Photos and Review by Ryan Swerdlin

Neal Francis and his 11-piece band came through Atlanta’s Variety Playhouse last Friday night with a night full of funk, grooves, and fantastic times.  They are riding the coattails of the new release, Francis Comes Alive, which came out in November of this year and featured live tracks from Neals’ catalogue.  The addition of horns, percussion, and backing vocals was a treat for everyone in attendance.  Each song sounded tight, rehearsed, and you knew that this group of players were having a great time creating such a full sound together.

Neal Francis, along with longtime bandmates Kellen Boersma (guitar/musical direction), Mike Starr (bass), and Collin O’Brien (drums) have experienced an increase in their venue capacity over the last few years.  Neal recalled at one point during the show that his first time in Atlanta was at Smith’s Olde Bar, on a Monday….and maybe 10 people were in attendance.  Friday night at the Variety Playhouse was quite different to say the least.  The room was packed with fans screaming each lyric as he played favorites including “Alameda Apartments”, “Changes”, “Can’t Stop the Rain”, and “This Time”.  If you have the opportunity to see Neal Francis on this tour, this is not one to be missed! 

Setlist for Friday December 1, 2023 at Variety Playhouse:

Runaway Child, Alameda Apartments, Say Your Prayers > Changes > She’s a Winner, Problems, I’m Watching You, Don’t Want You to Know, Prometheus, Very Fine > Intro > Can’t Stop the Rain > How Have I Lived (reprise) > Sentimental Garbage.

Encore: This Time, BNYLV