Blues Traveler to perform at Iowa Speedway

Rock band Blues Traveler will bridge two days of racing and entertainment at the Fastest Short Track on the Planet as they perform on the Pork Party Pavilion for the third celebration of the NAPA Auto Parts Concert Series at Iowa Speedway.

Known for their hits “Hook” and “Run-Around” the New York-based blues-rock quartet will keep the party going following the return of the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards on July 17.

“Blues Traveler is part of my life’s soundtrack,” said Iowa Speedway President Jimmy Small. “Having John Popper and company perform at Iowa Speedway, the same weekend that we have ARCA, Pro Mazda, Indy Lights and the IndyCar Series on track, is something no fan should miss.”

Formed in 1988 by singer/harmonica player John Popper, guitarist Chan Kinchla, bassist Bobby Sheehan, and drummer Brendan Hill, Blues Traveler was part of a revival of the extended jamming style made famous by bands like the Grateful Dead and Led Zeppelin. The band released their first album, Blues Traveler, in May 1990 and followed it with Travelers & Thieves in September 1991. In April 1993, Blues Traveler released their third album, Save His Soul, which became the band’s first to make the Top 100.

Blues Traveler’s aptly named fourth album, Four, released in September 1994, and in 1995, “Run-Around” became the group’s first Billboard hit. The song was one of the biggest singles of 1995 and sent Four into quintuple platinum status. “Run Around” also earned Blues Traveler the 1995 Grammy for “Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal.”

The new millennium saw a rejuvenated Blues Traveler, and their sixth record, Bridge, appeared in May 2001. In March 2012, the band released 25, a two-disc set celebrating the group's 25th anniversary. Three years later, Blues Traveler has returned with "Blow Up the Moon," an album filled with collaborations from pop stars including Jewel, Hanson, Plain White T's and JC Chasez.

Blues Traveler will hit the Pork Party Pavilion stage, overlooking Turn 4, approximately one hour after the conclusion of the 150-lap ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards on July 17. The concert will be free-of-charge to fans with a ticket to either the July 17 ARCA race or July 18 IndyCar Series Iowa Corn 300.

For tickets, call 1-866-RUSTY-GO or visit www.IowaSpeedway.com.