On July 31, 2021, on a pleasant Saturday evening, it’s the first concert of the season at the Vina Robles Amphitheatre, and with the show being sold out, I’m asking myself if I should be here or not because of the rise of the COVID-19 variant.

Well, post pandemic or whatever you want to call it, I’m here. Also, it didn’t stop the loyal Joe Bonamassa fans from coming.

Bonamassa was more grateful than anyone to be at Vina Robles.

“After 17 months of quarantine and sitting in a rocking chair at home, I was wondering if I’ll ever play another concert again. It’s sure nice to be here at Vina Robles. Thank You, Vina Robles.

Then came the roar and cheers from the audience overwhelmingly showing their affection.

The Grammy-nominated sensation Bonamassa opened with his bluesy and rousing “Oh Beautiful.”

Bonamassa and his band ripped through a 13-song set that included favorites such as “Lookout Man,” “I Didn’t Think She Would Do It,’ and concluding with “Ballad of John Henry.”

The band returned with an encore that included “Woke Up Dreaming,” and a phenomenal version of Eric Clapton’s “Crossroads.”

Bonamassa is one of today’s top live performers, and his enthusiastic shows are one of the biggest parts of his career and a favorite for music lovers worldwide.

Bonamassa as achieved his 22nd No. 1 album on the Billboard Blues Chart.

For Bonamassa the music never stops, and the hit records keep coming!, With over 40 albums to his credit thus far, including studio and live recordings.

Bonamassa has almost single-handedly redefined the blues-rock genre and brought it into the mainstream.

Featured on the cover of Guitar World magazine this last year, he was described as “the world’s biggest blues guitarist,” and the fans agreed.

A Brief History – Joe Bonamassa was born on May 08, 1977. At the age of 12, he started his career when he opened for B.B. King.

Smokin’ Joe Bonamassa is what he was known as in those days, and he went on to open approximately 20 more shows for B.B. King.

Being active in the music business since 1989 and being at the ripe age of 44, I would say he’s just getting started.

I would have to say his performance at Vina Roble Amphitheatre was one of the best blue’s rock concerts I’ve been to in years.

Set List of Joe Bonamassa Concert:

1.   Oh Beautiful
2.   Love Aint a Love Song
3.   Midnight Blues
4.   Lookout Man
5.   Jockey Full of Bourbon
6.   I Didn’t Think She Would Do It
7.   Just Cuz You Can
8.   Wandering Earth
9.   Pain and Sorrow
10.  Conversation with Alice
11.  When One Door Opens
12.  Lonely Boy
13.  Ballad of John Henry
14.  Woke Up Dreaming
15.  Crossroads

Gary Lambert is a local freelance photographer and writer. The opinions expressed are his own.