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We went to see Leon Russell at The Shed in Maryville Friday night. It was the first time we've been there, and I admit to being a little apprehensive about going to a concert at a biker hangout. As it turns out, it's a fantastic outdoor venue with a mellow, laid-back vibe.

The staff at Smoky Mt. Harley Davidson and The Shed were all super friendly. The event was well organized and professionally run. They have a great selection of cold brews for $3, and the Stinker's BBQ looked pretty good, too. As you can imagine, there were also some very cool bikes.

Anyway, we went to see living legend Leon Russell, who has played there before a few times. The Mrs. was determined not to miss him again. The guy totally rocked the place out. It's hard to believe he's 71 years old. His band was tight, and he hit the note again and again on old favorites with new arrangements, covers and new (at least to me) material. He put on a solid hour-and-a-half set without ever taking a break or missing a beat. (The band got a break while he did a beautiful solo set.)

He told stories a couple of times between songs about how he got started and about touring with Joe Cocker and Mad Dogs and Englishmen. I don't recall him doing this when we've seen him before, and it was a nice personal touch to connect with the audience.

Singer-songwriter Otis Gibbs opened the show. He hails from Indiana and plays out of East Nashville. He sang a bunch of great Americana/bluesy songs and told some funny stories.

The sound system was top-notch, and they had lots of video cameras projecting the show on big screen TVs all over the venue. They (obviously) allow cameras, too. It was a great evening of entertainment. Click the pic above for more photos of the venue and the show.

EXTRA: Cellphone video clip of a solo song taken by the Mrs. after the break, might render on some browsers...