225BatonRouge.com - Blogs

When’s the last time you heard the name Blues Traveler? How long has it been since you’ve thought of them? Been a while, huh? Well, guess what? They played at The Varsity last Thursday and yours truly decided to check them out. While I really enjoyed the concert I was a little disappointed in the drinks at The Varsity.

I’ll tell you my problems with the drinks in a second. But really, do you remember Blues Traveler? Said one friend, “Isn’t that the band with the fat dude that plays the harmonica?” Well, yes and no. The guy used to be pretty big but he’s lost some weight since the last time you probably saw them. And even though he’s a little more trim today he can still play one mean ass harmonica.

I was a little apprehensive about going because they did have a few big songs and then fell off the face of the planet. Usually when a band has a big hit or two and then doesn’t follow it up with another good album that means something; they weren’t very good after all. Such isn’t the case with Blues Traveler, though. Who knew a harmonica could sound so good? Plus, the bass guitarist wore an LSU hat so that was good. If he had stepped out in a Florida or Miami hat I may have disliked them a little. You never know how something like that could affect your impression of them.

Besides that though they sure haven’t forgotten how to put on a great show. They rocked for almost three straight hours without taking a single set break. The crowd was into it. It was three hours of great, laid-back rock-and-roll harmonica.

As far as drinks, well, I can’t really give much on prices cause I didn’t pay for anything. However, that doesn’t mean I didn’t get a drink or two. I ordered my trusty Jack and Coke but was pretty shocked when I got it. Let me say this, I know not everyone is into the Tigerland scene. I get that. But you have to agree that the drinks in those bars are MUCH bigger and MUCH stronger than anything The Varsity serves, well except the big beers. The drink size left a lot to be desired in my opinion.

Overall, I think The Varsity is a great place to take in a concert. I’ve seen a few others (Pat Green and Cowboy Mouth) and there is just a great feel about the place. I believe the phrase is “intimate setting.” The crowd is right up on the stage and the bands usually play to the crowds well. If you get the chance to see your favorite band playing there you should go. It’s worth the trip.