I thought I was a fan of Blues Traveler, but apparently, they have some pretty hardcore fans which I couldn’t even come close to match with their enthusiasm!  It was a fun evening of great music.  If you haven’t heard of Blue Traveler it would be good to do your due diligence and give them a listen (or better yet, catch a live show).  They are known as a jam type band with a southern, bluesy, rock, folk flavor.

The show started with Heather Nation as the opening act.  Heather is a North County San Diego local singer, songwriter, guitarist who has graced the area with her sultry sounding vibe.  She opened the evening humming and singing A cappella which definitely commanded attention in the room and all eyes and ears were on her.  Her voice sounded a little bit of edgy Alanis Morrisette combined with the sweet tone of Jewel.  The remaining Heather Nation members are Jon Hasz, (Bass / BGVs) Travis Dahl, (Lead Guitar / BGVs) Erdis Maxhelaku (Cello) and Josh Frontiero on Drums. (Note: The members on stage that night were Daniel Riveroll, (Drums), Leo Dombecki (Keyboards), and Tim McNalley. (Slide guitar / Bass))  All were very much in sync and I have to say the cello added so much to their performance, along with Heather’s stage presence.  They performed their new song, “MOON ROOM”.  Their album Sirens is really good and as I listen I’m realizing more and more the depth of this band.  It was a real treat.  If you get the chance, check out their upcoming live San Diego performances in April at the Belly Up Tavern. (Apr 23rd)

The anticipation was building for Blues Traveler to take the stage and the crowd was beyond ready.  Blues Traveler came out guns blazing (so to speak) with a crazy good opening and from there on out it was GAME ON!  Blues Traveler has been around ever since I can remember–forming in 1988.  After further discovery, they have put out a record consistently since their first album was released in 1990.  They are most famous for their 1st hit “Run Around”.  It won a Grammy award and quintuple platinum status!  That my friends are a lot of revolutions around the record player!  That was when I think I first heard of them.  Anyway, one of their other beloved songs very close to my heart is “Hook” off the same album, Four.  I love the line, “the hook brings you back, I ain’t telling you no lie”…

John Popper is the bad-ass lead singer and harmonica player extraordinaire which is the band’s soul.  He has a special way about him that draws you in–a charisma that is bigger than life.  He had a box on the stage full of harmonicas and a special microphone set up that seemed like it was something he invented to pull out all the stops.  Throughout the evening he randomly threw harmonicas out into the audience.  They played some of the oldies but goodies as well as some new tunes off their new album.  They sprinkled in plenty of solos featuring Chan Kinchla on guitar, bassist Tad Kinchla, keyboardist, Ben Wilson, and drummer, Brendan Hill.

Their new studio album, “Hurry Up and Hang Around” is newly released and they played some of the new tunes at the show.  Listen to snips and purchase it here.  They are gearing up for their spring/summer tour with some exciting new developments.  They are going to be traveling with Moe and G. Love.  The concept is they are going to showcase each band doing a set each plus a collaboration of musicians.  This ought to be epic and way too much fun!  Don’t miss it.  Tickets are on sale now at Blues Traveler Tour.

They closed the show with Tom Petty’s Mary Janes Last Dance which was very bittersweet for those of us who still aren’t over Tom’s passing.  It is great that artists like Blue Traveler keep the love and memory alive by paying tribute as the music lives on in our hearts–I ain’t telling you no lie…

3rdEyeScribe / BackStage360