If you were watching MTV every day after school in the early 1990s, chances are good you’ll want a ticket to the biggest event the Pittsburgh Brewing Co. will host so far at its East Deer brewery.
Tickets go on sale Friday for a July 13 show that will feature ’90s rock-radio staples Blues Traveler, the Gin Blossoms and the Spin Doctors.
After some smaller-scale events like performances by Jimmy Buffett, Led Zeppelin and The Doors tribute bands; an Oktoberfest; and a motorcycle show, Pittsburgh Brewing Co. stepped things up last September, bringing in country music star Cole Swindell and hosting its first large-scale concert.
The three bands recently wrapped up a stint headlining The ’90s Cruise, a six-day boat cruise featuring more than a dozen ’90s chart toppers like TLC, DJ Kool, Better Than Ezra and others.
Blues Traveler is probably best known for its frontman, harmonica prodigy John Popper. The band regularly charted in the early 1990s with songs like “Run-Around,” “But Anyway,” and “Hook,” which expertly skewers the commercial music industry while creating a catchy melody based around the equally popular classical music chord progression of Pachebel’s “Canon in D.”
“Getting to play with dear old friends like Gin Blossoms and the Spin Doctors is one of the great benefits of a touring career that spans almost four decades now,” Popper said. “These are exceptional players and performers, and they push us to play even harder.”
The Gin Blossoms were part of the vanguard of early ’90s alternative rock with “Hey Jealousy” and other popular songs including “Follow You Down” and “Found Out About You.”
“These shows will be packed with great songs, good vibes and the kind of summer nights you never forget,” said Jesse Valenzuela of the Gin Blossoms.
The Spin Doctors were early darlings in the jam-band scene, and were in heavy rotation on Pittsburgh rock stations with songs like “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong” and “Two Princes.”
General admission tickets cost $60. Chairs and blankets are permitted for the outdoor concert. VIP packages specific to each band are also available.
Purchase tickets at Etix.com.