Buddy Guy recently performed at Capital One Hall with special guest Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, and I was there to document my first show in this new venue. The one-time-only show took place in Tysons Corner, Virginia on 4/2/2022. Fortunately, I was approved for a photo pass and received a warm welcome upon arrival. I hope to be back soon.
Anyway, this concert was truly a historical music event. Be sure to check the Official Buddy Guy Website & Kingfish Website for music, news, merch, and tickets for all upcoming tour dates. Continue reading below for my full review. All images copyright and courtesy of Andy Jillson.
Legendary. One word that perfectly describes this show. One certified blues legend sharing the stage with an up-and-coming blues legend. Two undeniably hard-hitting blues guitarists complimenting each other’s abilities. This was a perfect evening in a beautiful setting. The venue is pristine. The sound, lighting, and views at Capital One Hall were spectacular. The photos speak for themselves (as far as lighting and visibility). I feel honored to have had this opportunity.
Guy and his band started off the set with “Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues,” “I’m Your Hoochie Coochie Man,” and a cover of B.B. King’s “Downhearted.” Other songs that stood out in the set included covers of Willie Dixon’s “I Just Want to Make Love to You,” Al Green’s “Take Me to the River,” John Lee Hooker’s “Boom Boom,” and Cream’s “Strange Brew.” All of these songs were performed with Guy’s unique guitar interpretations. His backup band was phenomenal as well.
Guy played top notch blues music and told short stories in between songs for his entire set. He is 85 years old, but is full of energy and still kicked ass. Not only is he a living legend—he is also a wonderful storyteller, and hilarious! He did not hesitant to roast the crowd and even poke fun at himself at times. He literally told a loud audience member to “shut the fuck up” while he was reminiscing about his career and telling stories from his impoverished childhood. Of course, he said that in a loving and somewhat joking manner.
Guy has had an astounding career and seemed to be grateful for the fans and his musical peers. He is careful not to forget his late contemporaries who inspired him along the way. “I went to sleep yesterday and woke up and all the great blues players are no longer with us. Muddy, Wolf, B.B.—they’re all gone. Before they passed away, when they were in their prime, we used to have a drink and a laugh and talk about how when one of us is gone, the others have to keep it going. I’m trying to do something to keep this music that I love so well alive.”
Both Guy and Ingram performed flawlessly and held most of the audience’s attention. Some of the audience members were up on their feet and some were just rocking out in their seat. A few of the staff members were also jamming along and feeling the positive energy. The music was hypnotizing and basically compelled one to rock.
If you’re unfamiliar with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, he is a Grammy-winning blues guitarist and singer from Clarksdale, Mississippi. Not only did he win a Grammy for “Best Contemporary Blues Album” in 2022, he was also presented with five Blues Music Awards in May 2020. Rock on, brother!
Below are more pics of Buddy Guy performing at Capital One Hall in Tysons Corner, VA on 4/2/2022. All images copyright and courtesy of Andy Jillson/Hazy Eye Media. Enjoy!
Below are more pics of Christone “Kingfish” Ingram performing at Capital One Hall