A Night Where Guitar Gods and Rising Stars Aligned!
Last night at The Aztec Theater, San Antonio was treated to an unforgettable night of electrifying guitar work, soulful blues, and pure rock energy as Gary Clark Jr. took the stage as part of his highly anticipated North American 2025 Tour. From the moment the lights dimmed, the air was thick with anticipation, and what followed was nothing short of magic. Clark, known for his ability to fuse blues, rock, soul, and even touches of hip-hop, once again proved why he’s a modern guitar icon.
Opening the night was rising phenom Grace Bowers, whose mind-blowing guitar skills and infectious energy made her an instant crowd favorite. Together, these two artists delivered a night that celebrated the power of live music, reminding the crowd why we show up, sing loud, and let the music take us over. The Aztec pulsed with passion, and every note felt like a gift to the fans.
We couldn’t miss the opportunity to see these two great artists perform live and share with you what we experienced during their performances.
GRACE BOWERS
From the Grammys to the Aztec Theater
Grace Bowers walked onto the stage with a quiet confidence that instantly won over the San Antonio crowd. With her guitar slung low and a mischievous grin, she unleashed a torrent of blues riffs that felt both timeless and fresh. For someone so young, Grace played like an old soul — her fingers flying across the fretboard with a mix of precision and raw emotion. Each solo was drenched in fire and finesse, and the way she seamlessly fused blues, rock, and Southern grit left the audience stunned.
Her setlist blended originals that showed off her songwriting chops with inspired covers that paid tribute to her musical heroes. Whether bending notes into soulful wails or locking into a groove so deep the floor shook, Grace brought an energy that felt like the perfect appetizer for Gary Clark Jr.’s set. Her charm, charisma, and raw talent made it clear: Grace Bowers isn’t just a rising star — she’s a force to be reckoned with. By the time she waved goodbye, the crowd knew they’d just witnessed the future of blues rock standing right in front of them. San Antonio won’t forget her name anytime soon.
Grace performed alongside Coldplay’s Chris Martin at the 2025 GRAMMYs a few weeks ago during the “In Memoriam” tribute, honoring the artists, creators, and music professionals we’ve recently lost
GARY CLARK JR.
Electric Vibes and Guitar Thunder!
When Gary Clark Jr. stepped into the spotlight, The Aztec Theater erupted. Drenched in smoky light, Clark’s silhouette alone was enough to send chills down spines. And the moment he hit his first searing note of “Maktub,” the room was locked in and mesmerized. His signature blend of Texas blues, snarling rock, soulful vocals, and hypnotic grooves poured over the crowd like molten lava — powerful, relentless, and absolutely mesmerizing.
With every song, Clark painted a sonic masterpiece. From the haunting echoes of “When My Train Pulls In” to the stomping swagger of “Bright Lights”, his guitar work spoke as loudly as his lyrics. His solos felt like conversations with the past — channeling legends like Hendrix and B.B. King — while infusing each phrase with his own modern-day fire.
What set Clark apart was his sheer versatility — one moment, he was crooning with smooth, soulful vulnerability, and the next, he was ripping through riffs so intense they rattled the walls. The crowd felt every note in their bones. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a celebration of music’s emotional power, delivered by one of the greatest guitarists of our time. San Antonio stood in awe, and rightly so.
A modern blues-rock band on stage!
While Gary Clark Jr. may be the face melting the fretboard, his touring band deserves just as much spotlight for the sheer talent, precision, and energy they brought to The Aztec Theater stage. This ensemble wasn’t just backing him — they were an unstoppable musical force, weaving seamlessly between gritty blues, psychedelic rock, funk grooves, and soulful slow-burners.
Together, this band didn’t just support Gary — they elevated him, creating a live music experience that was spontaneous, explosive, and emotionally charged. Their chemistry was undeniable, their musicianship flawless, and their energy contagious.
From Austin to the world!
Born and raised in Austin, Texas, Gary Clark Jr. has become synonymous with the modern blues revival. From his early days playing local clubs and honing his craft under the Texas sun, Clark’s trajectory was nothing short of meteoric. What set him apart wasn’t just his otherworldly guitar talent — it was his willingness to blend the blues foundation with rock’s intensity, hip-hop’s swagger, and soul’s emotional depth.
He broke into the national spotlight with his 2011 performance at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival, where he instantly earned comparisons to the greats. But Clark never stayed in anyone’s shadow — his unique voice, both musically and lyrically, carved out a lane entirely his own. Whether collaborating with legends or blazing his own path, Gary Clark Jr. brought a fresh, urgent energy to a genre rooted in tradition. Last night at The Aztec, that entire journey unfolded before our eyes.
San Antonio Witnessed Blues Greatness in Full Force
As the final notes rang out and the crowd’s cheers echoed through The Aztec’s historic walls, it was clear that San Antonio had witnessed something truly special. Gary Clark Jr. didn’t just put on a show — he created an experience, one steeped in emotion, virtuosity, and a deep reverence for the power of music. With Grace Bowers setting the stage on fire and Gary Clark Jr. taking us on a full-spectrum ride through blues, rock, and soul, the night was a testament to why live music matters more than ever.
Fans spilled out onto the San Antonio streets buzzing with adrenaline and awe, reliving solos, choruses, and those magic moments where the artist and audience became one. Nights like this remind us why we gather — to feel the music in our bones, to lose ourselves in the sound, and to leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
GARY CLARK JR. – San Antonio, TX – 02/28/2025
- Maktub
- This Is Who We Are
- When My Train Pulls In
- What About The Children
- The Healing
- Feed The Babies
- Church
- Alone Together
- JPEG RAW
- Our Love
- Bright Lights
- Habits
- You Saved Me
- Funk Witch U
