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Tab Benoit and the Paul Thorn Band Play One Memorable Night Together in Madison
On Friday, February 27, 2026, Harken Hall in Madison, Tennessee hosted a night of the blues. Billed as the "One Night Only Tour" the evening kicked off with a special "happy hour" set from The Tiger Beats who concluded their concise yet cool opening slot with a tribute to the Delta blues great Howlin’ Wolf (1910-1976) before giving way to the headliners the Paul Thorn Band and Tab Benoit.
Tab Benoit at Harken Hall. Tab Benoit broke out in the early 1990's with his first record earning him comparisons to Albert Collins, Albert King and even Jimi Hendrix. From there he toured relentlessly to only improve his already impressive chops. In the 2000's he moved to a more stripped down sound that echoed of his Louisiana roots and following the release of Wetlands (2004) Benoit founded the Voice of the Wetlands - a non-profit organization focusing on the importance of protecting Louisiana's coastal regions. In Madison, Tab opened with the meandering "Medicine" that ran the paces from subtle to substantial. "Nothing Takes The Place of You" was a softer piece with lavish leads flowing into the snappy "Why, Why". Tab's power trio often performs these songs live. However, Benoit said that he can play requests, so fans responded with some suggestions that made their way into the set including "Too Many Dirty Dishes".
Paul Thorn at Harken Hall. Benoit is a master of Bayou blues. His guitar playing was both clean yet gritty and often in the moment which forced his bass player and drummer to improvise the groove which they aptly did. During the show Tab shared that he has been playing the same guitar for years. His 1972 Fender Telecaster Thinline looked worn and Tab used few effects, so all his voodoo was real-life so to speak. It is no wonder that Benoit is a multiple Blues Music Award winner and a Louisiana Music Hall of Fame inductee because he most definitely brought the swamp to Middle Tennessee on the 27th! Paul Thorn performed the timely "What The Hell" that fit in well with the blues theme of the night as did "Burn Down/Trailer Park" which was a classic tale of cheating. Paul is a humorous artist who shared with the crowd that his father was a preacher and his uncle a pimp which made for an interesting upbringing and an even finer song inspired by the two men "Pimps and Preachers". These themes wove their way into more story-songs such as the astute title track from his latest "Life Is Just A Vapor" which is based on a Bible verse and eating ice cream with his friend the late John Prine.
The Tiger Beats at Harken Hall. "Ain't Love Strange" was spiked with insightful observations, then it was back to pimps with "Chicken Wing" countered by the revival vibe of "Mission Temple Fireworks Stand". Paul concluded with "Take My Love" where he went out into the crowd to dance with folks. Both Paul and Tab are on tour for much of the year and in early March they will still be on the same bill. Please check out their websites for upcoming gigs. But, if you can catch them together - all the better. Harken Hall located at 514 Madison Station Blvd in Madison blends historical charm with cutting-edge technology. This venue is the new home of the Music City Roots series and is proudly presenting an eclectic range of artists such as Tab Benoit. The warm wood tones of their main room creates an inviting space that can support seated or standing shows and private parties. They have state-of-the-art advanced AV and lighting systems, free parking and an environmentally conscious design that includes recycling stations. Please visit Harken Hall's website for a complete list of upcoming shows.
Harken Hall in Madison, Tennessee. Related Links: For more information on TAB BENOIT and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Tab Benoit | Paul Thorn | The Tiger Beats | Harken Hall | Paul Thorn Brings Razor‑Sharp Soul and Swagger Back to 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville
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