Gary Clark Jr. will make his fourth appearance on PBS’ renowned Austin City Limits (ACL) on October 5. This performance marks a special occasion as ACL celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The show airs weekly on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings), and full episodes become available for streaming online at pbs.org/austincitylimits following the initial broadcast.
Terry Lickona, longtime executive producer of ACL, expressed his admiration for Clark’s evolution as an artist. “It has been amazing and inspiring to see Gary grow as an artist since his first appearance on the ACL stage,” Lickona said. “From the first time I saw him play when he was 16, his talents were undeniable. He has truly become the consummate artist – embodying all the best that Austin represents.”
Viewers can expect a dynamic performance from Clark, featuring a mix of fan favorites alongside tracks from his critically acclaimed new album, JPEG RAW, released via Warner Records.
Currently, Clark is on tour across North America, highlighted by his second headline performance at the Hollywood Bowl on August 21. His tour also includes dates along the California coast and will conclude with a performance at the Telluride Blues and Brews Festival on September 13.
JPEG RAW represents a bold step in Clark’s musical journey, combining a dense, adventurous sound with a cohesive synthesis of diverse influences. The album merges African, World Music, and Jazz elements with rock, R&B, hip-hop, and blues, creating a fresh and unified style. Clark’s lyrics are both deeply personal and socially conscious, incorporating rap and spoken word. The album’s sonic landscape features modern groove-oriented psychedelia and hip-hop beats, with anthemic choruses and powerful riffs.
Standout tracks such as “Maktub,” “JPEG RAW,” “This Is Who We Are,” “Hyperwave,” and “Habits” push musical boundaries and defy easy categorization. The duet with Stevie Wonder, “What About The Children,” stands out as a potential classic, reminiscent of Wonder’s work on Innervisions and Talking Book, but infused with Clark’s distinctive sound.
JPEG RAW follows Clark’s 2019 album This Land, which was a critical and commercial success, earning three Grammy Awards and reaching the top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart. Clark’s Grammy accolades include Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance for “This Land,” as well as Best Contemporary Blues Album. His first Grammy win came in 2014 for Best Traditional R&B Performance.
Gary Clark Jr. 2024 Tour Dates:
August 14: Woodinville, WA – Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery
August 15: Forest Grove, OR – McMenamin’s Grand Lodge
August 17: San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
August 18: Saratoga, CA – Mountain Winery
August 21: Hollywood, CA – The Hollywood Bowl
August 22: Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl
August 24: San Diego, CA – The Rady Shell
September 7: Bentonville, AR – The Momentary Green
September 9: La Vista, NE – The Astro
September 10: Wichita, KS – Wave
September 11: Santa Fe, NM – Santa Fe Opera House
September 13: Telluride, CO – Telluride Blues and Brews Festival 2024 Town Park
