1. The first sign of change for the space formerly known as the Joint comes about 10 yards in front of the entrance, where a bottleneck forms with fans asking questions about the venue’s vaccination policy. On this night, the Theater at Virgin Hotels requires either proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter. Several people must have missed that information, as fans peck through their phones looking for photos of their vax card or getting directions to an on-site rapid-result testing area.
The delay is minimal, however, and wholly understandable in this new age of live music. Such protocols look like they’re on the way to becoming the new normal, and in the meantime, a slight holdup is a small price to pay to make sure everyone is as safe as possible.
2. The layout inside the venue hasn’t really changed, only the details. New walls and floors fill the space, along with more modern seating options on the floor. The snazzier look matches the vibe of the night, which feels as much like an upscale celebration as a rock concert. A large number of attendees are sporting cocktail dresses and button-down shirts. We’ll see how the nicer atmosphere meshes with, say, Rancid when the veteran punk rockers roll into the space for a show in a few weeks. But, for tonight, there’s a nice symmetry.
3. Opening act Blackillac, a Clark-discovered rap duo from Austin, might be the night's grittiest aspect, even if the music is relatively tame by hip-hop standards. Blackillac skews more Run-DMC than N.W.A. but puts admirable energy and confidence into a set that includes a live drummer. The crowd isn’t bothered much by them at first, instead creating lengthy lines in the back bar area—something else that apparently hasn’t changed since the Joint days—but seems won over by the performers' bops of perseverance and positivity by the end of their 45 minutes onstage.
4. Clark unsurprisingly gets a more immediate reception as he walks to the stage with fans chanting his name. He immediately obliges by wailing on his guitar during a handful of his faster-paced songs at the beginning of the set.
Clark is clearly in the zone from the onset, strutting, crouching and shaking between vocal parts as he shreds to elicit big cheers. The Joint was always one of the best-sounding venues in town, and that hasn’t changed with the rebranding. The mix allows us to hear Clark, and his four-piece backing band, clearly.
5. Bluesy rock gives way to elongated soul songs in the middle portion of the set before Clark dips into some fan favorites to cap the night. It’s an expertly crafted setlist heavy on his most recent record, 2019 career highlight This Land, and allows him to fully display his knack for showmanship.
Clark's music is best experienced live. It’s good to see him in his element again. It’s good to do it in a space that’s already been a staple in the local music scene—and should continue to be one under its new name.
