Photos by Kathryn Randall

A mere year ago, anthemic rockers Train toured behind the 20th anniversary of its breakthrough, “Drops Of Jupiter,” but instead of getting settled into nostalgia, the band went right back into the studio to spin “AM Gold” in the spirit of the easygoing 1970s, crossed with a contemporary pop sheen.

Along with engaging singer/songwriter Jewel and roots rockers Blues Traveler, who may have all came to fame together through the century’s turn, yet are equally committed to their crafts today, it was a crowded house at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Tinley Park for well over three hours.

Led by founding front man Pat Monahan and featuring guest guitarist Joe Keery (of “Stranger Things” fame), Train tore through the glowing title track, then went all the way back to the very beginning for the meaty “Meet Virginia,” regularly blending eras and examples of staying relevant.

“If It’s Love,” “Get To Me” and “Play That Song” were just a few that got everyone warmed up, prior to Blues Traveler’s John Popper jumping on board for Stephen Stills’ “Love The One You’re With” on the back end of “Bruises” and Jewel joining with a plea to “Turn The Radio Up,” then staying for ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” mashed-up with The Doobie Brothers’ “Listen To The Music.”

The chart-toppers continued, including “Marry Me,” “When I Look To The Sky,” “Calling All Angels” and “50 Ways To Say Goodbye,” though the hands down leader of that pack was the mighty sing-a-long “Hey, Soul Sister.”

It would only be matched by the chilling monster ballad “Drops Of Jupiter,” which elevated the audience to another level all together as it found Train not only right on track, but racing along full steam ahead.

In the second slot, the distinctive and delightful Jewel (not pictured due to the stipulations of her photo release form) juggled pop and acoustic pleasantries that dated back to 1995’s gigantic debut, “Pieces Of You,” up until 2022’s “Freewheelin’ Woman,” culminating with the classics “Foolish Games” and “Who Will Save Your Soul.”

Openers Blues Traveler are also back with “Traveler’s Blues,” but made sure to bring additional dimensions to harmonica-saturated hits “Run-Around” and “Hook,” along with several jams that always enhanced this trio of talents.

For additional information on Train, Jewel and Blues Traveler, visit SaveMeSanFrancisco.com, JewelJK.com and BluesTraveler.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre include Rod Stewart and Cheap Trick (Jul. 16); The Black Keys (Jul. 17); Chicago and Brian Wilson (Jul. 24); Backstreet Boys (Jul. 29); Kidz Bop (Jul. 31); OneRepublic (Aug. 3); Chris Brown (Aug. 4); Rob Zombie and Mudvayne (Aug. 5); Maverick City Music and Kirk Franklin (Aug. 7); Jason Aldean (Aug. 12); Incubus and Sublime With Rome (Aug. 14); Kid Rock and Foreigner (Aug. 19); Korn and Evanescence (Aug. 20); Alice In Chains, Breaking Benjamin and Bush (Aug. 24); Imagine Dragons (Aug. 26); Sammy Hagar & The Circle and George Thorogood & The Destroyers (Aug. 27); “Encanto”: The Sing Along Film Concert (Aug. 28); Wu-Tang Clan and Nas (Sept. 2); Luke Bryan (Sept. 10); Keith Urban (Sept. 24) and Five Finger Death Punch and Megadeth (Sept. 30). For additional details, visit LiveNation.com.

Related Articles

Together and apart, Daryl Hall and John Oates, Train turn in United Center sing-a-long Tears For Fears: “The Tipping Point” Tour at Hollywood Casino Amp Train: “A Girl, A Bottle, A Boat” Tour at United Center “Drops Of Jupiter” turns 20 on Train’s Ravinia ride, plus Vertical Horizon’s “Everything You Want” Steve Miller Band flies like an eagle over Ravinia, Jimmie Vaughan a fabulous blues bonus Tears For Fears shouts, lets “The Tipping Point” out, guests Garbage as great Jimmy Eat World: “Integrity Blues” Tour at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre Young The Giant and more: 101 WKQX PIQNIQ at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre