Photos by Andy Argyrakis

One of the most promising alternative acts of the early 1990s was unquestionably Blind Melon, but the band’s original shelf-life was cut disastrously short by the untimely death of front man Shannon Hoon in 1995.

From there, it took well over a decade for the remaining members to reunite on 2008’s “For My Friends,” and though they haven’t released a full-length album since then, are slowly trickling out some singles.

Nowadays, the group consists of co-founders Rogers Stevens (lead guitar), Christopher Thorn (rhythm guitar) and Glen Graham (drums), alongside second round recruits Travis Warren as the well-suited singer and Nathan Towne holding down the bass, who returned to the road to mainly showcase their trio of studio albums, including a quadruple platinum self-titled debut.

In light of how little Blind Melon came to the area as of late, it resulted in a fairly full house at the renovated and renowned Genesee Theatre where fans of multiple generations finally got a chance to experience the group’s neo-psychedelic experiments that previously led to opening for The Rolling Stones, Lenny Kravitz and Neil Young, in addition to a slot at Woodstock ’94.

It turns out trippy tunes such as “2×4,” “Way Down And Far Below,” “I Wonder,” “Skinned,” “Change” and “Soup” were as interesting and innovative as ever, while a few latter day tracks found the fellas pretty much picking up where they left off and giving any of the modern day rock revivalists a serious run for their money.

“Sleepyhouse” evolved into an even more adventurous jam session and “Galaxie” took everyone to another planet all together, each demonstrating just how criminally overlooked Blind Melon became during its quieter years.

Thankfully, the iconic “No Rain” never left the spotlight and it unsurprisingly served as the communal and colossal closer, both preserving the memory of its prior leader and giving the rest of the guys a legacy that will last forever.

Illinois’ own Local H opened, fresh off the 20th anniversary release of the “Whatever Happened To P.J. Soles?” project and the movie “Lifers,” which traces its underground ascent during the same era as Blind Melon.

The duo comprised of singer/guitarist Scott Lucas and drummer Ryan Harding roared their way around “All-Right (Oh, Yeah),” “All The Kids Are Right,” “Bound For The Floor,” “High-Fiving MF” and others, coming across like a freight train to compliment a heavy Genesee double header.

For additional information on Blind Melon and Local H, visit BlindMelon.com and LocalH.com.

Upcoming concerts at the Genesee Theatre include Howard Jones and ABC (Feb. 20); Air Supply (Feb. 21); “Drumline” Live (Feb. 23); Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone (Feb. 28); The Moody Blues’ John Lodge (Mar. 1); Jim Henson’s “Fraggle Rock” (Mar. 2); Illusionist Rick Thomas (Mar. 6); KC & The Sunshine Band (Mar. 7); Old Crow Medicine Show (Mar. 15); Here Come The Mummies (Mar. 20); “Ancient Aliens” Live (Mar. 21); An Evening With Emerson, Lake & Palmer (Mar. 22); Michael Blackson (Mar. 27); Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons (Mar. 30); Daryl Hall (Apr. 3); MJ Live (Apr. 4); The Brit Pack (Apr. 10); “The Addams Family” (Apr. 19); Voyage: Celebrating The Music Of Journey (May 1); Classic Albums Live: Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Pronounced ‘Lĕh-‘nérd ‘Skin-‘nérd” (May 10); “Sesame Street” Live! (May 16) and Brit Floyd (May 30). For additional details, visit GeneseeTheatre.com.

Related Articles

Blood, Sweat & Tears, guest Jason Scheff’s Chicago moments made Genesee Theatre “So Very Happy” A dynamic Daughtry teases forthcoming tunes alongside all the majors Genesee says “Happy Anniversary” to a half-century of Little River Band’s “Reminiscing” Genesee boards “Runaway Train” for Soul Asylum anniversary, “Counting Blue Cars” with Dishwalla Daughtry with Sinclair: “Backbone” Tour at Genesee Theatre The legendary Morrissey lets the Genesee Theatre get exactly what it wants of solo and The Smiths The Neverland Express, “American Idol” Caleb Johnson amaze Genesee “Celebrating Meat Loaf” Alter Bridge, Mammoth WVH (Wolfgang Van Halen), RED blow the roof off the Riviera