As the busiest man in the blues business, Joe Bonamassa is always on the road, which often leads him to play in the greatest locations. From Royal Albert Hall in London, to Carnegie Hall in New York City, he has performed his high-voltage blues in some of the most iconic venues in the world. On November 18, 2017, Joe brought the “Guitar Event of the Year” back to the legendary Academy of Music in Philadelphia.

The Academy of Music is a treasured and world-renowned opera house and concert hall located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This iconic building was constructed in 1885 and opened its doors in 1887. Ever since its inception, the hall has continuously hosted ballets, orchestras, and of course, sensational and notable operas. In fact, the Academy of Music is the oldest opera house in the U.S. that is still used for its intended purpose.

Over its 160-year storied history, the “Grand Old Lady of Locust Street” has hosted everything from an 1872 Republican Convention and the American premiers of major operatic pieces, to Frank Zappa and Blood Sweat and Tears concerts. Also, the hall is the main home of several Philadelphia performance groups including the Pennsylvania Ballet and Opera Philadelphia. It was also the main residence if the highly acclaimed Philadelphia orchestra from 1900-2001.

As of 1962, the building was recognized as a National Historic Landmark due to its illustrious history and importance to the city of Philadelphia. During his performance, Bonamassa acknowledged the hall’s significance and how honored he was to be invited for the second time. He addressed the audience saying, “You see that seat you’re seated in? Somebody 160 years ago came here to watch a classic concert. Never in their wildest dreams could they see some Italian kid with a funny name gracing it 160 years later.”