Review & Photography by Greg Hamil for MPM
On November 10, 2025, The Coronado Performing Arts Center in Rockford, IL become the epicenter of modern blues-rock. Joe Bonamassa brought his Fall 2025 tour to this historic venue delivering a performance that was equal parts technical masterclass, emotional journey, and cultural homage.
The Coronado Performing Arts Center was built in 1927. A jewel of Spanish architecture, it listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The venue’s acoustics are renowned for their warmth and clarity, perfectly suited to Bonamassa’s dynamic style. The glowing constellation ceiling added a surreal touch. It was the perfect stage to showcase the timelessness of blues.
Joe Bonamassa on lead guitar and vocals, was impeccably dressed in his trademark suit and sunglasses. Reese Wynans on keyboards is a veteran of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Double Trouble was in rare form pouring his soul into every keystroke as he will step back from touring after the Fall 2025 U.S. Tour. Josh Smith joins on guitar. Calivin Turner on bass guitar. Larmar Carter on drums. And rounding out the group is Jade MacRae and Danni DeAndrea on backing vocals.
The Rockford crowd was electric as the lights dimmed. From the minute Bonamassa stepped on stage the energy shifted from anticipation to reverence. The crowd was diverse, ranging from lifelong blues fans to younger listeners. Parents with their children, grandparents and grandchildren, couples, and groups of friends all melted together in awe of the emotional impact of the performance.
The first song of the night was” Trigger Finger”. Bonamassa prowled the stage, sunglasses reflecting the theatre lights. His solo was a flurry of rapid fire runs with bluesy bends mixed in. This was followed immediately by “Breakthrough”. His attack was sharp and his phrasing aggressive. Reese Wynans’ organ playing added a gospel styled sound, while Carter’s drumming drove the rhythm with relentless precision.
As the night progressed, Bonamassa reached into his endless catalog with songs like “24 Hour Blues”. This was an emotional pivot that allowed him to stretch out with sustained notes that hung in the air while Wynans’ piano fills danced around the melody.
“Driving Toward Daylight” gave Bonamassa a chance to really show off. His fingers flew across the fretboard. The band dropped to near silence before exploding back to full volume, bringing the entire crowd to it’s feet.
“Pack It Up” (Freddie King cover) was pure fun. Bonamassa’s guitar lines were playful, trading licks with Wynans’ piano. The audience clapped along. This was followed quickly by “The Heart That Never Waits”. The groove was infectious, driven by Calvin Turner’s bass and Lamar Carter’s drums. Bonamassa’s vocals were soulful, proving his evolution as a singer and elevating the track into something larger than life.
Rounding out the show was “Mountain Time”. This stopped everyone cold! This track was the best of everything Bonamassa had played throughout the evening. The solo encapsulated blues riffs, rock power, and jazz phrasing. Once again the crowd was on its feet screaming for more.
“Sloe Gin” (Tim Curry cover) was the perfect ending to the night. Bonamassa’s guitar tone was massive. The song’s melancholy and power summed up what the night was all about. The roar from the crowd was deafening.
Joe Bonamassa’s role in music cannot be overstated, keeping the blues alive while infusing it with rock energy. His relentless touring and vintage gear cements his status as a custodian of the blues. The Rockford performance honored that legacy. By mixing originals and covers, Bonamassa honored the past while showcasing his own artistry. The Coronado Performing Arts Center, with it’s historic grandeur, was the perfect backdrop.
As the crowd dispersed into the chilly November night, the consensus was clear. Bonamassa delivered not just a concert, but a masterclass in musicianship. There have been many performances at this venue over the years, but this night would be remembered as one of its finest.
Setlist: Trigger Finger – Break Through – 24 Hour Blues – Done Got Over It – Driving Towards The Daylight – Drive Past The Exit Sign – Double Trouble – Pack It Up – Heart That Never Waits – Shout About It – Happier Times – Million Miles – Mountain Time – Sloe Gin
