By photojournalist Allison Davis
Sons of Legion and Brother Elsey rolled through St. Pete last night, packing Jannus Live to the bricks.
You know the drill for me when it comes to Jannus: I always must perch at my coffee spot across the street before heading in to shoot. This time, I had the chance to talk shop with a fellow photographer whose work spans across the industry. It was the perfect way to start the night trading stories and hearing about his own experiences with the evening’s opener, Brother Elsey.
By the time I walked in, the courtyard was at capacity. I always love taking in the vibe of the crowd before I head into the pit. Music has this way of creating instant camaraderie; everyone is there breathing the same energy and passion. This show was no different.
Brother Elsey Detroit natives now based in Nashville opened the night with a heavy dose of Americana-folk grit. The brothers were quick to address the number one question they get: “Are you actually brothers?” The answer is a definitive yes (with Brady and Beau being twins). Their name is a tribute to their great-grandfather, a nostalgic touch that I absolutely love.
The trio released their self-titled debut album in January 2025 via River House Artists, a 13-track blend of modern folk and rock produced by Drew Long. Beyond the stage, they’ve been making waves in cinema, playing themselves in the 2024 film Dandelion and contributing heavily to the soundtrack. They were the perfect fit to set the tone for the night a band I’d heard of before but was fully “introduced” to through the lens last night. Should you not currently follow this band, I would go ahead and jump on it via social media, stream their music, you get the drift!
Then came Sons of Legion (SOL).
The fans were more than ready, chanting “SOL” as the stage was prepped. The sea of SOL t-shirts made one thing clear: the “Legion Family” shows up. I was immediately struck by their fan engagement; they even offered a QR code for fans to access photos and videos of the night. Their photographer/ videographer was out there busting his tail to make it happen!
What makes SOL so impressive is that they are 100% independent. Without a record label, they have the freedom to handle everything from songwriting and production to mixing and mastering on their own terms. While I’ve listened to them before, seeing them live is a different beast. Their sound is a raw cocktail of Southern rock, blues, gospel, and country, blended seamlessly.
The voices of Adam McInnis and Daddy Jack (Jack Crenshaw) hit you in a way that makes the music more than just sound it’s a physical feeling. Combined with the breeze of the outdoor venue, the sharp lighting, and the smoke-filled air, the atmosphere was transportive. I haven’t been able to shake “Carolina” from my head since; that earworm has officially moved in.
When the set finally ended, the band didn’t disappear into a green room. They were right there in the crowd, mingling with the fans. As I made my way out, I unofficially became the “iPhone photographer” for the night, snapping quick shots for people posing with the band members. I can’t express enough how much I admire a band that maintains that level of gratitude and connection. It says everything you need to know about who they are.
Last night was nothing short of incredible, and I’m so thankful I was able to pick this show up even on short notice.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Take it all in, even if you think it’s “not your thing.” You might just find out you’ve been missing out all along.
