The Allman Brothers Band is now halfway through its ten-night run at New Yorks Beacon Theater. Keeping with the groups penchant for special guests, last night Gregg Allman invited several of his friends onstage at the start of the Brothers second set. The Gregg Allman and Friends horn section (Jay Collins, Chris Karlic and Jim Seeley) joined for a take on Willie Dixons The Same Thing, a cover also documented on the groups _ 2nd Set _ album.

As is now custom, the Allman Brothers Band has shuffled its setlist over the past five shows, touching upon over 60-songs since Thursday. The group has also debuted a handful new songs—-several of which are culled from recent writing sessions between Allman and Warren Haynes. Though the Brothers have the night off, one doesnt have search too hard to find some Allman-associated appearances . Tonight, the Heavenly Jams Band will perform at New Yorks Crash Mansion. Led by Yossi Piamenta, the collective not only features Oteil Burbridges brother Kofi, but also Derek Trucks Bands Yonrico Scott.
Speaking of Allman Brothers cross-pollination, former ABB guitarist Dickey Betts welcomed a pair of longtime associates to the stage last Sunday at Poughkeepsies Bardavon 1869 Opera House. During his set, Betts invited Govt Mule, and former Dickey Betts Band, drummer Matt Abts to the stage for a take on In Memory of Elizabeth Reed. Onetime Allman Brothers keyboardist Johnny Neel also joined in the fray for a jam leading out of the vintage ABB-cut. Both Neel and Abts were in town for a performance with Blue Floyd at The Chance.