September 9, 2024 – The Astro – La Vista, NE

Gary Clark Jr.’s concert at The Astro Amphitheater in La Vista, Nebraska, on Monday night, September 9, 2024, was nothing short of amazing!

The night opened with an electrifying set from 18-year-old guitar prodigy Grace Bowers, who immediately set the tone for the evening.

With her insane talent, Bowers has taken the blues, funk, and soul scene by storm. Hailing from Nashville, she was first inspired by legendary blues artist B.B. King at age 13. Since then, she has played alongside music icons like Dolly Parton and Lainey Wilson, and made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry​.

She has just over 58 thousand monthly listeners on Spotify, and recently released her debut album Wine on Venus with her band, The Hodge Podge. The album blends various influences, showcasing her impressive guitar skills and deep emotional connection to the music. Her songwriting tackles social issues and personal struggles, with tracks like “Madame President” speaking to hopes for change.

Her talents haven’t gone unnoticed—she was nominated for Instrumentalist of the Year at the 2024 Americana Music Awards, a huge achievement for such a young artist​.

Bower’s set was short, but impactful.  From the moment she took the stage, the energy was electric, and she immediately captivated the audience with her incredible guitar chops. At just 18, her technical skill and emotional depth are way beyond her years. She flowed effortlessly between soulful melodies and intricate riffs, making each song a dynamic experience.

Whether she was shredding through a solo or locking into a groove with her band and guest singers, Grace delivered a performance that left the crowd buzzing and ready for the headliner.

After a brief intermission, it was time for Gary Clark Jr.!

In case you’re not familiar, Gary Clark Jr. is a highly acclaimed blues-rock guitarist and singer from Austin, Texas, known for blending blues, rock, soul, and R&B into his unique sound. He first gained national attention with his 2010 performance at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival, and his career skyrocketed from there. Clark’s breakthrough came with his 2012 album Blak and Blu, which topped the charts and earned him widespread recognition.

Throughout his career, Gary has won multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Traditional R&B Performance in 2014 for “Please Come Home” and Best Rock Performance in 2020 for “This Land.” His politically charged song This Land also earned him a Grammy for Best Rock Song, highlighting his ability to weave social commentary into his music.

Renowned for his electrifying live shows and raw guitar solos, Clark has played alongside legends like The Rolling Stones and Eric Clapton. His ability to cross genres while staying true to his blues roots has made him one of the most respected guitarists of his generation.

As the lights dimmed and smoke filled the stage, we knew this performance was going to be special.

From the first note, his guitar work was on full display, effortlessly blending blues, rock, and soul. His solos were raw and intense, and you could feel every emotion through the strings. The lighting of the stage perfectly matched the mood of his performance—rich blues and purples during his slower, more soulful tracks, and brighter, more explosive lights during his high-energy solos. It all added to the atmosphere, making the experience even more immersive.

A special highlight of the night was when Grace Bowers, who had opened earlier, joined him back on stage for an unforgettable encore. Their chemistry was undeniable, as they traded guitar licks and played off each other’s energy. Grace’s youthful flair and Gary’s seasoned style created a powerful dynamic, giving the crowd a memorable collaboration.

Overall, it was a night filled with incredible musicianship, and Gary Clark Jr. once again proved why he’s one of the best in the business. If you have the chance to see him live, don’t miss it!

Gary Clark Jr. Setlist:

• Maktub
• When My Train Pulls In
• JPEG RAW
• This Is Who We Are
• The Healing
• To the End of the Earth
• Alone Together
• What About the Children
• Feed the Babies
• Our Love
• Bright Lights
• Habits

Encore:

• Don’t Owe You a Thang (with Grace Bowers)

Grace Bowers

Gary Clark Jr.