Grace Potter is a lot more than just a pretty face.  She’s the complete package:   she has a strong voice with a big range, is a superb keyboard player and guitarist, and has the looks, stature and confidence of a super model.  She's a blues/rock force to be reckoned with.  Her band, the Nocturnals, is Scott Tournet on guitar, Matt Burr on drums, Benny Yurco on guitar, and John Rogone on bass.  Rogone is filling in for Cat Popper, who's taking a few days off.  GPN has been doing a few shows recently with Sharron Jones & the Dap Kings, and will be in St. Louis tonight (Sept 24) with the Avett Brothers.   They’ll also be performing at the Austin City Limits Music Festival in October, and recently announced their New Year’s Eve plans at Higher Ground in Burlington, VT.

The show opened up with Hot Summer Night followed by That Phone, both songs from their new, self titled album, Grace Potter & the Nocturnals.  Next came Joey, which is off their album, Nothing but the Water.  Most of the set consisted of tunes from the new album, but they did play some old favorites, like Ah Mary and Apologies off of the album, This is Somewhere.

Grace asked the crowd, “Has anybody seen the movie, Debbie Does Dallas?”  After admonishing the crowd for watching such dirty movies, she explained that her new song, One Short Night, was about a girl just like Debbie.  They closed the set with three new tunes: the big hit, Tiny Light, Medicine and Paris.  While the show was short, about one hour, it was full of good music, and very high-energy.  During Medicine, the entire band grabbed drumsticks and started playing the drums.  Grace was down on her knees banging the kick-drum. 

After the show I had an opportunity to chat with Grace and some of the band.  Grace told me that Cat was taking a break, spending some time with Family in LA.   I spoke to John Rogone, the "substitute" bass player and he explained that he's just keeping Cat's seat warm.  John plays with some of the Nocturnals in a side project know as Blues and Lasers.  Matt Burr, the drummer, told me that they have really enjoyed sharing the bill with Sharon Jones.  He's also excited about their upcoming shows with the Avett Brothers.  

Setlist:

Hot Summer Night
That Phone
Joey
Oasis >
Apologies >
Only Love
One Short Night
Ah Mary
Tiny Light >
Medicine
Paris