If you buy an independently reviewed services or products by way of a hyperlink on our web site, Rolling Stone might obtain an affiliate fee.
Gary Clark Jr. performed a shock set for F1 attendees in Austin final weekend, taking up town’s Franklin Barbecue for a personal present sponsored by Velocity Black.
The invite-only occasion remodeled Austin’s famed barbecue joint into an intimate showcase for the rock and soul star, who performed an hour-long set that included his hits like “Issues Are Altering” and “Low Down Rolling Stone,” in addition to a canopy of Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing.”
Clark Jr., who was born and raised in Austin, was joined by spouse Nicole Trunfio (a profitable model-turned-entrepreneur of maternity model, Bumpsuit), whereas different friends within the crowd included Aston Martin Components 1 improvement driver Jak Crawford; Franklin Barbecue proprietor Aaron Franklin; and ambassadors for whiskey model Glenfiddich, celebrating the model’s ongoing collaboration with the Aston Martin workforce.
“I received a name to play music at a barbecue joint and I couldn’t flip it down,” Clark Jr. advised the gang of fifty or so friends by means of introductions. “I’m looking for my groove proper now,” he stated minutes later: “I did myself a disservice and had an entire bunch of barbecue, so this is perhaps a low down blues set,” he joked.
Velocity Black
Although hundreds of racing followers descended upon Austin for the 2025 U.S. Grand Prix, the night time was reserved completely for members of Velocity Black, a luxurious digital concierge service that gives insider entry to premium eating, leisure and journey experiences all over the world — all from the comfort of a useful app. Velocity Black’s workforce of insiders come from the worlds of aviation, trend and hospitality and may curate every part from a personal jet pickup, to bespoke getaways, to scoring tickets to sold-out sporting occasions and live shows (suppose every part from World Sequence tickets to Sabrina Carpenter seats). Members additionally get entry to particular occasions tailor-made to their profile and pursuits, with the app utilizing custom-built tech to determine “hyper-personalized experiences,” per an organization memo.
Franklin Barbecue: A Meat-Smoking Manifesto
Bestselling cookbook
Entry to the non-public Clark Jr. and Franklin Barbecue occasion was obtainable solely to Velocity Black members, who acquired invites by way of the Velocity Black app as a complimentary perk of membership. The restaurant — which generally closes as quickly as its meat is bought out for the day — re-opened completely within the night, with Franklin pitmasters smoking up brisket, ribs and turkey to pair with the Glenfiddich x Aston Martin F1 16-year single malt. The get together and music continued afterwards with a Dwight Yoakam live performance on the Moody Middle, with an official after-party in a members-only speakeasy dubbed “The Hideaway by Velocity Black.”
Glenfiddich Aston Martin F1 16-12 months-Previous Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The official collaboration with the Aston Martin workforce is a limited-edition launch
Velocity Black has additionally been the official Luxurious Life-style Accomplice of the Aston Martin Aramco Components 1 workforce for the final three years, and Velocity Black members have been in a position to entry devoted VIP tables within the Aston Martin paddock membership lounge over the weekend, whereas taking in non-public storage excursions and pit lane walks. Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso even made a shock look within the paddock membership the day earlier than the race.
Velocity Black’s activations in Austin will proceed on past the race, with the “Hideaway” returning to the Moody Middle later this fall, providing VIP entry within the “most unique nook of the world’s occasion flooring” for the upcoming Tate McRae and Billie Eilish live shows. Extra particulars about Velocity Black’s choices, consultants and membership dues are obtainable on its web site.
