LIVE REVIEW + PHOTOS — Alabama Shakes, Shaking It Up For Us at The BayCare Sound (April 30)

by Christina Wright • May 12, 2026

The winds of change and the smell of spring were in the air. There was a cool breeze and the sun was kissing us with its golden glow from just behind the BayCare Sound, setting for the evening over the Clearwater Bay, in-between the spiral staircase to the rafters and the stage. A perfect backdrop. It was Thursday April 30th, almost 10 years to the date Since Alabama Shakes had played in the Bay area. We managed to arrive in time for Lamont Landers after a long day at work and an even longer time to wait for a much anticipated show! This was my first time hearing and seeing Lamont Landers and the crowd seemed to soak up their soulful and powerhouse songs. From Decatur Alabama, you can feel the influence of soul and southern gospel.

We were feeling their fly vibes. The bassist rocked a Jamiroquai styled, black and white fuzzy hat, while Lamont’s black and white striped long sleeve tee and beanie let me know I was not the only one feeling the black and white vibe at the beginning of the night. “Love has got the best of us” was sung at first a’capella, and their sounds radiated around us. I was impressed with their cover of Pink Floyd’s, “Time.” Truly fit for what was in store for us next, and it was time!

Lamont Landers • April 30, 2026 • The Sound – St. Petersburg, FL • Photos by @gtdmouse — instagram.com/gtdmouse

Lamont Landers • April 30, 2026 • The Sound – St. Petersburg, FL • Photos by @gtdmouse — instagram.com/gtdmouse

Alabama Shakes started off with a bang. The syncopated triplet single stroke snare fill is so distinctive. “Rise to the Sun” was a breath of fresh air as the sun went down. The stage lighting and sound were on point. Alabama Shakes shook up the crowd and we all rose to our feet. Church was in session. They sounded exactly like their recording on their first album recorded in 2012, Boys & Girls. We couldn’t help but singalong while we found our spot among the fanatic crowd. It was even more relatable and sensational to me then it was when I discovered Alabama Shakes 14 years ago. Work got me like: “I wake up, Rise to the sun, I go to work, And I come back home, I wake up, Rise to the sun, I go to work, And I come back home.” Only this evening was different. We were shaking it, Alabama style after work and now it was time to “Hang Loose.” Another twangy and infectious guitar riff paired with poetic and soulfully sung lyrics to get us all feeling good and reminding us to love ourselves and not to be our own worst enemy.

Alabama Shakes • April 30, 2026 • The Sound – St. Petersburg, FL • Photos by @gtdmouse — instagram.com/gtdmouse

Brittney showcased her falsetto with “Future People.” The guitar riff is so catchy. I could feel and see the entire crowd swaying in unison as we were serenaded by the melody and the lyrics. We all have to “live a little and give a little.” Next, “I Found You” found us. We could really feel the blues and gospel roots of Alabama Shakes, out of Athens, Alabama. I was so happy to be enjoying this soulful show with my longtime friend who has been listening to Alabama Shakes for just as long as I have. You could say they helped get us through our college days, and in our former years, grounding us in what’s real, and what we feel.

Then, another Boys and Girls banger, “Hold On.” I held on for as long as I could. They were just so good. Pure nostalgic emotion of the idea that I used to belt this song out with Britney every time and the year I turned 22 and every year after that it has hit differently. Thank goodness I was not the only one in the crowd, and among my friends singing and belting this song out again, and yet again with new meaning.

I was thoroughly satisfied. In that moment I reflected on my ability to be able to make this show and bring along my gal pal. Truly grateful.

Had to make our way into the concessions and ran into some of our OG Tampa Bay Shows I Go To members and reviewers, Harmony and Kaitlyn! Loved seeing these ladies! Check out some of their reviews! “Dunes” was playing in the background as we caught up and snagged a photo. We got to see a few of our local friends and favorites while over by the concessions and food court. There is nothing like the feeling of being around so many likeminded people, even if only for the time of such an incredible show. We all know what to appreciate and how to appreciate life, especially in these moments.

Now it was time to get back to the stage! We were on a mission to meet up with our Shows I Go To Press Coordinator and Staff Photographer, Daryl Bowen. I had no idea he shot Alabama Shakes at the Cuban Club in Ybor city, 10 years ago to this date! How incredible to be able to also be a part of their 10 year reunion tour. Check out the link to his photos from that show! Alabama Shakes Ybor April 29th, 2016. Why wasn’t I at that show?! I do not have a good excuse. I love the Cuban Club. We were just there for WMNF 88.5 Tropical Heatwave last weekend. I know that 2016 was the year I began a new career path. I now have managed to make my way back to it, only older and wiser, and 10 years later. Seemed fitting timing for me. The moon was full and the planets aligned, all to bring us together for a show to forever remember.

“Don’t Wanna Fight” brought us right back into the present. As Britney faced her guitarist, and got in the groove together, then Britney faced the crowd and began to serenade us, like she does so well. Her back up vocalists have been the choir to Britney’s preaching. Her long tinsel and shimmering coat swayed and glistened in the wind and moved with her as she shredded on her pastel teal Gibson. She was glowing and showing all of us who she was and what this band can do. The Stage was set to look like the sky, with clouds positioned behind and above the band. Alabama Shakes were taking us through their dream world.

Alabama Shakes • April 30, 2026 • The Sound – St. Petersburg, FL • Photos by @gtdmouse — instagram.com/gtdmouse

It was time to move back to our spot with our old friends. “Gimmie All Your Love” was moving us closer to each other. We swayed and soaked in all the love around us, with the dynamics of the song, as raw emotion was felt with Britney’s vocals and the organ belting when necessary. Bringing us up and down on a rollercoaster of a song, just to fade out and away. Alabama Shakes left the stage. The crowd was cheering. I knew this wasn’t the end, but I cheered for an encore all the same.

“American Dream” released just 20 days before this show, took us back into their dream world, only in the present day, highlighting current social issues in our culture. Singing they “can’t keep dreaming.” “The American Dream, The Impossible Dream.” Alabama Shakes; keeping it real, then shaking it up. “Drive by Baby” was unexpected and fun to get down to follow such a real and raw moment of their latest and new single. We got to shake out and off all those feelings while we did the twist to this fast paced, punk influenced song from their album Sounds & Color. I needed that too.

Then, Britney addressed the crowd. She offered us well wishes and blessings beyond what this show was already doing. She projected hope and peace for everyone. All people, all future people, and for the future of this planet. She kept it real, mentioning the cost of food, gas and a home. Then, Alabama Shakes reminded us that it’s going to be “Always Alright.” The crowd sang along, with the “ohhweeees” and then in unison we knew, “We’re alright, We’re always alright.” Ending their performance with a bang, the same way they started, on a note of prosperity.

Alabama Shakes Live Review by Christina Wright.
Alabama Shakes Live Photos by @gtdmouse.