editions.