Tune In, Turn On
Southern rock fans at the Jersey Shore have embraced the Allman Brothers Band for more than five decades, dating back to the band’s legendary six-day stand at Atlantic City’s Steel Pier in July 1971. The original lineup — Duane Allman, Gregg Allman, Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley, Butch Trucks and Jaimoe — played 18 shows in the Golden Dome Ballroom, performing three 30- to 40-minute sets each day.
The Allman Brothers returned to Atlantic City several times over the years, appearing at Trump Taj Mahal in 2000, Hilton Casino Hotel in 2003 and the House of Blues at Showboat in 2006. Gregg Allman also made multiple solo appearances, including shows at the former Taj Mahal’s Mark G. Etess Arena and Borgata. More recently, Gregg’s son, Devon Allman, performed in Atlantic City in 2024 and 2025, while the Allman Betts Band played Borgata in 2025.
Now another member of the Allman family legacy is making his Jersey Shore debut.
Duane Betts, son of the late Dickey Betts, will perform Monday, Aug. 10, at the Ocean City Music Pier, opening for Southern rock veterans The Outlaws. Betts will be joined by his band, Palmetto Hotel.
Speaking about his new album, Isle of Hope, Betts said he wanted the music to reflect both his personal journey and a sense of optimism.
“In these anxious times in the world, music is always a sanctuary and gives people a feeling of purpose and strength,” Betts said. “I hope these songs resonate and can pull you up and into the light.”
The concert begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are available through the Ocean City Music Pier ticket office.
Meanwhile, Melody Trucks, daughter of founding Allman Brothers drummer Butch Trucks, returns to South Jersey for two performances this month. She will appear with her band at Tony Mart’s Legacy Concerts on the Beach in Somers Point on Friday, Aug. 14, and at Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City on Monday, Aug. 24. Both concerts begin at 7 p.m., with the Atlantic City performance free to the public.
Joining Trucks are her brother, Vaylor Trucks, on guitar and vocals, along with Will Bart, Peter Levin, Lamar Williams Jr. and the Fitzkee Brothers, the same lineup that performed in the area last year.
“I’m so excited to come back to New Jersey again and play with the same lineup,” Trucks said. “We’re also excited to bring our show celebrating 55 years of Live at Fillmore East while sharing music from our new album recorded at Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals. Thanks to Tony Mart Presents for continuing to believe in us.”
Tune-Ups
Blues at Lizzie Rose Music Room: Florida blues vocalist Kat Riggins performs Saturday, Aug. 8, at 8 p.m. Visit lizzierosemusicroom.com for tickets.
Bluegrass at Albert Music Hall: Pineystock comes to Waretown on Sunday, Aug. 9, featuring three hours of 1960s-inspired music with a Pinelands twist. Information and tickets are available at alberthall.org.
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com
