Upcoming Blues Traveler dates
Dates and live ticket listings appear here as soon as they are on sale. The guide below covers what to know before you buy.
Who Blues Traveler is
Blues Traveler is the American rock band formed in Princeton, New Jersey, in 1987, fronted by singer and harmonica player John Popper. A ticket buys a jam-leaning rock show (one where songs stretch out with improvised solos) in a theater, amphitheater or club, built around Popper's harmonica, the radio hits from the 1990s and long instrumental passages.
The band mixes blues rock, folk rock and Southern rock. Its 1994 album Four sold more than six million copies worldwide, and its single "Run-Around" peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won the 1996 Grammy for Best Rock Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group. "Hook" was another single from the same album.
The lineup and its history
The current lineup is John Popper (vocals, harmonica), Chan Kinchla (guitar), Brendan Hill (drums), Tad Kinchla (bass) and Ben Wilson (keyboards). Original bassist Bobby Sheehan died in New Orleans in August 1999; Tad Kinchla, Chan's brother, took over bass afterward, and Wilson joined in 2000.
The band has kept recording. Traveler's Blues (2021) returned to blues material, and Traveler's Soul (October 2023) covered R&B and soul songs. On television, David Letterman called Blues Traveler his favorite band, and the group made more appearances on The Late Show than any other musical act. In 1995 it played the season premiere of Saturday Night Live as a last-minute replacement for Prince.
What a Blues Traveler show is like
Expect a show that changes night to night. The band came up in the jam scene, and sets typically leave room for extended solos, segues between songs and harmonica runs that run well past the album versions. The band's live recordings are sold through nugs.net, a sign that fans collect individual shows the way jam-band audiences do.
The crowd is relaxed and multigenerational: fans who heard "Run-Around" on the radio in 1995 next to tapers and regulars who follow the band from city to city. If you know only the hits, you will hear them, but they share time with deeper cuts and covers.
Traditions and notable tours
- H.O.R.D.E. (from 1992): the band founded this touring festival as an alternative to festivals such as Lollapalooza, giving jam and roots bands a summer package tour of their own.
- July 4 at Red Rocks (since 1994): Blues Traveler has headlined Red Rocks Amphitheatre near Denver on Independence Day every year since 1994, except 1999 and 2020. It is the band's best-known annual date and one of the steadiest holiday traditions in touring.
- Ongoing touring: the band tours regularly in theaters, amphitheaters, casinos and fairs rather than in arenas. The live event list on this page shows current dates.
Where to sit for Blues Traveler
The right seat depends on the room, because Blues Traveler plays several kinds of venues.
- Theaters: the front and center orchestra (the main floor) is ideal for watching Popper's harmonica work up close. The front of the first balcony is often the better buy than the back of the orchestra, with a clearer view over the crowd.
- Amphitheaters: reserved seats in the front half give the best sound. Lawn or general admission areas usually cost the least and are the most social, but farther away and exposed to weather.
- Red Rocks: the seats are rows of wooden benches climbing the hillside (the venue lists accessible seating in Row 1 and Row 70), and the seating chart varies by event, so check whether your date is reserved or general admission. Middle rows near center balance view and sound; the top rows trade closeness for the famous view, and every seat is open to sun, wind and rain.
- Clubs and casinos: GA standing near the soundboard gives the best mix; reserved casino seats near the center aisle avoid side angles.
How demand for Blues Traveler tickets behaves
Blues Traveler tours steadily, so most dates do not sell out on day one. The exceptions are predictable.
- July 4 at Red Rocks draws the most demand. The holiday date, the venue and the tradition make it the hardest Blues Traveler ticket to get, and it is often the one fans travel for.
- Small rooms sell out faster. Clubs and historic theaters have limited capacity, so weekend shows there go earlier than amphitheater dates.
- Package bills shift demand. When the band shares a bill with another 1990s act, interest from both fan bases can raise demand.
- Late buying often works. For midweek amphitheater and fair dates, seats are commonly available close to the show, and resale prices may soften.
Every order on GoodSeats is backed by a 100% guarantee. Check the band's official tour page for announcements.
Frequently asked questions
Does Blues Traveler play Red Rocks every July 4?
Blues Traveler has headlined Red Rocks Amphitheatre on July 4 every year since 1994, except 1999 and 2020. Check the live event list for the current year.
Who is in Blues Traveler?
John Popper (vocals, harmonica), Chan Kinchla (guitar), Brendan Hill (drums), Tad Kinchla (bass) and Ben Wilson (keyboards).
What is Blues Traveler's biggest hit?
Run-Around, from the 1994 album Four, reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy in 1996. Hook, from the same album, is also a staple.
Is Blues Traveler a jam band?
Largely, yes. The band founded the H.O.R.D.E. festival in 1992 for jam and roots acts, and its shows include extended improvised passages that change from night to night.
What are the best seats for a Blues Traveler show?
In a theater, front and center orchestra seats or the front of the first balcony. At amphitheaters, reserved seats in the front half beat the lawn for sound and view.