The HOB-Orlando welcomes Blues Traveler…

The legendary Blues Traveler Band made a stop on their tour in Orlando, FL at the House of Blues. The House of Blues doors opened to a mass of Blues Traveler fans adorned with classic concert attire featuring the bands iconic black kitty cat mascot. The venue was packed this evening to see one of the best live blues jams in the music scene today. Frontman John Popper is masterful on the harmonica as he mesmerizes the crowd. This was the first time I experienced this band live and John Popper is a virtuoso on his instrument. Blues Traveler has over 30 years of performing, with a repertoire of 13 albums worth of material to delight fans.

This past October, the band released their new studio album entitled Hurry Up & Hang Around via BMG Records. For their latest endeavor, the band rented house in Nashville and record the songs with Matt Rollings, a keyboardist from Lyle Lovett’s Large Band who is best known as a producer for Willie Nelson. In addition to Popper, the current lineup consists of Chan Kinchla (guitar), Brendan Hill (drums), Ben Wilson (keyboard), and Tad Kinchla (bass).

Every year since 1994, with the exception of 1999, Blues Traveler has headlined a show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado on the American Independence Day, July 4. The band usually plays two consecutive nights, starting on July 3. This tradition started in 1992 when Blues Traveler was opening for The Allman Brothers Band at the venue for two nights, July 3 and 4. The next year, the band booked the HORDE festival to play there on Independence Day, and in 1994 the current tradition began in earnest. These shows attract fans from all over the United States.

Opening support was provided by Blackfoot Gypsies, an American four-piece rock band from Nashville, Tennessee. Their music is influenced by blues, punk rock, southern rock, soul, Americana and country. They are known for their DIY aesthetic and extensive touring.

The set list included