Gary Clark Jr. show recap (DC)...

$12 cover charge, small intimate setting/capacity, 2 1/2 hours of performing. Just remember that I told you about Gary Clark Jr. while he was/is still under the radar. In the very near future, all the intangibles previously mentioned will be no more. I can assure you G. Clark's stock will almost triple: ie., $55 cover, shows at the Verizon Center and/or Madison Square Garden and 1 album every 3 1/2 years(let's hope not).

Last night was yet another "blast" to add to the many I've experienced at live shows. Not only did the Red Palace tickle my fancy with the $3 PBRs and $5 Jameson and cranberry, but the lay-out of the venue was exactly how I'd pictured it for last night's blues/rock show: dirty, dusty, wide variety of beer selections, sale prices on whiskey and random white girls mistaking me for Gary's manager (I was literally the "other black guy" there).

I arrived fairly early due to my knowledge of the show being sold out. While I expected a line around the corner, I was surprised to see how easy it was to get stamped, show my I.D., and have the doorman wrap the drink band methodically around my wrist hair. As I walked upstairs to the showroom, I then understood why the show had been sold out. I could probably fit the entire showroom into a metro car during rush hour in DC. However, the amount of random bumps and shoulder rubs were at an all-time low, given the proximity and capacity.

The show started on time at 9pm, and White Dress proceeded to perform as the opening band.

At 10:00pm, Gary Clark and crew then came out. And "as sure as rice is really white", the band proceeded to jump right into his set with heavy riffs and some soul by the pound.

Personal highlights:
Gary hanging around the bar hours before his set, sipping "Jack" aka "Crack Daniels" aka Dack Janiels"

Gary and crew coming out for an encore and performing a Curtis Mayfield cover(Move on Up).

Me: *standing on the side of the stage(front row) near the band's entrance*
Security: Hey, are you press? Because you can't stand back stage. You'll have to move.
Me: Yeah, I'm press(lies).
Security: Ok, you're cool
Me: toast and wink to the random white girl who thinks I'm the band's manager.

All in all, the show was awesome. If you haven't already, get the EP.

Peep the video and photos from the show.