Downtown Cleveland was alive with people ready to bring in the New Year, and no place was more alive than the House of Blues. Five time Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Buddy Guy took the stage and shook the foundation of the building.

“I’ve gotta give you what I got in 2009” the upbeat blues legend declared to a packed venue. He didn’t hold anything back. Taking the stage at 11 pm, his band followed his lead and together they poured out hit after hit. Guy covered material from all time periods of his career, from his famous “Damn right, I’ve got the Blues” to “Skin Deep”, the title track from his latest album.

He interacted with the crowd, since they knew every word to every song.

“Hello Cleveland, I love you!” Buddy proclaimed as fans sung the chorus to “Feels like Rain”, a slower, more sentimental song. When the slow blues wasn’t being played, Buddy played his guitar with his signature force and energy. With the crowd singing and dancing, everyone in attendance brought in the New Year in a great way. Their own personal guitar legend provided the soundtrack.

The band took a short break right before the clock struck midnight, and when the countdown ended, people cheered and the band kept playing.

The opening acts for Buddy Guy were Austin “Walkin’” Cane and Kristine Jackson. Both are local musicians who are talented enough to headline their own gigs at the House of Blues. Wearing a top had with a red feather, Austin Cane plays a Dobro slide guitar which accompanies his deep singing voice. Kristine Jackson sounds very soulful, and surprised the crowd with her guitar playing. There was plenty of buzz surrounding the two opening acts, and when it was time for them to wrap up their sets, the crowd cheered for more.

Between the two rising local musicians who opened the festivities up, and the legendary Buddy Guy pouring out his heart and soul in each note, fans left satisfied and blown away by the talented musicians.