Sights and Sounds: Gary Clark Jr. and Alabama Shakes coming to 'Austin City Limits' this weekend

For those who have heard about Gary Clark Jr. and Alabama Shakes but have not yet been able to see what all the well-deserved fuss is about, check out the next episode of Austin City Limits. Here is the official news release that just landed in my inbox! I'll definitely be tuning in...

Austin City Limits Showcases the Next Generation of Rock 'n' Soul

New Episode Featuring Gary Clark Jr. and Alabama Shakes Airs February 16

Watch Gary Clark Jr. Perform "Travis County" on Austin City Limits

Watch Alabama Shakes Perform "Hold On" on Austin City Limits

Austin, TX—February 15, 2013—Austin City Limits (ACL) presents two game-changers, Austin's own Gary Clark Jr. and Alabama Shakes, bringing modern blues and soul to a new generation. The power of live performance is front and center as rock 'n' soul phenomenon Clark and soulful quartet Alabama Shakes take the ACL stage in separate showcases. The new episode airs February 16^th on PBS Stations.

“I've been wanting to do this for sixteen years” says a stoked Gary Clark Jr. from the Austin City Limits stage. “It feels so good to be here right now.” Long Austin's favorite son, the twenty-eight year old bluesman exploded onto the music scene when he delivered an incredible debut performance at Eric Clapton's 2010 Crossroads Guitar Festival. Born and raised in Austin, Clark began playing guitar at age 12, tearing up hometown stages since he was a teenager. He made a name for himself across the globe with the release of his critically-acclaimed 2012 major label debut Blak and Blu, and kicked off 2013 with a performance for President and Mrs. Obama at The White House. Clark has earned across-the-board raves for his singular talent, with The New York Times hailing Clark as “a guitarist of deep magnetism and tremendous feel”. The guitar virtuoso flaunts his six-string chops in his ACL appearance, thrilling the audience with a bold mix of blues, rock, soul and funk. Clark made his auspicious ACL debut back in Season 33 as part of the Tribute to Bluesman Jimmy Reed, with Jimmie Vaughan and Omar Dykes, and with his own set Clark proves he's the one to watch.

“He’s already shared the stage with the likes of the Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney and Eric Clapton, but Gary is the essence of what his hometown Austin’s music is all about, “says Austin City Limits executive producer Terry Lickona. “He learned from the best in every genre from the age of 12, and remains true to his heart and his roots. He’s our pride and joy.”

Raucous newcomers Alabama Shakes combine the old and the new to create gritty, joyous and soulfully raw music. Muscle Shoals-inspired and hailing from Athens, Alabama, the foursome enthusiastically blend rock with soul, country, blues and roots. The rock quartet has attracted widespread praise, including their recent Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. Alabama Shakes' style is marked by lead singer Brittany Howard's powerful vocals—which have been compared to those of Janis Joplin and Otis Redding—and the group's irresistible energy. Performing tracks from their breakthrough release Boys & Girls, the band open their ACL debut with the breakout hit “Hold On”, and launch into an ecstatic, transcendent, rafter-shaking set.

“There’s a reason Grammy voters nominated them for Best New Artist of the Year, the same reason we taped this show before they had even released their first record,” says ACL EP Terry Lickona. “Raw talent is hard to miss, and a vocal talent like Brittany Howard comes along once in a decade – if that.”

Gary Clark Jr. Setlist:
When My Train Pulls In

You Saved Me

Things Are Changin'

Travis County

Alabama Shakes Setlist:
Hold On

Always Alright

You Ain't Alone

I Ain't the Same

On Your Way

About Austin City Limits

Austin City Limits (ACL) is a television series on PBS that records and broadcasts original musical performances from exciting new talent and legendary artists of all genres.



Austin City Limits is the longest-running music series in American television history and remains the only TV series to ever be awarded the National Medal of Arts. In 2012, ACL received a rare institutional Peabody Award for excellence and outstanding achievement. The historic KLRU Studio 6A, home to 36 years of ACL concerts, has been designated an official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark. In 2011, ACL moved to the new venue ACL Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin.


ACL is produced by KLRU-TV and funding is provided in part by AMD, Budweiser, the Austin Convention Center Department and Dell. Additional funding is provided by the Friends of Austin City Limits. Learn more about Austin City Limits, programming and history at acltv.com.