Joe Bonamassa’s Ryman Show Raises Over $32K For Artists Impacted By COVID-19

Joe Bonamassa. Photo: Kit Wood

Joe Bonamassa played a sold-out show at the Ryman Sunday night (Sept. 20) — well, sort of. The legendary venue typically seats 2,300, but for one night only, the real crowd was the size of a major stadium, and in-house nearly every seat was filled with a custom cardboard cutout. The event sold over 17,000 tickets, reaching 44 countries for one very special live music presentation.

Bonamassa performed the livestream show from the legendary stage in Nashville, playing his new studio album Royal Tea in its entirety, a month before its release on Oct. 23, as well as some fan favorites from his recent 20th anniversary album,  A New Day Now, his 23rd No. 1 album. Those wanting to check out the show still can, since tickets for the livestream are available through the entire rest of the week until Sept. 27.

Tickets purchased this week will benefit touring musicians unable to make a living due to COVID-19. To date, more than $350,000 has been raised, supporting more than 190 touring musicians impacted by the pandemic. Between ticket sales and donations during the After Party Showcase the event raised $32,000 already for Bonamassa’s Fueling Musicians program, presented by his non-profit Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation. The showcase featured some of the genre’s most talented, emerging acts of this generation, with performances from artists including Ally Venable Band, The Cold Stares, Elles Bailey, Ida Mae, Jared James Nichols, Jontavious Willis, Katy Guillen & The Drive, Robert Jon & The Wreck, Southern Avenue, Tyler Bryant and Vanessa Collier.

Tickets to the pay-per-view concert on demand are available at $35 for the All-Access Pass, which includes on demand admission to the virtual concert until Sept. 27, the Royal Tea digital album available on Oct. 23, and a one-year pass to Bonamassa’s on-demand video service. The video service includes 17+ concert releases from Joe Bonamassa, Black Country Communion, and Rock Candy Funk Party – available at any time on most devices. Following the ticketed event, the concert is in the works to be broadcast on public television and will be available on DVD at a later date.

Photo: Kit Wood