Blues Traveler drummer Ben Wilson never went to the Michigan State Fair when he was growing up in Ann Arbor, so before Wednesday’s show he will hopefully be able to chow down on a corn dog and some elephant ears. In an interview with the Tribune, Wilson, 44, said that some of his first exposure to live music came from small art fairs and bands that would travel through town catering to University of Michigan students. In fact, some of his first performances were at frat parties. The bluesy rock band is now 25 years old, and celebrated its anniversary earlier this year with the release of a two-album compilation of its greatest hits (such as "Hook," "But Anyway," and "Run-Around") and rarities, and also released a new album, "Suzie Cracks the Whip," in June. Former "American Idol" finalist Crystal Bowersox sang on one song off the new album, even though Wilson said he had never heard of her until she came into the studio. Apparently, he is not an "American Idol" fan, even now having had a positive experience with an alum. "There is probably a zero-percent chance I’ll watch [Idol] this season," he said. OK, then.
Blues Traveler
When • Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Where • Utah State Fair, 155 N. 1000 West, Salt Lake City
Tickets • Free show tickets will be available at the Utah State Fair Grandstand Ticket Office beginning at noon the day of the show (limit six per adult). Children 3 and younger, who are able to sit on a parent’s lap and don’t require their own seat, don’t need a ticket.
