Gary Clark Jr. at the Rady Shell
Photo: Alex Matthews
Photos and words by Alex Matthews
"Bright lights, big city going to my head." These familiar Gary Clark Jr. lyrics sounded especially poignant on Wednesday evening September 8th when the talented guitarist/vocalist brought his 2021 tour to the Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. Located in the San Diego Embarcadero just behind the convention center, this beautiful new venue is the new outdoor home of the San Diego Symphony. The giant shell structure of the impressive stage features incredible lights, video screens, and an amazingly clear sound quality, while the San Diego skyline and ocean views surrounding the venue provide a beautiful backdrop for an evening of live music. The Shell features an impressive lineup of outdoor concerts and events this season with blues/rock/rap/and pop artists all headlining along with special programs featuring the SD symphony.
Gary Clark Jr. certainly seemed to enjoy the views from his side of the shell, ripping into a fantastic 14 song set of music spanning his now ten year major label career. A majority of the set was amazing renditions of songs from Clark's 2019 Grammy-winning album This Land. Songs like "Feed The Babies" "Low Down Rolling Stone" and "Pearl Cadillac" sounded especially powerful and emotional with backing from Clark's talented live band. Throughout the show, Gary Clark Jr. played impressive and searing guitar solos that punctuated each song and took them to another level while his vocals sounded crisp and powerful. Kudos to lighting designer, John Adamo, who lit up the shell with beautiful colors and patterns all evening, really highlighting the venue's impressive structure and adding to the band's soulful playing. Clark of course also delighted the crowd with some familiar hits including the aforementioned "Bright Lights" and ending with "When My Train Pulls In."
The new Rady Shell at Jacobs Park is an incredible venue to see live music and is highly recommended. The new facility features comfy seats, great food and drinks, and even public viewing areas where members from the community can watch every show for free. Providing a chance to experience the arts in this way to anyone in San Diego of any means deserves real accolades. Here's looking forward to many more nights spent at this amazing San Diego gem enjoying the talents of world renowned artists like Gary Clark Jr.
