Gary Clark Jr. Electrifies Ascend Amphitheater With Soul and Fire

Ascend Amphitheater — Nashville, TN | July 16, 2016

Gary Clark Jr. delivered a searing, groove-driven performance at Ascend Amphitheater on July 16, 2016, blending blues, rock, soul, and funk into a set that felt both expansive and deeply personal. Against the riverfront backdrop, Clark leaned into tone, dynamics, and feel, allowing songs to stretch and breathe without losing focus.

The strongest crowd reactions came during fan favorites like “Bright Lights,” “Ain’t Messin ’Round,” “Please Come Home,” and “Our Love,” each showcasing Clark’s ability to balance gritty blues roots with modern edge. His guitar work was fluid and expressive—equal parts restraint and eruption—while his vocals carried a raw sincerity that anchored the jams. The band locked in tightly, creating a thick rhythmic pocket that gave Clark room to explore without drifting.

Additional selections included When My Train Pulls In, Church, Hold On, and Travis County, offering a broad snapshot of his catalog and reinforcing his reputation as a genre-defying live performer.

The Nashville stop underscored Gary Clark Jr.’s strength onstage—confident, versatile, and capable of commanding a large outdoor venue while keeping the performance grounded in feel and authenticity.


Band Lineup

  • Gary Clark Jr. — Vocals / Guitar
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garyclarkjr

  • Johnny Bradley — Bass
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnnybradley

  • King Zapata — Guitar
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingzapata

  • Griffin Goldsmith — Drums
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griffingoldsmith


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