3 Nights, 3 Shows, 3 States — Night 3: Lots of love for Larkin Poe

Lovell sisters bring energy, emotion, big-time talent to Chicago's Vic Theater

May 22, 2025

Rebecca and Megan Lovell of Larkin Poe at the Vic Theater in Chicago.

When I think of a memorable concert experience, it usually involves being close to the stage with a big crowd behind me soaking up every moment of a kickass band.

That’s exactly what night 3 of my 3 Nights, 3 Shows, 3 States tour looked like. It couldn’t have been a better finish — seeing Larkin Poe for the first time.

Before I get to the show … What in the world is wrong with the music industry that Larkin Poe aren’t HUGE stars. The Lovell sisters — Rebecca and Megan — have beautiful voices. Rebecca’s voice is as strong as anyone’s out there. They both slay on guitar. They’re attractive. And they have plenty of radio-friendly music — especially on their new album, Bloom. It makes no sense.

Shawn and I after the show at Cheesie’s Pub & Grub.

Thanks to concert buddy Shawn for another great hangout and helping out with photos and videos. Here’s a look at a memorable Night 3.

[Click here for night 1 with Steepwater Band in St. Louis; click here for night 2 with Little Feat in Davenport, Iowa]

VENUE: The Vic Theater, Chicago. This was my first time there and it’s a fantastic place to see a concert. There are bars in the back, some seating in the balcony for those who want to sit, some places to lean and plenty of floor space.

MERCH: My only complaint about the Vic was there wasn’t much room for the merch. We got a look at it and there was some good stuff, but there was a line that went up a flight of stairs. Plus, Larkin Poe does a great job of marketing online — I got the new album, Bloom, on vinyl with a signed cover for what I pay for most vinyl without an autograph.

Couldn’t ask for a better view of Larkin Poe than this.

VIEWING SPOT: I was a little worried when we didn’t get in right when the doors opened that we wouldn’t get a good spot, but that didn’t turn out to be a problem. It doesn’t get much better than directly in the middle right behind the people on the rail. I made eye contact with Rebecca and Megan.

CROWD: One of the best crowds I’ve seen in a while. Lots of people and all very into the performance, singing along and cheering loud. And, when it was time to be quiet for the acoustic part, people shut up. It was a beautiful thing.

OPENER: Amythyst Kiah was the best opener I’ve seen in awhile. She’s a lone guitarist, but has an amazing voice and poignant songs. The crowd seemed a little slow to take to her set, but by the end was locked in and singing along.

THE SHOW: Even with Rebecca visibly pregnant, Larkin Poe put on a high-energy performance. Both sisters are all over their sides of the stage and often come together to play back-to-back or face-to-face. The rest of the band is tight, but the sisters are — rightly — the focal point both on guitar and vocals. The four-song acoustic portion with the band packed in around the sisters was a great way to break up the otherwise rocking set and was a surprise highlight.

SETLIST HIGHLIGHTS: During the acoustic portion, they did a really soft version of “Southern Comfort” that gave me goosebumps. Kiah came out for a verse during “If God is a Woman” that was especially tasty. But the high point was Rebecca telling a story about “some of us taking a little longer to find our way” and then going into my favorite Larkin Poe song, “Mockingbird” — it struck an emotional chord and had some tears flowing, which I always respect.