Van Morrison performs at Wolf Trap on Sept. 7, 2022. (Photo by Jason Nicholson)

Sir George Ivan Morrison, better known as Van Morrison, charmed Wolf Trap in a mystic show recently. The Belfast Lion was in fine form, playing songs from across his career — including new album What’s It Going to Take? — and appearing with opener James Hunter, who also received a warm reception.

Jason Nicholson was there to photograph the show!

On Sept. 7 at Wolf Trap, Van Morrison opened the show with “Dangerous” from his 2022 record, What’s It Going to Take? He revisited the album early in the set to add “Stage Name.”

But have no fear: Van was here to give people what they wanted to hear. At the very end of the show, he performed “Brown Eyed Girl,” his 1967 signature single. It of course remains today a radio staple and well-regarded cover tune for many a troubadour.

Van closed the show with a performance of “Gloria” by THEM, the Northern Irish band that first put him on the map and brought him global acclaim in 1964. At Wolf Trap, James Hunter joined Van on stage for the performance of “Gloria.”

Watch Van Morrison perform “Gloria” live at the Hollywood Bowl in 2008 on YouTube:

Throughout his 20-song setlist, Van also performed a number of covers, including two by the great Sam Cooke — “Somebody Have Mercy” and “Laughin’ and Clowin'” — both near the middle of the set.

Catch up with Van Morrison on his website!

Here are some photos of James Hunter opening for Van Morrison at Wolf Trap on Sept. 7, 2022. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Jason Nicholson.

And here are some photos of the great Van Morrison performing at Wolf Trap on Sept. 7, 2022. All pictures copyright and courtesy of Jason Nicholson.