Larkin Poe return to Denver’s Ogden Theatre with their BLOOM US Tour 2025 April 11, 2025

On a warm evening I made my way to the Ogden Theatre looking forward with excitement to see Larkin Poe for the third time. I was about 45 minutes early which is normal for me, so I can see friends and watch the line form with all ages of fans. And as I expected, there were parents with their young children, I always get a kick out of seeing this. Once inside, everyone scurried their way to the place they wanted to be and I headed to the pit. The stage was set with a large backdrop filled with flowers of different colors. On the back of the stage was a platform about three feet high where the drummer, bassist and keyboardist for Larkin Poe would be. There were plants spread over the platform to add to the atmosphere on stage.

Larkin Poe’s guest, Parker Millsap and his band started the evening off with his blend of blues, country, folk, and rock. He started his set with, “So Far Apart” from his 2023 album, Wilderness Within You. Known for doing solo shows on this tour he had a band of excellent musicians with him. Parker was a hit with the crowd mixing in the different styles of his music and interacting with them, throwing in some laughs along the way. The range in Parker's vocals throughout his set only added to the different styles of his music. It was a real treat to see him for the first time and I look forward to seeing him again. He finished his set with, “Dammit” from his 2021 album, Be Here Instead. The audience showed their appreciation for his music as he said goodnight.

Parker Millsap - vocals - guitar - harmonica - piano

Set List:

So Far Apart

Real Thing

Your Water

Hades

Front Porchin'

The Very Last Day

Heaven Sent

Tell Me

Dammit

With the stage turned over, the lights came down as drummer, Kevin McGowan and bassist, Tarka Layman took their places and moments later, Rebecca and Megan came onto the stage waving with smiles that would light up venue to a cheering audience and opened set with, “Nowhere Fast” from their Grammy Award winning album, Blood Harmony and let the fun begin! With the fog rolling in from behind and the lights dancing across the stage, the atmosphere was electric and Larkin Poe was just getting started. Moving into the next song, “Summertime Sunset” also from Blood Harmony, Rebecca and Megan were on the move displaying their amazing musicianship and the crowd was moving, hands in the air and some singing along with them. But when they started their third song, “Summertime Sunset” again from Blood Harmony, Rebecca took over the stage with a display of her skills on the guitar that had everyone mesmerized. Us photographers were shoulder to shoulder as Rebecca dropped down on one knee in front of us, what sight to see. (see photo gallery)

At the end of the song, Rebecca announced that she was pregnant and most of the crowd, apparently having not heard the news prior to the show, was surprised but cheering. Rebecca then stated, “gee I announced it last week” with a giggle. I left the pit and moved about the venue still photographing the show but found myself just standing watching the amazing performance happening on stage. Rebecca would get up on the platform with the other members and it was Megan’s turn to wow the crowd with her skills on the lap steel. And let's not forget Kevin and Tarka who have been with Larkin Poe for a few years. Their skills complement and round out the band’s sound. Moving through their set, things quieted down a bit as the ladies did three songs acoustically, “Southern Comfort”, “God Moves on the Water” and “Mad as a Hatter” and the crowd loved it! The energy level was high as Larkin Poe moved through the rest of their set finishing with, “Bolt Cutters & The Family Name”. They took a short break and came back for one more, “Bloom Again” from their newest album, Bloom.

The cheering crowd showed their appreciation for an amazing night of music as Larkin Poe said good night.

Larkin Poe will be on tour till the end of May, this is a must see show, one of my favorites of this year! Remember, this is an all ages show, bring the kids and grandparents too!

Larkin Poe members:

Rebecca Lovell - vocals - various guitars

Megan Lovell - lap steel - vocals

Kevin McGowan - drums

Tarka Layman - bass

Set list:

Nowhere Fast

Summertime Sunset

Easy Love Pt. 1

Bad Spell

Little Bit

Bluephoria