Five-time Grammy Award–winning blues musician Robert Cray and his band took the stage at the Eccles Center in Park City on Dec. 9. This blues rock musician, born in Georgia, has worked with other industry greats such as Eric Clapton, John Lee Hooker and B.B. King, and produced multiple hits while also maintaining a name for himself as an accomplished guitar player.
At Eccles, fans arrived in the lobby from the cold December air and sip on hot cocoa to help relieve the winter bite from outside. Utah Blues Society as well as Robert Cray merchandise tables were near the entrance, providing a selection of mugs, shirts, CDs and vinyl albums for purchase. As the doors opened and people began to take their seats, Park City Institute Executive Director Teri Orr came onstage to greet the audience and thank the sponsors for the evening and introduce the night’s performance by the award-winning musician and his band.
After a short break, Robert Cray and band took the stage and began to play in the dark. After a few moments, the lights rose to reveal Cray as the audience applauded and hooted. Playing a select few songs from his own creation as well as covers of other musicians’ greatest hits such as Bill Withers, Robert Cray produced a great vocal range and displayed his impressive guitar talent. Visibly enjoying the set, all of Cray’s band members swayed and stomped their feet as audience members shimmied along.
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Park City Institute Executive Director Teri Orr and the audience inside the theater. Photo: @Lmsorenson.net
The Utah Blues Society has some snazzy thermal shirts for sale at a table inside the theater lobby. Photo: @Lmsorenson.net
Utah Blues Society also has some black and blue mugs for sale at their table. Photo: @Lmsorenson.net
(R–L) Robert Cray fan Evan and girlfriend Kaitlynn wait for the doors to open to the theater. Photo: @Lmsorenson.net
Slight hustle and bustle from the lobby in the Eccles Performing Arts Center. Photo: @Lmsorenson.net
The concession window has a plethora of snacks for purchase. Photo: @Lmsorenson.net
Cookies for sale in the concession’s window. Photo: @Lmsorenson.net
Hot teas are welcome in the winter weather. Photo: @Lmsorenson.net
Mars candy selections for sale at the concessions window. Photo: @Lmsorenson.net
(L–R) Mark Harindg and Sheila Jackson arrive just in time to grab their seats. Photo: @Lmsorenson.net
Crowds head to tables to grab a CD, shirt or mug as a souvenir before the show. Photo: @Lmsorenson.net
Robert Cray T-shirts for sale. Photo: @Lmsorenson.net
Robert Cray vinyl album for sale. Photo: @Lmsorenson.net
Dave, Lisa, Sally and Dave again, a group of friends that have braved the cold to hear some music. Photo: @Lmsorenson.net
(L–R) Stevie and Keith have been fans of Robert Cray for a while, as their parents exposed them to the music when they were young. Photo: @Lmsorenson.net
Executive Director Teri Orr thanking sponsors and Robert Cray for coming to Park City. Photo: @Lmsorenson.net
Robert Cray plays a guitar solo during his set at he Eccles Theater. Photo: @Lmsorenson.net
Robert Craay providing his signature bluesy vocals. Photo: @Lmsorenson.net
Robert Cray riffing some blues during the opening song. Photo: @Lmsorenson.net
Robert Cray’s band. Photo: @Lmsorenson.net
Robert Cray and his band playing onstage in Park City. Photo: @Lmsorenson.net
Photo: @Lmsorenson.net
Robert Cray and his band playing onstage at the Eccles Performing Arts Center. Photo: @Lmsorenson.net