Experience Hendrix By Todd McFliker November 1, 2024 Experience Hendrix By: Todd McFliker | Photos: Chris Schmitt Known as the “Guitar Event of the Year,” this years’ Experience Hendrix Tour on October 18th at Pompano Beach Amphitheater was nothing short of spectacular. The extraordinary Kenny Wayne Shepherd was joined by a handful of other prodigies, including the stunning Eric Johnson, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Dweezil Zappa, and Devon Allman to pay homage to the greatest guitarist of all time. Unfortunately, Zakk Wylde was absent from the South Florida show, as he was busy onstage honoring Ozzy Osbourne’s introduction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. “The Experience Hendrix Tour is a unique opportunity for fans to experience the music and legacy of Jimi Hendrix in a way that CDs simply cannot offer,” explains (stepsister) Janie Hendrix, President & CEO of Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. on the tour’s website. “We felt strongly that a live presentation of the music that Jimi Hendrix created and which inspired him would be an exciting and unique way of conveying his relevance to today’s audiences.” The sky was crying as raindrops fell on the mature crowd of concertgoers. For almost 3 hours, brilliant musicians took turns awing spectators with timeless numbers. Audience members jumped up and danced to Henri Brown singing “Foxy Lady.” Zappa’s hands moved with too much speed for the eye to see their precision during “Stone Free.” Following “Freedom.” Random photos of Jimi and his bandmates Mitch Mitchell and Billy Cox were seen onscreen above the stage all night. Every artist was dressed low-key in denim and button-downs, with the exception of Ally Venable in a sparkling dress and bright red boots who delivered a sexy version of “Fire.” The young prodigy headlined the 60-date European Blues Caravan tour at just 20 years old. The Blues Foundation’s 2023 International Blues Challenge winner Mathias Lattin showed off both his guitar and vocal skills in “Purple Haze.” Devon Allman got the energetic crowd on its feet with a passionate “Little Wing” and earned a standing ovation after his expert interpretation of “Manic Depression.” Fans sang the familiar lyrics “I should’ve quit you” during Ingram’s “Killing Floor.” While their vocals may’ve been difficult to make out, Chuck Campbell and Calvin Cooke crushed their steel guitar solos in “Hey Joe” and the dramatic “Catfish Blues.” The prolific Johnson backed up Dylan Triplett’s angelic voice during “Have You Ever Been (to Electric Ladyland),” “Love or Confusion,” “Bold as Love” and “Spanish Castle Magic.” Ingram returned alongside Allman to deliver “Red House.” Lattin and Triplett reappeared to sing the relatively unknown classic, “Who Knows.” Kenny Wayne Shepherd took the stage with his vocalist Noah Hunt to perform “Gypsy Eyes” and “Come On (Let the Good Times Roll).” The highlight of the evening was watching Shepherd’s interstellar hootchie kootchie of “Voodoo Child” with a whammy bar. The man strummed a custom Monterey Strat, a replica of the legendary instrument Hendrix played and burned onstage at the Monterey Pop Festival. He introduced the two talented musicians who were onstage all night, drummer Chris Layton and bassist Kevin McCormick. Shepherd then sped things up for the phenomenal “Voodoo Child (Slight Return).” Playing an extended solo behind his own head, the awe-inspiring showboating would’ve made Jimi proud. All of the sensational artists made their way onstage to show love to Jimi’s genius, as well as to South Florida music lovers. Share It!
