Spirited roots rockers Train, a staple of Top 40 radio for the past 20 years, headlined an impressive triple bill this past Friday at iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre. The band brought along two fixtures of ‘90s pop-rock, as well as an up-and-coming singer-songwriter, for a night of nostalgic hits and great vibes.
A newer voice in the music industry, Will Anderson came onto the stage around 6:30 p.m. to kick off the night. Guitar in hand, he warmed up the audience with some original music and at the end of his set he invited the audience to come see him at the merch booth.
Blues Traveler was next to take the stage. A popular band in the ‘90s, John Popper’s harmonica-driven septet proved to be the main draw for many in the audience. Choreographed lighting supplemented the band’s high-energy performance. You could tell Blues Traveler was having a good time up there as the group played extended jams and the crowd sang along, giving back some of the energy they were putting out.
By the time Jewel made her appearance, the majority of the concert-goers had arrived to their seats. Jewel’s performance was warm and inviting, as she performed some songs off her new album and referred to the audience by saying “Thank you babies” at the finish of some songs. Jewel had some brief commentary in light of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, saying, “No one can control our happiness.” She shared a special moment with her son when he came onstage to play the drums with her for “You Were Meant For Me.“ She finished her performance with the first song she ever wrote, “Who Will Save Your Soul,” leaving the stage around 9 p.m. Her performance left the audience excited for the main act to finally arrive.
Headliners Train immediately enraptured the crowd with its new album’s title song, “AM Gold.” Lead singer Pat Monahan kept the energy going, borrowing fans’ phones to take selfies and using his phone to show the audience “how beautiful” we were, also throwing “Meet Virginia” shirts into the audience. Between the confetti cannons, sparklers and bouncing inflatables, there was not a dull moment at this concert.
Midway through the set, Jewel joined Train onstage to perform “Turn the Radio Up” and was asked to stay with them for a rendition of ABBA’s “Dancing Queen.” After Jewel departed the stage, Train ran through a few of its biggest hits, from “50 Ways to Say Goodbye” to “Drive By,” ending the night strong with a performance of Aerosmith’s “Dream On” and the finale “Drops of Jupiter,” which is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Train finally said goodnight after an impressive 20-song lineup, leaving the crowd energized after an incredible performance.
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