Two Voices, One Historic Stage: Tab Benoit and Paul Thorn at the Paramount Bristol
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Blues grit and Americana storytelling met on State Street for a two-for-one showcase of veteran independent artists.
Story and Photos by Casey Nicholson.
On Sunday night, March 1, 2026, the historic Paramount Bristol hosted what felt less like a standard headliner-and-opener pairing and more like a two-for-one showcase of seasoned independent artists. With Louisiana bluesman Tab Benoit (main image, above) and Mississippi's Americana storyteller Paul Thorn sharing the bill, the night delivered two distinct yet equally commanding performances.
Set against the backdrop of State Street — the literal dividing line between Tennessee and Virginia — the show unfolded in Bristol, widely known as the “Birthplace of Country Music,” a place where musical history was cemented nearly a century ago and continues to evolve. While Sunday’s performances leaned more blues and Americana than traditional country, the setting underscored the region’s ongoing musical legacy.
Tab Benoit: Stripped-Down Blues Power
Benoit opened with “Medicine,” one of his most recognizable originals. From the first riff, the set leaned into economy and intensity. Backed only by bass and drums, he carried the sonic weight of the room with gritty guitar tones — delivered on a natural-finished thinline Fender Telecaster, coupled with weathered, soulful vocals. With minimal accompaniment, the spotlight naturally centered on his phrasing, dynamics, and touch.
Moving confidently between originals and carefully chosen covers during the roughly ninety-minute set, Benoit demonstrated the control and restraint that have defined his career. A standout moment came with his rendition of “For What It’s Worth,” originally recorded by Buffalo Springfield. Reimagined through a swampy blues lens, the familiar protest anthem traded jangling folk-rock restraint for muscular sustain and thickened tone.
Another highlight followed when Benoit mentioned his appreciation for playing songs people want to hear, prompting a shouted request for “Shelter Me.” Written by Buddy Miller, the song ranks high among Benoit’s streaming catalog. By the final chorus the entire room was fully locked in.
Throughout the evening, the two-time Blues Foundation B.B. King Entertainer of the Year Award winner demonstrated why he remains a respected figure in modern blues. Benoit's playing felt both raw and controlled, leaving space for his rhythm section while still dominating the sonic landscape. Longtime collaborator Corey Duplechin laid down steady bass grooves, while Chip Vayenas anchored the beat from behind the kit.
Paul Thorn: Humor, Heart, and a Grand Finale
If Benoit’s set was all grit and groove, Paul Thorn’s was equal parts musicianship and storytelling.
Fronting a five-piece band — Thorn on vocals and rhythm guitar, Chris Simmons on lead guitar, Michael Graham on keys, Scott Esbeck on bass, and Jeffrey Perkins on drums — Thorn delivered a tight, energetic hour-long performance that felt as much like a well-timed comedy set as a concert.
Thorn and company opened with “What The Hell Is Going On?” immediately establishing rapport with the crowd. Highlights from the set included “I Don’t Like Half the Folks I Love” and “Burn Down the Trailer Park,” songs that showcase Thorn’s gift for blending sharp wit with sharp observation.
Between songs, Thorn told stories — humorous, reflective, occasionally self-deprecating — that deepened the connection in the room. The band behind him was dialed in, shifting seamlessly between roots rock, gospel-tinged Americana, and blues-inflected grooves.
The night’s most memorable moment came during the closing number, “Take My Love With You.” Thorn stepped off the stage and into the audience, walking the aisles of the Paramount, shaking hands and offering hugs as he sang. As the song reached its conclusion, he climbed onto an empty seat several rows back and conducted his band orchestra-style through the final notes.
It was theatrical without being contrived. Personal without being sentimental. A powerful finish that left the crowd fully engaged.
A Fitting Setting
The Paramount remains one of the region’s most striking venues. Its restored Art Deco interior, intimate seating arrangement, and warm acoustics make it an ideal space for artist-driven performances like these. Whether hosting blues, Americana, country, or rock, the theater continues to anchor Bristol’s live music scene.
Sunday’s show also served as a subtle reminder that Bristol’s musical story has long extended beyond a single genre. The city earned its “Birthplace of Country Music” moniker in 1927, when Columbia Records producer Ralph Peer placed an advertisement seeking mountain musicians to record in Bristol. Among those who answered was Jimmie Rodgers, the “Singing Brakeman,” who would later be known as the Father of Country Music. Alongside Rodgers, the Carter Family of nearby Hiltons, Virginia, emerged from those Bristol Sessions as nationally recognized pioneers of American roots music.
Nearly a century later, the town continues to embrace a broad musical spectrum. From the Paramount’s steady calendar of touring artists to the annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, the spirit of independent, roots-driven music remains alive on State Street.
Final Thoughts
When Tab Benoit returned for his encore, he thanked the crowd for its support and offered a simple reflection: “Music is a necessary thing for a human being.”
On Sunday night in Bristol, that sentiment rang true. Two veteran artists. Two distinct sonic approaches.Two headline-caliber performances. Benoit delivered stripped-down blues intensity. Thorn delivered storytelling-driven Americana with theatrical flair. By the time the lights came up, the audience had experienced not just a concert, but two distinct musical worlds sharing one historic stage. And, their daily dose music –– that essential element of the good life that we all need.
You can catch Tab Benoit and Paul Thorn later this week at The Orange Peel in Asheville, and at Harvester Performance Center in Rocky Mount, Virginia.
Further Reading
Learn more about Tab Benoit, his tour schedule, and discography.
Explore the music and upcoming shows from Paul Thorn.
View the concert calendar at the historic Paramount Bristol.
Discover the story behind the 1927 Bristol Sessions at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
Learn more about the Blues Foundation, which presents the annual Blues Music Awards.
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