Allman Brothers Band moves annual New York residency to United Palace

The Allman Brothers Band has become known for beginning each year with a lengthy residency in New York City. The tradition continues this year, with only slight modification, as the veteran southern rock crew has confirmed an eight-night run at United Palace Theatre.

In 2010, the band's schedule runs March 11-13, 15-16, and 18-20. The venue is a deviation from the norm for the Allman Brothers, whose previous annual engagements in the Big Apple have been booked predominantly at the Beacon Theatre.

This year, though, the Beacon has been tapped to host the world premier of a new Cirque du Soleil show, Banana Shpeel, from February 25 through May 30.

"Cirque du Soleil came and bought [the Beacon] out from under us," singer and keyboardist Gregg Allman told the New York Times. "Yes they did. Cash money."

Prior to this year, the Allman Brothers Band had a 20-year history of completing spring residencies at the Beacon Theatre, beginning with the first shows in 1989. The group was forced to cancel its 2008 concerts due to Gregg Allman's treatment for Hepatitis C.

But the Allman Brothers helped reopen a newly renovated Beacon in early 2009 with the initial announcement of a 10-date engagement. The later addition of five more concerts continued the band's tradition of playing 15 shows at the venue each year.

Tickets for performances at the 3,200-seat United Palace go on sale to the public January 15. Up-to-date ticketing information can be found on the Allman Brothers Band's official Web site.