ISU Bengal

Issue date: 4/18/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Alastair Nee

Media Credit: Alastair Nee

Media Credit: Alastair Nee

The rafters at Holt Arena were literally rocked out of the ceiling last Thursday night, as Blues Traveler brought bright lights and big beats to Pocatello. The ISU Program Board brought in a big time band that has been shaking up the melodic blues scene since 1983. It was a night filled with music and melodies, as everyone from die-hard "head-bangers", to affectionate middle-aged couples, enjoyed a night of concise instrumental magic.

The turnout was impressive, showing an appreciation for the band's professional musical mix.

Coming off its last show at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, the band may have seen its stop in Pocatello as an intermission before heading off to the larger venue in Little Rock, Arkansas. Yet the crowd was immersed in the music, giving off an electric vibe that made sure the band knew its visit here would not be a waste.

Each member of Blues Traveler has mastered his instrument with precision and grace.

Lead singer John Popper provided smooth vocals, and is a master harmonica player. Drummer Brendan Hill kept the percussion flying, while keyboardist Ben Wilson churned out rounds of piano vibrations. To top it all off, brothers Chan and Tad Kinchla skillfully manipulated the electric and bass guitars respectively. The newest members of the band, Tad and Ben, joined after the original bassist Bobby Sheehan died of a drug overdose in 1999.

The members of Blues Traveler kept the flow of their music moving with careful and exact timing maintained through a series of particular glances and head nods to one another on stage. Their dedication to their art has gained them respect with the best of the modern rock scene. Blues Traveler has collaborated with powerhouses like the Dave Matthews Band and Metallica, as well as appearing on Saturday Night Live, the motion picture Kingpin, and VH1's Behind the Music.

The gigantic American flag that was unfurled from a B-29's bomb bay draped behind the stage reminded all of their freedom to choose good music such as Blues Traveler.

Blues Traveler fans were willing to risk the possibility of being crushed to death by a dislodged ceiling rafter from the nation's second oldest indoor arena - like the one that crashed upon the stage while the crew was setting up - to hear the band's original style of music. Blues Traveler provided an excellent show, with lots of high quality music and fun for all.

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