Grammy Award Winners, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Delight A Packed House At The Mountain Arts Center In Prestonsburg

*A huge thank you to James Stamper for the assist with this article*

The Tedeschi Trucks Band brought their superb show to the best venue of its kind, the Mountain Arts Center on February 25th, 2020. The Mountain Arts Center, or known locally as the “MAC”, Is a 1,040-seat venue that in my mind has the best sound and best lighting system in all east Kentucky. I have seen a lot of shows here from Ralph Stanley to Ricky Skaggs to Goose Creek Symphony to Dressed to Kill – The Kiss tribute band. Every show has been perfect. I would love to see more acts appear at this venue. If you’re around Prestonsburg, KY and there’s a show happening, you must see what an amazing place this truly is. With that being said, I want to give a HUGE thank you to the Mountain Arts Center and the Mayor of Prestonsburg, Les Stapleton, for bringing this outstanding act to eastern Kentucky! This will be one show that will never be forgotten!

February 25th, 2020 was a mind-blowing night for me. I was not prepared for this marvelous performance. First walked out Susan Tedeschi with a “put your eyes out” Gibson Les Paul and behind her was Derek Trucks with his ever-handy Gibson SG. Now when there are 2 Gibson guitar classics on stage, you know it’s about to be real. I have to say, there were about 11 or 12 members in this band and each of them did their part flawlessly. I couldn’t believe how well it was orchestrated. Derek had so much smoke rolling from his Gibson SG with a Duane Allman slide sound, I thought the fire alarms in the Mountain Arts Center were going to be blazing. Not to mention that Derek broke one of his guitar strings from playing so hard. He went to the back to change it and within a flash, he was ready to go again.

Now, don’t think Susan didn’t know her way around a guitar. Gee oh. She broke into a little solo showing that women can play guitars as well! Of course, Derek did most of the soloing, but Susan had her fair share. They would even team up some and show Mountain Arts Center what the blues was all about! They performed songs such as “Signs, High Times”, “Don’t Know What It Means”, “High and Mighty” “I Want More” and even broke into some covers as well with “Don’t Keep Me Wonderin” – Allman Brothers Band, “The Letter” – The Box Tops, “Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad?” (Derek and The Dominos) – there was never anyone named Derek in Derek and The Dominos. So many stories are attached to how this band got their name. One of those stories comes from Derek Trucks himself saying that “his name had something to do with the name of the band, if not the spelling”. Who would have even thought of that?

The Tedeschi Trucks Band won the hearts of the audience in Prestonsburg, KY. I was truly impressed with this band. If they ever come around this close again, you’ll find me in the front row! No questions asked. Their latest album “Signs” was released in February of last year. Be sure and check that one out along with “Revelator” (2011), “Made Up Mind” (2013), and “Let Me Get By” (2016).

Watching this show made me a fan. I had never heard this band before seeing them live, and I have to say, I was hooked from the first song! Trust me, seeing Tedeschi Trucks Band live will give you chills you thought you could never have. You’ll be craving more and more blues throughout the show. Be sure to see them live. It will be a well-made decision on your part. I know it was for me. I rate this performance a 10/10. Flat out tremendous. Everything was magnificent.

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