Joe Bonamassa, the legendary blues virtuoso, and his stellar band delivered an unforgettable performance at Playhouse Square’s KeyBank State Theatre on February 22, 2025. The sold-out crowd of 3200 fans was methodically swept into the magic of the evening as the house lights dimmed and a subdued blues riff filled the theater. As the lights came back on, there he was Bonamassa himself lit with white spotlights, launching into the beginnings of a mind-blowing blues journey that kept the audience mesmerized throughout the night.
This was my second time seeing Bonamassa live. The first was just days before the March 2020 Covid lockdown where live music came to a hard stop and a time when I knew little about his music. Back then, I was captivated from start to finish, and that experience set the stage for tonight’s performance. Since then, I’ve come to appreciate his immense talent through PBS specials and YouTube clips, and I was eager for tonight’s round two.
Bonamassa kicked off the night with Self Inflicted Wounds from his 2018 album Redemption. Right from the start, his signature style—an electrifying blend of scorching guitar matched with soulful vocals—seized the audience’s attention with periodic cheering when the playing got tight. His band, a tight-knit ensemble featuring an exceptional rhythm section and harmonic back-up vocalists, perfectly complemented his authentic performance. The chemistry between the band members created an immersive, high-energy atmosphere that surpassed a typical concert.This particular audience became a part of the total blues experience.
The stage was spacious and featured multiple levels, making it easy to see all the musicians. Even the drummer, despite Lemar Carter’s tall stature, wasn’t obscured by his drums or dark lighting. There were no large video screens or lasers, but the lighting setup was intentional. Bonamassa was predominantly lit with a white spotlight, accented by some color, while the rest of the band was bathed in various colorful hues—except during solo performances, where each artist was spotlighted with white lights. During Carter’s drum solo, the stage was illuminated with all-white overhead floods and enhanced by stage fog. The lighting perfectly complemented the music, and the sound quality was crisp and well defined throughout tonight’s performance.
Bonamassa was joined on stage by a talented six-member band, including two backup vocalists, each bringing their own unique flair to the performance. Backup singers Jade McCrae and Dannielle DeAndrea are both successful singers in Australia. McCrae has been touring with Bonamassa for years and DeAndrea a more recent addition to Bonamassa’s tour has previously performed backup for Ariana Grande
Drummer Lamar Carter, originally from Lansing, Michigan, shared an interesting tidbit in an interview with Bob Evans on the DrumHeads and Tales YouTube video—he was practically born with a drumstick in his hand, as his mother was a drummer while pregnant with him. With an impressive resume that includes playing alongside music legends like Mick Jagger, Carrie Underwood (where he got his big break), and Beyoncé, Carter’s tight, shuffle-heavy beats provided the perfect backbone for the blues grooves that Bonamassa is known for.
Guitarist Josh Smith is not only an exceptional blues player but also, as Carter puts it, a “blues historian,” a credit he gives to Smith for educating him on the roots of the genre. Smith got a chance to showcase his skills during the sixth song, Shout About It, where he fully captivated the audience.
On keyboards, Bonamassa was joined by Reese Wynans, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee with a storied career that includes working with The Allman Brothers, the late Stevie Ray Vaughan, Double Trouble, Brooks & Dunn, Buddy Guy, and the late John Mayall. Wynans’ mastery of several keyboards, including the Hammond organ with its signature Leslie speaker sound, added a rich layer to the band’s sound.
Joe Bonamassa first picked up a guitar as a child, and by the age of 12, he had the incredible opportunity to open for blues legend B.B. King. Early in his career, blues music wasn’t getting the same mainstream attention it once had, so Bonamassa had to rely on sheer determination to earn the recognition he deserved. His journey began in 2000 with the release of his debut album, *A New Day Yesterday*, which featured a mix of original songs, covers, and keyboard contributions from Greg Allman. Since then, he’s released 15 more albums and earned two Grammy nominations. Bonamassa’s influences include blues greats like John Mayall, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Clapton, and even the progressive rock of Jethro Tull. With more #1 hits in the Billboard Blues category than any other artist, Bonamassa is a true blues guitar superstar—though you don’t have to just take my word for it; go see him perform live and experience it yourself.
Given his extensive catalog and the sheer volume of shows he performs, Bonamassa’s setlists are constantly evolving, with each performance bringing something fresh. It’s not just the style of each piece that shifts the mood; the energy throughout the entire show is kept dynamic and unpredictable, making every performance a unique experience.
Bonamassa is known for constantly switching between guitars, each one adding a unique tone and texture to his performance. With each guitar, he effortlessly transitions from powerful shredding solos that rip through the air to delicate, intricate fingerwork that captures the emotional depth of the music. His ability to shift between these styles so seamlessly is truly captivating, and it keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Watching his fingers move across the fretboard is mesmerizing, as he controls each note with precision, whether he’s delivering a fiery, high-energy solo or weaving a softer, more nuanced melody. The way his fingers dance on the strings, combined with the changing sounds of his instruments, creates a dynamic visual and auditory experience. For a closer look at his remarkable skill, you can check out CleveRock’s concert photos, which capture the intensity and artistry of his playing.
Next up was Dust Bowl, a track where Bonamassa told a vivid story through both his guitar and vocals. The blues unfolded slowly, yet with immense power, drawing the audience into its emotional depth. This was followed by a soulful rendition of Bobbie “Blue” Bland’s Twenty Four Hour Blues, where Bonamassa once again showcased his remarkable vocal ability. His voice seamlessly complemented his guitar, highlighting his vocal strength and bringing the song to life with every note.
The mood shifted as Bonamassa delivered a stirring cover of Led Zeppelin’s How Many More Times. Here, he demonstrated not only his technical prowess but also a softer, intricate guitar solo that again captivated the audience. The performance was further enriched by solos from bassist Calvin Turner and keyboardist Reese Wynans, who each added their own flair to the performance, creating a truly collaborative and dynamic musical moment.
The night concluded with the soulful Slow Gin, a track that first appeared on Bonamassa’s sixth studio album and, as he shared with the audience, was first performed in Cleveland 18 years ago. It was clear that the crowd was fully invested in the show, with no one leaving early—not even those typically eager to rush out during the encore to beat the traffic. The 3,200 fans were deeply engaged, calling out during performances and applauding even the smallest details of Bonamassa’s intricate playing. Bonamassa frequently interacted with the audience, sharing stories and expressing his genuine appreciation for the Cleveland crowd.
For anyone who has yet to experience Joe Bonamassa live, I can confidently say: don’t miss out. His mastery of the blues is unmatched, and his performances are unforgettable. As Bonamassa himself often mentions, his love for Cleveland is real—though he jokes that his fans keep asking him to “come back when it’s warm, Joe.” Here’s hoping we’ll see him return soon, no matter what the season.
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