Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, and Spin Doctors at PBC Iron City Stage; Pittsburgh Symphony at Bach, Beethoven and Brunch (Sun., 7/13/25)

July 12, 2025/Rick Handler

Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, and The Spin Doctors (Pittsburgh Brewing Co.)

1) Get ready for a jam-packed musical evening with three outstanding bands—Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, and The Spin Doctors—as they team up for a concert on Pittsburgh Brewing Company’s Iron City Stage. John Popper, who is known equally for his harmonic prowess and harmonic bandoliers, leads Blues Traveler. The band, which started its journey in Princeton, New Jersey in 1987, touches on blues, folk, psychedelic, and southern rock. The group’s top hits are “Run-Around” and “Hook,” both of which appear on 1994’s four, their fourth (and breakthrough) album. Founding member and bassist Bobby Sheehan died in 1999 of an accidental overdose, but the rest of the band continued to honor their friend and bandmate. Popper and company continue to release music. Blues Traveler’s latest album is 2023’s Traveler’s Soul.

The rock band Gin Blossoms rose to fame out of Tempe, Arizona, in the 1990s on well-crafted pop-rock songs with strong instrumentality and melodic vocals. The band has survived the suicide of founding member Doug Hopkins in 1993 and a breakup in 1997. Songs that have “blossomed” for the band include its biggest hits, “Hey Jealousy,” “Allison Road,” and “Found Out About You.” Gin Blossoms’ most recent album release is 2018’s Mixed Reality.

The Spin Doctors formed in New York City, and are arguably best known for the songs “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong” and “Two Princes.” Both songs are from their debut album, 1991’s Pocket Full of Kryptonite. The album’s title, a reference to Superman’s weakness, comes from lyrics to the opening tune, “Jimmy Olsen’s Blues.” Jimmy Olsen is Superman’s pal―except in this song when he tries to win over Lois Lane. Pocket Full of Kryptonite was a sleeper hit, not hitting the mainstream until 1992. As the ’90s progressed, some members quit the Spin Doctors, but the classic lineup reunited in 2001. Their latest album is this year’s Face Full of Cake. Doors open for the three-band concert at 5 p.m. with music at 6 p.m. Iron City Stage, 150 Ferry St., Creighton. (C.M., R.H.)

2) The City of Pittsburgh’s Bach, Beethoven and Brunch Classical Music Series offers a free concert today by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Upper Mellon Park, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Pack your own brunch basket or buy food at the park. Fifth and Shady Aves., Point Breeze/Squirrel Hill.