Concert Review: Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, Spin Doctors bring ’90s rock revival to sold-out Toyota Oakdale Theatre

Blues Traveler performed at Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, Connecticut on July 18, 2025 Photo by Jessie Fuentes — Blues Traveler performed at Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, Connecticut, on July 18, 2025. Photo by Jessie Fuentes

With over three decades of music under their belts, Blues Traveler, the Gin Blossoms, and the Spin Doctors have joined forces for a massive 2025 co-headlining tour; and the energy they’re bringing is pure 90s magic. Blues Traveler, best known for their improvisational jams and harmonica-driven rock, and the Gin Blossoms, whose alt-rock hits like Hey Jealousy and Follow You Down defined an era, have been road warriors for years, and they haven’t lost a step. Add in the Spin Doctors, forever tied to their infectious Two Princes groove, and you’ve got a recipe for a night built on nostalgia, musicianship, and pure fun. At the Toyota Oakdale Theatre, the sold-out crowd showed up ready – the parking lots were jam-packed with fans tailgating and blasting playlists like it was 1995 all over again. From the jump, you could tell it was going to be a night of rock, Americana, and blues that reminded everyone why these bands have stuck around this long.

After unfortunately missing the Spin Doctors because of the traffic and parking chaos, I made it just in time to catch the Gin Blossoms – and they did not disappoint. Their set was short, only about eight songs, but they made every moment count. Kicking things off with “Follow You Down” and “Mrs. Rita,” they immediately had the crowd singing along, the kind of nostalgic energy that only decades of radio hits can bring. The band kept a strong connection with the audience, with frontman Robin Wilson constantly leaning toward the front rows, handing out high-fives and encouraging everyone to sing louder. A standout moment came when Blues Traveler joined them onstage for “Until I Forgot About You,” which turned into a feel-good jam session that had the whole theater buzzing. From the emotional pull of “Until I Fall Away” and “Found Out About You” to the fan-favorite rush of “Hey Jealousy,” the Gin Blossoms packed in all the essentials. They closed with “Til I Hear It From You” and their cover of “Indiana Wants Me,” leaving fans grinning, singing, and wishing for just a few more songs.

Gin Blossoms performed at Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, Connecticut on July 18, 2025 Photo by Jessie Fuentes — Gin Blossoms performed at Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, Connecticut, on July 18, 2025. Photo by Jessie Fuentes

Blues Traveler closed out the night with a punchy 8-song set that packed way more energy than its length might suggest. They kicked things off with “Stand” and “But Anyway,” instantly locking the crowd into their groove before launching into “Run-Around,” which had everyone on their feet, belting out every word. John Popper’s harmonica playing was jaw-dropping – fast, intricate, and full of emotion, almost like a second voice weaving through each track. “Carolina Blues” showed off the weight in his vocals, raw and heartfelt, while guitarist Chan Kinchla lit up the stage with a grin that never left his face, clearly having the time of his life. Their fiery spin on “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” turned the theater electric, with the crowd cheering like it was a brand-new hit. By the time they hit “Hook” and their closing cover of Tom Petty’s “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” the set felt like a celebration – short, yes, but overflowing with jamming spirit and the kind of blues-rock energy that only a band like Blues Traveler can deliver.

Walking out of the Oakdale, I couldn’t help but feel impressed by how well these bands have aged, not just holding their own, but thriving. The Gin Blossoms sounded as tight and heartfelt as ever, Blues Traveler proved their musicianship is second to none, and even with shorter sets, both bands delivered performances that felt bigger than the clock would suggest. With decades of history behind them, they’ve managed to keep their spark alive, reminding fans old and new why their music has endured. The performances felt bigger than just feeding off of nostalgia, it was proof that these bands still have the chops, the energy, and the heart to command a stage, and they left me hoping they keep sharing that magic for years to come.

Click here for more photography of Blues Traveler and Gin Blossoms at Toyota Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford, Connecticut.

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Concert Review: Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, Spin Doctors bring ’90s rock revival to sold-out Toyota Oakdale Theatre