Last Tuesday, June 17, 2025, the legendary guitarist Gary Clark Jr. lit up the historic Palace Theatre in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota. Presented by The Current, doors opened at 6:30 PM with the show officially beginning at 7:30 PM. Fans packed the century-old venue at 17 W. 7th Place, for a night of high‑voltage blues, soul, and rock. I had been a fan of Gary since 2016, when I found him while studying late in the night. I had to honor that tired boy! So we were eager to get ther.

The evening kicked off with a dynamic set from Lamont Landers, a rising talent from Alabama. He took the stage shortly after doors opened, delivering a soulful mix of neo‑soul and rock, channeling influences like Ray Charles and Questlove. Fans were immediately drawn in by his commanding stage presence and raw vocals. Though it was a single opener, Landers’ set set a powerful tone, warming up the crowd beautifully for what was to come.

When Gary came on around 7:30 PM, the energy shifted into overdrive. Backed by his tight seven‑piece band, he delivered a masterful blend of blues‑rock, R&B, hip‑hop and soul—firmly rooted in his latest JPEG RAW era yet enriched with classics like This Land and Bright Lights. His guitar work was the star of the show: from percussive R&B grooves that let his falsetto shine, to electrifying blues jams reminiscent of Marvin Gaye’s soulful style—especially on deeper cuts like Alone Together and Feed the Babies, which artfully juxtaposed social commentary with raw emotion. Stand‑out moments included an extended, funky romp through “When My Train Comes In” that showcased jaw‑dropping lead play, and a jubilant performance of “What About the Children” with Stevie‑inspired keyboard flair—an absolute crowd favorite. Spanning roughly two hours, Gary crafted a dynamic journey—shifting from intimate, soulful ballads to full‑on rock‑funk explosions. His charismatic vocals, fuzz‑laden guitar solos, and the band’s groove-driven force combined into an unforgettable live experience.

Wrapping up with a climactic finale, Gary Clark Jr. left the stage to thunderous applause and a crowd buzzing long after the final note. It was more than a concert—it was a celebration of musical mastery, emotional storytelling, and raw talent.

And overall, for me? I always remember George Carlin joking about how cliche it was for people to go to a house of blues and be bobbing their heads. Call me cliche! I couldn’t stop! I am still doing it…! ha.

From Lamont Landers’ commanding opener to Gary’s soul‑stirring performance, every moment was steeped in passion and musicianship. It's safe to say that all who were lucky enough to be there walked away with memories of a truly special show.