Just a couple weeks ago, one of the greatest nights of the whole summer concert season came and went. And it’s true because Chris Barron (lead singer of Spin Doctors) said it was, just a few songs into his band’s opening set.
Blues Traveler, Spin Doctors, and Gin Blossoms played the same bill at Red Butte Garden and Arboretum on July 14, 2026, selling the night out. It sounded not unlike listening to the radio in the mid-90s, only at maximum volume and with more singing along.
Spin Doctors finished its opening set — one that included “Two Princes,” “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong,” even a solid “Purple Rain” cover — and left the stage one by one as members of Blues Traveler trickled on, taking their places. The music never stopped, from the time the Doctors had totally left to when John Popper was singing “Run-Around” for the masses. They’d not tackled that move in a couple of decades, he said, and it was still just as impressive.
By the time Gin Blossoms ended the night — reminding all just how good “Hey Jealousy” and “Til I Hear It From You” still are — a couple of things were clear. Was it one of the greatest nights we’d witnessed all summer? Neither yes or no. Solid maybe. After all, there’s still so much summer left to experience. But it was clear that a) these three are well-honed acts, well versed in all it takes to keep fans pleased, b) choosing The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven” as an encore was a solid choice, and c) all three bands were team players. Would see again. Happily.
And if it’s nostalgia acts you’re after, Red Butte has plenty to choose from between now and September, including SUGAR (Bob Mould!), Men at Work w/ Toad the Wet Sprocket, and The Record Company w/ Cracker. A dozen shows remain in the 2026 series. Choose yours wisely!
Photos by Clark Clifford. IG: @clarkcliffordphoto
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