In the old school jam band department, Blues Travelers John Popper took the stage with The Spin Doctors last night at Bowery Ballroom in New York City. It was the first time Popper had performed with the band since 1994. He took the stage about an hour into the show and added harmonica and vocals to Off My Line and Two Princes, which closed the set. He then returned for the 30-minute encore that consisted of House, Cleopatras Cat, Hard to Exist and More Than She Knows.
Spin Doctors lead singer Chris Barron also told the story of Popper getting suspended in high school (they both attended Princeton High in New Jersey and sang in the glee club together along with Blues Traveler drummer Brendan Hill). As the story goes, Popper was running for junior class vice president and in lieu of a campaign speech, stepped up to the podium and took a mean harmonica solo in the school auditorium (he was quickly stopped by the principle).
The Spin Doctors are currently touring with their original line-up: Barron, drummer Aaron Comess, guitarist Eric Schenkman and bassist Mark White. The group first reunited last September during the final week of shows at New Yorks Wetlands Preserve.
The tour continues tomorrow at the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom in Hampton Beach, NH. For the complete tour itinerary, visit www.spindoctors.com.