Article and photos by: Wendy Podmenik Woodell

PORTSMOUTH, VA– Take one vocalist sibling who channels some Southern Mick Jagger moves, add the other sibling who smokes the guitar, add a catalog of iconic bluesy, wailing, catchy rock hits, and you have a formula for The Black Crowes. A tour that was wildly hyped and hoped for- brothers Chris and Rich Robinson at long last re-joined forces. Several years after a hiatus and individual projects, Chris with the Chris Robinson Brotherhood and Rich with The Magpie Salute- the two brothers are now back together.

Covid threw a wrench into the tour announcement initially, with cancellations and a rescheduling a year later that unfortunately did not retain the original Virginia Beach date. Months later, much to the joy of local fans, a date with The Crowes was added for Portsmouth. Another issue was thrown into the mix with some merited concern about the weather on Wednesday evening, as a storm system passed through Portsmouth and the pavilion being open air. There was question about a possible cancellation, but after an hour’s postponement the storm cleared. In the need to save on time, openers Howlin’ Rain commenced their set just as the gates opened.

Titled Shake Your Money Maker, the Crowes’ tour celebrates the 30^th anniversary of the landmark album and throws in a few hits from other works and some deeper cuts. The brothers were in fine form in spite of the weather setback. Chris Robinson sounded fantastic and shimmied across the stage all night long, as if he were still in his twenties. Rich retained his sedate demeanor and watched the shenanigans while he was positioned on his side of the stage. The brothers were joined by longtime Crowes bassist Sven Pipien with newcomers Isaiah Mitchell and Brian Griffin. The bonus material featured a treat with Rich performing the vocals on a Little Feat cover, “Easy to Slip”. Personal favorite “Remedy” was played right before the encore, “Charming Mess”. As a sweet personal touch, at the end of the show Rich Robinson personally chose to gift a guitar pick to a young fan near the front. The Black Crowes still make good memories for all of us, years later.