When Chateau Ste Michelle came out with their lineup of summer concerts this spring, I was excited to see several artists worthy of heading to the eastside on a weeknight. Gary Clark Jr is definitely one of them.

The Austin-based artist has been praised for his insane guitar skills and compared to everyone from Hendrix to Clapton, but has arguably created a sound all his own. In his latest album This Land, he draws from the blues and folk influences we’ve come to know and love from him, but he’s also experimenting and leaning into reggae, soul, and hip hop in a genre-bending experience only he can deliver. His politically-charged single This Land has a very personal anti-Trump message from Clark. According to a recent Rolling Stone article, this song is based on his experience growing up black in the South and is yet another reminder of just how divisive and dangerous the current climate is in America.

Other songs on this album are softer in tone and message, like the folk and funky Dirty Dishes Blues. The Guitar Man and I Got My Eyes on You are also the kind of sultry songs you’d dance to in the wee hours of the morning.

If you’re free this Wednesday, come see Gary Clark Jr. step out in his signature wide-brimmed hat on a cloudy evening in Woodinville. He’s sure to deliver a powerful live show you won’t want to miss.

Gary Clark Jr. | September 11, 2019, 8:00 PM | Chateau Ste. Michelle