Originally published in Through the Lens Magazine on May 6, 2017
Article and photos by Melodie Yvonne Ramey
BLOOMINGTON, IN (May 2, 2017) – The line for the legendary band Blues Traveler stretched down the entrance ramp of The Bluebird Nightclub. It seeped out onto the sidewalk hours before the show would begin. The opening act, the amazing Gene Evaro Jr., had an extraordinary reputation for a good time. So, people were out early in droves. The house was completely packed before the headliners even thought about hitting the stage. The friendly staff at The Bluebird ushered everyone in with care. They patiently helped the few in need as well as tending to their everyday tasks with style. The atmosphere of the nightclub was every bit as pleasing as the staff, and the incoming crowd all happened to dress alike wearing matching smiles.
Warming Up
Gene Evaro Jr. heated the crowd to a nice, toasty warm, and made way for the headliner. The wait between sets was an intense moment full of excitement. The energy among the fans was electric. Some had driven from hundreds of thousands of miles away to see their favorite band. In anticipation they defended their dance spaces with a ferocity rarely seen outside of a mosh pit. Blues Traveler soon emerged from the dark shadows beyond the stage to a hail of cheers from the crowd. The band was all smiles as they greeted the audience. John Popper tipped a glass in toast to the house’s warm reception.
The Main Event
Blues Traveler played a plethora of phenomenal original songs including their award winning hits. They performed an amazing rendition of “Run Around” that had the audience in awe. Their presentation proved yet again how they won the Grammy they so much deserved. The live rendering of the chart topping hit truly showcased why they are a rare jam band that somehow transcends the lines of genre. The crowd sang along in unison at the encouragement of Popper. He then gifted them with a gracious helping of his unparalleled harmonica harmonies.
Shortly following, Blues Traveler pulled off an interpretation of “Could You Be Loved” by Bob Marley that could only be likened to the brilliance of the iconic Marley himself. Most noteworthy, they also threw in an amazing collage of cover riffs from a motley variety of genres. They even included the likes of Indiana’s own Axl Rose with a few sweet bars from Guns ‘N Roses‘ “Sweet Child O’ Mine“. Consequently, the crowd went wild, and there couldn’t have lived a happier house.
A Happy Ending
In conclusion, Blues Traveler’s incredible performance will definitely go down in history as one of The Bluebird’s most renowned events. Furthermore, it’s hard to say if there exists very many bands with the extraordinary talents of these musicians. From their award winning originals to their mind bending covers, they keep the fans loyal and coming back for more.
The Blues Traveler devotees danced out into the night at the end of the show avoiding the common end of concert depression that can occur among true fans. In fact, they were confident in knowing that their favorite band will be back soon for their next adventure. It has already been announced that the Hoosier state will be blessed once again soon with these amazing gentlemen. They will be welcomed back to celebrate with their fans in another musical extravaganza in November. The jubilation will once again be abundant in Indiana as Blues Traveler brings their 30th anniversary tour to The Vogue. Although, the show may be months away it will be well worth the wait for the extra special chance to once again see these magnificent men blow the minds of the Hoosier fans in this amazing Midwest state.
Love Blues Traveler?!?! Be sure to also check out “BLUES TRAVELER, CHATTING WITH BRENDAN, AND THE BLUEBIRD MAY 2!” originally published in Through the Lens Magazine on April 30, 2017
Follow Blues Traveler to keep up to date on all the latest band info now on
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bluestraveler
Twitter: twitter.com/blues_traveler
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bluestraveler
YouTube: www.youtube.com/bluestraveler
Spotify: play.spotify.com/artist/3pHeBYl1yujXcZqqfF1UyQ?play=true&utm_source=open.spotify.com&utm_medium=open
iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/artist/blues-traveler/id94681?app=music&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
SEE even more of the Music on Melodie’s YouTube now!
View more of Melodie’s concert and event photography at melodieyvonne.com/photo-galleries/concert-and-events/
View all of Melodie’s work at melodieyvonne.com/category/melodie-yvonne
FOLLOW Melodie on Facebook at www.facebook.com/photographicmelodie
Photo and video footage shot for Photographic Melodie by Melodie Yvonne Ramey. Shot with Nikon D800E
All footage copyright Melodie Yvonne Ramey and/or the performing artists. No usage is permitted beyond non-profit online sharing without written permission from Melodie Yvonne Ramey and/or the performing artist. Photos are not for commercial sale. It is ILLEGAL to sell concert photographs without the permission of the artist. It is ILLEGAL to use these photos for anything at all without permission from the photographer. Please send any and all inquiries of usage requests to melodie@photographicmelodie.com. Non-profit online sharing of images is permitted only when following these specific guidelines… images are NOT to be altered in anyway. This includes, but is not limited to cropping, adding filters, removing color from, any other changes, and/or removing the watermark. Also absolutely no making money off of, and/or taking credit for my images as it is illegal, and makes me long for death.
Categories: Concert & Events Reviews, Concert, Theatre, and Performance, Concerts & Events, Concerts & Events 2017, Melodie Yvonne, Photo Reviews, Reviews
