If you’ve ever stood on the humid lawn at Walnut Creek or tucked into a velvet seat at the Martin Marietta Center, you know that North Carolina has a specific kind of love for the Tedeschi Trucks Band. It’s not just "fanbase" stuff. It’s deeper. Basically, Raleigh has become a home away from home for the 12-piece powerhouse led by Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks.
Most people think of them as a "jam band." Honestly? That’s kinda reductive. While they certainly jam—and Derek’s slide guitar work is arguably the best on the planet right now—they are a disciplined, soulful engine of American roots music. They don't just noodle for twenty minutes; they build skyscrapers of sound and then dismantle them with surgical precision.
The Recent Raleigh Run: What You Missed
In late 2024, the band brought their Deuces Wild Tour to the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts for a two-night stand in November. If you weren't there, you missed something special. These weren't the massive, sprawling outdoor sets they usually play at Coastal Credit Union Music Park. They were intimate. Dense.
They kicked things off with a cover of The Beatles' "I've Got a Feeling," which, if you know anything about Gabe Dixon’s keyboard work, was a masterclass in tone. The setlists in Raleigh are famously unpredictable. One night you’re getting a deep-cut Dr. John cover like "I Walk on Guilded Splinters," and the next, they’re ripping through Derek and the Dominos classics.
The 2024 Raleigh shows were particularly heavy on material from their massive I Am The Moon project. It’s a four-album cycle inspired by a 12th-century Persian poem. Sounds heady? It is. But live, songs like "Hear My Dear" or "Fall In" feel like they were written in a garage in Jacksonville, Florida.
✨ Don't miss: Temuera Morrison as Boba Fett: Why Fans Are Still Divided Over the Daimyo of Tatooine
Why Raleigh is a "Must-Stop" on the Tour
There is a literal connection between the band and the South that makes the Tedeschi Trucks Band Raleigh stops feel more authentic than a random Tuesday in Seattle.
- The Allman Legacy: Derek is the nephew of the late Butch Trucks. North Carolina was a secondary home for the Allman Brothers Band for decades. That DNA is everywhere when they play here.
- The Venue Variety: They oscillate between the massive summer vibe of Walnut Creek (Coastal Credit Union Music Park) and the acoustic perfection of the downtown theaters.
- The Collaborators: It’s not uncommon to see regional legends pop up. Whether it’s someone from the North Carolina jazz scene or a touring buddy like Margo Price, the Raleigh stage usually gets a little extra "something."
Breaking Down the 12-Piece Machine
You can't talk about a TTB show without mentioning the sheer scale of the band. It’s a traveling circus of talent. Susan Tedeschi’s voice is the North Star—gritty, powerful, and somehow still vulnerable. Then you have the dual-drummer attack of Tyler "Falcon" Greenwell and Isaac Eady.
It’s loud. It’s rhythmic. It’s a wall of percussion that keeps the improvisations from ever feeling untethered.
And then there's the horn section. Kebbi Williams on saxophone is a wild card in the best way possible. During a Raleigh set, he might take a solo that veers into avant-garde jazz before slamming back into a blues groove. It keeps the audience on their toes.
🔗 Read more: Why Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Actors Still Define the Modern Spy Thriller
What to Expect if You're Heading to a Show in 2026
The band has already started announcing dates for 2026, including a massive residency at the Beacon Theatre in New York. While a specific 2026 Raleigh date hasn't been "officially" splashed on the front page of every paper yet, their history suggests they’ll be back in the Triangle sooner rather than later.
If you're planning to catch them at an outdoor venue like Walnut Creek, remember the "Raleigh Rules." The heat in July is no joke. The venue usually allows one factory-sealed water bottle (up to a gallon if the heat index is high enough). Don't be the person who passes out during "Midnight in Harlem" because you forgot to hydrate.
Pro-tip for the lawn: Get there early. The "sweet spot" at Walnut Creek isn't actually the front of the lawn; it’s right behind the soundboard. That’s where the mix is perfect. You want to hear the nuances of Alecia Chakour and Mark Rivers' backing vocals, not just the bass vibrating your teeth.
The Misconception of the "Jam"
Let's clear one thing up. People often compare TTB to the Grateful Dead or Phish.
💡 You might also like: The Entire History of You: What Most People Get Wrong About the Grain
That’s a mistake.
While they share the "never play the same set twice" ethos, TTB is rooted in the soul revue tradition of Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs & Englishmen. It’s big-band rock and roll. Every solo has a purpose. When Derek Trucks enters a flow state, he isn't just playing scales. He’s telling a story.
I’ve seen him play "Statesboro Blues" a dozen times, and every time the slide hits the strings, it feels like a new conversation. That’s why people in Raleigh keep buying tickets. It’s not about nostalgia. It’s about witnessing a level of musicianship that is becoming increasingly rare in a world of tracks and autotune.
How to Stay in the Loop
If you want to make sure you don't miss the next Tedeschi Trucks Band Raleigh announcement, you’ve got to be proactive.
- Join the Swamp Family: This is their official fan club. They get first crack at tickets, and for Raleigh shows, the "pit" tickets usually vanish during the presale.
- Check the Archives: If you’re a nerd for setlists, sites like setlist.fm or the Internet Archive have high-quality recordings of past Raleigh shows. Listening to the July 2022 Walnut Creek set is a great way to prep your ears.
- Venue Alerts: Sign up for the Martin Marietta Center and Live Nation Raleigh newsletters. They often announce "An Evening With" shows (no opener, two long sets) with very little lead time.
Raleigh is a city that appreciates "real" playing. We’re a town of guitar shops and bluegrass circles. When a band like this rolls through, it feels like a validation of that culture. Whether they’re playing under the stars or in a darkened theater, the TTB experience in North Carolina is as essential as vinegar-based BBQ.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Parking: At Walnut Creek, buy the "Premier Parking" if you can afford it. Leaving that lot after a sold-out show can take upwards of an hour otherwise.
- Timing: For theater shows like the Martin Marietta Center, doors usually open 60 minutes before. TTB is notorious for starting almost exactly on time. Don't linger at the bar.
- Bag Policy: Raleigh venues have gone strictly clear-bag. 12" x 6" x 12" is the standard. Don't bring your favorite leather tote; security will turn you around.
- Setlist Prep: Listen to Live from the Fox Oakland to get a feel for their transitions. It’s the closest thing to the energy they bring to the Triangle.