Grammy-nominated Black Pumas kicked off their ambitious world tour in St. Louis at their sold-out concert at The Pageant (well, after a stint at Lollapalooza) on August 5. The last time they performed in St. Louis was at Off Broadway in 2019. They were scheduled to perform in 2020 at Delmar Hall but you know, pandemic.
In less than 2 years their popularity has risen, with good reason, by leaps and bounds. If you don’t see them perform live, you’re sorely missing out on, not only some of the best psychedelic/soul/rock around these days but the entire dynamic stage presence of Eric Burton.
Amid strobes they opened with “Next to You” punched up a few notches from their studio recording and the night was set in motion with joyous, grooving, swaying, energy throughout the next 80-plus minutes.
Louisiana-based Seratones opened for Black Pumas and was greeted by a hearty warm welcome from the already packed, mostly masked crowd at the Pageant.
Lead singer and guitarist, AJ Haynes sang, wailed, danced, jumped, and shook her groove thang during their 35-minute set full of rock, soul, and a little punk. Haynes belted out songs and held those extra-long notes with her powerful pipes.
Both bands deserve your utmost attention and if you’re not familiar with them, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get on board and support both these charismatic and wildly talented groups.
More photos of The Seratones: https://bit.ly/Seratones21cz
Photos of Black Pumas are from their 2019 performance at the Roots N Blues festival in Columbia, MO.
Find upcoming shows at The Pageant here.