Larkin Poe • Parker Milsap • April 12, 2025 • The Depot
Reviewed and Photographed by Alisha Gregson
On April 12, 2025, Larkin Poe brought their electrifying Bloom Tour to The Depot in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Nashville-based roots rock band, led by sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell, delivered a powerful performance filled with grit, soul, and sisterly chemistry that left a lasting impression on the crowd. The Depot, with its intimate setting and top-tier production, was the perfect venue for a show that was equal parts heartfelt and high-energy. I’ve photographed a lot of shows at The Depot. It’s one of my favorite spots. The security team and entire staff are always awesome, and it really does feel like every show there is special.
I wasn’t familiar with the band before this. My first thought when I heard their name was if it was tied in some way to Edgar Allen Poe. Turns out, after doing some research their name comes from their Great, Great, Great Great Grandfather. Who was a cousin of Edgar Allen Poe.
Parker Milsap
The night kicked off with a set from Parker Millsap. A singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Oklahoma. He blends blues, country, rock, Americana, and folk into something that feels both old-school and fresh. He quickly connected with the crowd, especially after bonding with a fan from Oklahoma City.
One of my favorite moments was when he told the story of how he got the gig. Milsap said, “Maybe 6 months ago I sent them a message on Instagram out of the blue and I was like ‘Hey, if you ever need an opener, I’d love to do that’ and they said, ‘Ok.’” Gotta love that kind of honesty, and what a great reminder to take your shot. I often wonder how headliners find their openers. So I thought that was cool to hear, and I am glad he shared. In the past, he has opened for Old Crow Medicine Show, Jason Isbell, Sarah Jarosz, Lake Street Drive, and others.
He played a short but strong set that included standouts like “The Real Thing” and the incredibly moving “Heaven Sent”. Which he said he wrote for LGBTQ+ friends back home who had a tough time being accepted. It gave me chills. After his set, he hung out at the merch table, signing autographs, chatting with fans, and selling shirts, vinyl, and even some of his own watercolor paintings. That personal touch really stuck with me. Based on the crowd’s response and his performance, it’s safe to say many in attendance would jump at the chance to see him again. I know I would.
Larkin Poe
By the time Larkin Poe took the stage, the crowd—made up mostly of laid-back, middle-aged fans—was ready for a good time. The Depot wasn’t sold out, but it had a solid turnout and a good buzz in the room. The energy quickly picked up instantly with the opening song, “Nowhere Fast,” and the crowd went wild when Rebecca swapped out the original lyric “Georgia does it best” with “The Depot does it best.” That kind of thing goes a long way with a local crowd.
Larkin Poe’s set was packed with moments that made the night feel extra personal. The sisters, dressed in matching blue denim (Rebecca even called them “blue denim babes” and said Megan is the band’s seamstress), had great chemistry onstage and made an effort to connect with fans. At one point, they noticed a couple of kids in the front row and gave them a special shoutout, which was super sweet. Rebecca also gave a shout-out to some fans they met before the show. Specifically a couple in the front who had just gotten engaged. She congratulated them while telling the audience, “It only took him eleven years.”
In addition to being the seamstress for the band, Megan rocked a lap steel and resonator guitar while providing strong vocal support on the harmonies. Rebecca, who handled lead vocals and electric guitar, also took time between songs to talk to the crowd. Before “Easy Love,” she mentioned that she wrote it for her husband, fellow musician Tyler Bryant, and said every part of it was true. I love when artists open up like that — it makes the songs hit even harder. I find that whenever an artist takes the time to share the inspiration for or story behind a song, I always end up locked in and focused more on the lyrics and overall tone of the song.
The setlist featured an exciting mix of songs from their brand-new album, Bloom. Which dropped earlier this year on January 22—and older fan favorites. Tracks like “Wanted Woman /AC/DC”, “Mockingbird,” and “If God is a Woman” had the audience moving their feet and singing along. During “Bolt Cutters & The Family Name,” the crowd enthusiastically echoed the call-and-response chorus of “woo woo yeah yeah yeah,” filling the venue with energy.
Midway through the show, the band gathered in the center of the stage for an acoustic mini-set. This quieter moment, featuring songs like “Southern Comfort,” “God Moves on the Water,” and “Mad as a Hatter,” highlighted their musical roots and showcased their bluegrass background. “Southern Comfort” was especially emotional. Their rendition of Blind Willie Johnson’s “God Moves on the Water” was reimagined with new lyrics referencing historical tragedies like the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and the 1927 Mississippi flood. It was a moving tribute to resilience and history.
Visually, the stage was simple but effective. A floral backdrop and a few potted plants gave a nod to their Bloom theme. The sisters were well-lit throughout, while their backing band played mostly in shadow, often surrounded by fog. It kept the focus firmly on Rebecca and Megan.
The show wrapped with an encore performance of “Blooms Again,” a fitting end to a night that celebrated growth, connection, and honest storytelling. Larkin Poe brought an undeniable energy and authenticity to the stage, and it’s clear their bond as sisters fuels their dynamic performance.
Everything about the night felt genuine and joyfully raw. Meeting fans, making jokes, and even correcting themselves mid-show about which night of the tour it was—all of it made the performance feel real and grounded.
As a concert photographer and longtime fan of live music, I can honestly say this show exceeded my expectations. From the heartfelt moments to the foot-stomping energy, Larkin Poe delivered one of the most engaging sets I’ve seen in a long time. I loved every second of it, and I’m already hoping Larkin Poe makes their way back to Utah soon.
