Walking into the Durham Performing Arts Center on the opening night of Marcus King Band Goes to School: The Tour, I knew I was about to witness something special. What I didn’t expect was how raw, vulnerable, and downright electric the night would become.
To open the show, local artist Kevin Holdson performed his set. Holdson won a contest hosted by Marcus King, where he invited artists across the country to open the show for him. The evening continued with a gritty, emotional set from Dogpark. Their high-energy performance got the crowd tuned in early, setting the stage for what was to come.
Then Marcus took the spotlight, and he never gave it back.
Backed by a tight band and armed with that signature soulful rasp, Marcus kicked things off with tracks from his 2020 album El Dorado, the 2022 album Young Blood, and the 2024 album Mood Swings. From the first note, he pulled us into his world. The new songs hit even harder live, drenched in feeling and carried by his unmistakable guitar tone. They also played hits from the Marcus King Band’s actual album releases as well.
Marcus, known for fan favorites like “Beautiful Stranger,” kept the energy flowing all night. My favorite song of the evening was “Honky Tonk Hell,” which had the crowd up and dancing the entire time. I had never heard his rendition of it, and I was tempted to get lost in the amazing melodies and instrumental that had the audience captivated.
The synergy between Marcus and his band was great. Every solo, every rhythm break, felt intentional but organic like they were having a conversation right there on stage. The DPAC’s acoustics only amplified that connection. I had been here once for a comedy show, but never a concert until this night. Every note and riff landed exactly where it needed to.
The production kept things moody and atmospheric. Deep magentas and blues washed the stage, enhancing the emotional tone without distracting from the performance. This wasn’t about spectacle, it was about substance.
Before I departed the venue, it was clear: Marcus King didn’t just start a tour, he set a high bar for what is yet to come on the remainder of the tour. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a chapter in a larger story he’s telling, and Durham got to hear the first lines.
If this opening night is a sign of what’s to come, Marcus King Band Goes to School: The Tour is going to be one of the most talked-about tours of the year. And I’m grateful I was there to witness the beginning.
