Live Review: Alison Krauss and Union Station feat. Jerry Douglas w/Theo Lawrence at Chastain Park Amphitheater in Atlanta, 5/9/26

Singer-fiddler Alison Krauss has been performing with Union Station since their debut album Two Highways in 1989. That release earned the band Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album. Many more nominations – and wins – lay ahead for the group. Touring in support of their first album in 14 years, Arcadia, the band sounds as though it has never missed a beat.

The show began with “Looks Like the End of the Road,” the first single from the new album. One of the best Bluegrass bands around, Union Station transported fans to the Appalachian region in the 1940s with its timeless sounds and masterful musicianship.

The night was highlighted by the transcendent and angelic voice of Krauss who has been mesmerizing fans since she released her solo debut album at the ripe old age of 14. Her brilliant Union Station is a who’s who of bluegrass musicians, including master dobro player Jerry Douglas who had the stage to himself for a few songs while the band took a rest. Considered one of the best in the world, Douglas shared stories of his songs and hypnotized the crowd for a time.

The vibe felt like a small club, as Krauss told stories, chatted about each bandmate throughout the night, and showed off her witty personality. Laughter was consistent, as was the crowd’s appreciation for these bluegrass legends. Besides the wonderful new stuff from Acadia, the band covered some of their favorites. Willie Nelson’s “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground” was a heartbreaking moment. “Northside Gal,” a J.D. McPerson hit, was grassed up nicely by Krauss and her crew. Del McCoury’s “Rain Please Go Away” was apt, as Krauss joked about her last couple of trips to Atlanta and the rain cutting the shows short.

New-to-the-Station tenor vocalist and guitarist Russell Moore, in for Dan Tyminski, held up his end of the bargain as the band’s signature harmonies and chemistry remained fully intact.

Krauss’s soft-spoken between-song banter – an ASMR lover’s dream – was both touching and hilarious. Her warmth, humor, and obvious affection for her bandmates elevated the concert beyond a typical performance, turning it into an intimate and joyful evening in Atlanta.

The set closed with “Gravity,” From ’04’s Lonesome Runs Both Ways. It’s a heartbreaker of a song, highlighting the musical adeptness of Krauss and the entire band. After a bow and a brief break, the band returned to the front of the stage for a magical set of a cappella Tuens, including the stunning “Down to the River to Pray,” which she recorded for the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack. The 19th century African American spiritual remains as powerful today as ever.

French-Canadian singer Theo Lawrence warmed up the Chastain crowd nicely with his mix of country, Americana, and a dash of pop – just enough to make his songs accessible without selling out a purely American art form. The singer, standing alone onstage with only an acoustic guitar, performed a half-hour of beauties, including songs from his most recent solo album Chérie.

Watching Lawrence onstage may take fans back to such acts as Roy Orbison, George Jones, and even Elvis. Originally based in Bordeaux, France, the singer relocated to Austin, Texas and closer to that American country sound. His set was the perfect complement to the headliner, which he should soon become.

For more information on the music and tour, visit Alison Krauss & Union Station and Theo Lawrence.