Musicians Devon Allman and Donavon Frankenreiter are attempting to make history, and you can be a witness! The concept is simple. The execution will be brutal … 50 shows in all 50 American states in less than 50 days. Walton Arts Center is stop No. 33 on Tuesday, Sept. 5 at 7 pm, right between stops in Missouri and Louisiana.
Like modern day Evel Knievel’s, the tour is going to test the wills of these road-tested veterans at every turn. The rock ‘n’ roll recording artists have their sights set on overturning a world record, hoping to complete their quest 20 years and one day later than the record was set.
Pennsylvania anti-folk artist Adam Brodsky currently holds the Guinness World Record for fastest time to play a concert in all 50 states. The solo musician set out on August 3, 2003 and completed the challenge 50 days later on Sept. 21. Brodsky played an additional show on Sept. 22 in Washington D.C.
“I’ve had this idea in my back pocket for the better part of a decade,” shares Allman, award-winning singer, guitarist, songwriter and producer. “I think growing up reading the world record books, it’s just always been a fantasy to go after a world record.” Following the footsteps of his rock legend father, Gregg Allman, Devon Allman has appeared at some of the world’s biggest festivals, played in several rock supergroups and regularly writes a column for Guitar Players Magazine. He is also endorsed by Gibson guitars and serves on the board of directors for the National Blues Museum.
“This undertaking is going to be really difficult, but very rewarding, and I really found the perfect co-conspirator in Donavon Frankenreiter,” Allman said. “We have been jamming together for years now and are quite simpatico … he is the perfect Evel to my Knievel.”
For nearly four decades Donavon Frankenreiter has been traveling the globe, first as a professional surfer, and now as a musician. Born in Southern California, Frankenreiter spent most of his youth chasing waves, and he turned pro at the age of 16. These days instead of surfing competitions, it’s concert halls that bring Frankenreiter to town, where he entertains audiences with his unique blend of laid-back grooves, philosophical lyrics and soulful delivery.
“I first met Devon on the Allman Family Revival Tour and we always talked about doing something together,” adds Frankenreiter. “One morning, Devon called me and said he had this crazy idea about breaking a World Record. As soon as he said 50 shows in 50 states under 50 days I said, ‘Yes, let’s do this.’ And now, a year later, we are ready to see it all … or at least attempt to see it all!”
The See It All Tour will take them to places they’ve never been, at a pace that’s never been done. The duo along with a backing band will be playing songs from their recently released collaborative EP titled Rollers.
Be a part of music history and cheer on Team D&D when they perform at Walton Arts Center in early September. Let’s kick the tires and start the fires. Tickets start at $29 and are on sale now.