From start to finish the audience is enthralled by Austin’s uniquely charismatic stage presence. He begins the concert with a shout-out to the effort to clean up the Indian River Lagoon, and then goes right into his song “Waters of Life”. Indeed the theme of inspiration, preservation, and restoration constitutes the show’s leitmotif.

Austin displays his characteristically broad vocal range, and gets a chance to spotlight his lead guitar work on several tunes, notably “Waters of Life”, “God’s Locomotive”, “Will It Stand the Test of Time”, and “The Riff Conceiver and the Weaver”.

The concert features Dave Jacobs on bass and Oli Downes on drums. You’ll hear treatments of “Love Hate Away” and “Speakin’ in Drums”, two songs from Austin’s 2017 album Kill Devil Sessions – Flight of Aaron Jett, which he and Dave co-produced. Other songs fans familiar with Austin’s CDs will recognize are “Back In My Wildhood” (Walkin’ In Outa Leavin’, 2012) and “Dance Party” (Retrophonic Folk-A-Delic, 2019).

In his performances Austin always finds a way to treat the folks to a special surprise. This time it’s a driving version of Johnny Cash’s tune “Get Rhythm”.

Austin caps the show by bringing his girlfriend Christine Reilly up on stage for the poignant duet “Carry On”, dedicated to those who faced — and overcame — the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.