By Jim Beal Jr.

Bonnie Raitt performs at the Majestic Theatre © Nicole Frugé /San Antonio Express-News

THE SHOW: Bonnie Raitt, Tuesday night, May 12,at the Majestic Theatre,San Antonio, Texas.

ATTENDANCE: About 1,800

FIRST TAKE: Bonnie Raitt and her band dug in and served up playful and serious blues, funky R&B, reggae and more for a most appreciative crowd. Raitt dedicated the show to the memory of her friend Stephen Bruton, the guitar ace, singer, producer and songwriter who died of cancer over the weekend.

But the set was upbeat and driving as she and the smoking band worked through songs including “I Sho Do,” “Thing Called Love,” “One Belief Away,” “Good Man, Good Woman” (a duet with keyboard player Ricky Peterson), “Love Me Like a Man” (with special guest Johnny Nicholas on harmonica) and “Angel from Montgomery.”

Raitt is one of the most engaging artists around. When she takes a stage, every venue is a friendly front porch. The Majestic was a fancy, friendly front porch on Tuesday.

FOR STARTERS: “That was a killer set,” Raitt said about the Paul Thorn Band’s opening set. She told the truth. Tupelo, Miss.-based singer and songwriter Thorn and his band fired up the crowd with a 40-minute set that rocked with plenty of grease, grit and songs such as “A Long Way From Tupelo,” “Rise Up,” “Burn Down the Trailer Park” and a rousing “Mission Temple Fireworks Stand.”

Bonnie Raitt performs at the Majestic Theatre.

Bonnie Raitt performs at the Majestic Theatre, Tuesday, May 12, 2009.

Bonnie Raitt performs at the Majestic Theatre.

Bonnie Raitt performs at the Majestic Theatre.

Bonnie Raitt performs at the Majestic Theatre.

Bonnie Raitt performs at the Majestic Theatre.

Bonnie Raitt performs at the Majestic Theatre.

Here is an excellent audience capture of Bonnie at the Majestic Theater.
This theater has definately better than average acoustics. She sounded
great this tuesday evening, or “schoolnight” as Bonnie mentioned. She
has a top notch band and sound. The crowd was enthusiastic and well behaved.
We really enjoyed this show, and hope you do as well.

Setlist:
I Sho Do
Thing Called Love
One Belief Away
Good Man, Good Woman
Your Good Thing (Is About to End)
Premature
I Feel So Damn Good (I’ll Be Glad When I Get The Blues)
Love Me Like A Man (with Johnny Nicholas)
Papa Come Quick
Angel from Montgomery
I Will Not Be Broken
Something To Talk About
Never Make Your Move Too Soon (with Johnny Nicholas)
I Believe I’m In Love With You (with Johnny Nicholas)
I Can’t Make You Love Me
—Bonnie talks about Stephen Bruton
Too Many Memories
Love Sneaking Up On You

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