For the members of the Grammy Award-winning Blues Traveler Band, their journey to rock stardom began not in smoky clubs or bustling city venues, but in the idyllic setting of Princeton, New Jersey. Imagine a childhood filled with snowy escapades down Nassau Street, daring explorations within the walls of McCarter Theatre, and secret passages beneath Princeton University – this was the vibrant backdrop that shaped the formative years of this iconic rock-jam band. Established in 1987 within the walls of Princeton High School, Blues Traveler emerged from casual jam sessions among four musically inclined friends. Now, boasting twelve studio albums, over 2,000 electrifying live performances, and a dedicated global fanbase, the Blues Traveler band continues to captivate audiences. As they commemorated their 30th anniversary with a nationwide tour and geared up to record their latest album, Bricks & Mortar magazine engaged in a conversation with three core members – guitarist Chan Kinchla, drummer Brendan Hill, and bassist Tad Kinchla – to delve into their Princeton roots and explore how those early experiences continue to resonate in their music today.
The original lineup of Blues Traveler band members: John Popper, Bobby Sheehan, Chan Kinchla, and Brendan Hill, formed in Princeton.
Princeton: An Idyllic Playground for Budding Musicians
Bricks & Mortar (B&M): Let’s start at the beginning. What was it like growing up in Princeton?
Brendan Hill: Princeton in the ’70s and ’80s was truly idyllic. It was a different era. I have vivid memories of massive leaf piles lining the streets, the fresh scent of cut grass, ice skating on a frozen Lake Carnegie, and the enchanting winter concerts held at the University Chapel. Summers were all about Community Park Pool. My friends were scattered throughout town, and my bike was my trusty steed, taking me everywhere – the shopping center, Nassau Street, the legendary Hoagie Haven, Victor’s Pizza, the public library. It was the quintessential small college town, a perfect place to grow up.
Chan Kinchla: We had incredible freedom. We’d roam all over, walking to and from school. Downtown Princeton was easily accessible on foot. When it snowed, we’d even “skitch” – grabbing onto car bumpers for a ride – to get to friends’ houses across town. The entire town was our playground, offering endless adventures for kids.
Tad Kinchla: Everything was so close and interconnected. Some of my best memories are from sledding down the slopes of Springdale Golf Course, playing stickball in the rain with Billy Byrne, the governor’s son, at Morven Museum & Garden, and, perhaps less approved, unintentionally wreaking havoc on their lawn. And who could forget sneaking up the old fire escape at McCarter Theatre and taking that thrilling spiral slide down what felt like twelve stories?
C.K.: That spiral slide in the dark was the ultimate rush, the grand finale of any McCarter Theatre adventure. I still wonder if it’s still there. You really couldn’t stop a “townie” from exploring every nook and cranny of Princeton.
The First Notes: Musical Beginnings in Princeton
B&M: When did music first capture your attention and become a significant part of your lives?
B.H.: My musical journey started early, with the violin at age three. By nine, I realized the violin wasn’t my true calling and switched to drums. I played drums and sang throughout high school and later pursued music at The New School in NYC after graduation. My dad was a huge music enthusiast and exposed me to a wide range of artists, from Jimmy Reed to 10cc to the Beatles, from a young age. In Princeton, I was fortunate to have inspiring music teachers like Stephen Bussey, Joe Parella, William Trego, and Dr. Tony Biancossino, who provided the encouragement and skills I needed to pursue music professionally.
C.K.: For me, it was around age 12. My friend John Cogan, who lived across the street, got a guitar. I was instantly drawn to it and would go to his house every day to play. Eventually, he generously gave it to me. John was my initial inspiration, and he remains a close friend to this day.
T.K.: In fourth grade, I joined the Trinity Church Choir because my buddy Milo Cogan was a member. It turned out to be an incredible classical music education under a world-renowned choirmaster. Later, I played upright bass in the John Witherspoon School orchestra. I gravitated towards the bass partly because my brother Chan got an electric guitar that year, and fueled by sibling rivalry, I wanted an instrument of my own – so my parents got me a bass.
Tad Kinchla performing live with Blues Traveler band at his audition in Bar Bat, NYC, showcasing his bass skills.
From Princeton High School to Blues Traveler Band
B&M: The story goes that the initial spark for the Blues Traveler band happened at Princeton High School. Can you tell us more about that?
B.H.: I had a band in middle school, but things really took off when I joined Studio Band at P.H.S. That’s where I met John [Popper], and I invited him to jam with us. We changed our band name from The Establishment to Blues Band, and our musical focus shifted from Police and Bowie covers to the bluesy sounds of George Thorogood and Jimi Hendrix.
C.K.: John and Brendan were in the acclaimed Studio Band, while I was often skipping class and practicing guitar scales in the school’s rehearsal rooms. I brought my friend Bobby [Sheehan, the original bassist] into the band, completing the initial lineup. Our very first gig was at Christ Congregation Church, right across from the high school.
B.H.: We even competed in the Hightstown “Battle of the Bands” in 1983 and came in second place. Our early performance venues were diverse – Y.M.C.A. dances, churches, high school spring flings, John & Peter’s in New Hope, house parties, and even a show in front of the Nassau Inn in 1987 – all before we officially moved to New York City to pursue our music career further as Blues Traveler band.
C.K.: During our senior year, we played practically every house party in town until the police inevitably shut us down, which happened quite frequently!
T.K.: Joining Blues Traveler band later on was a surreal experience for me. I had witnessed the band’s journey firsthand, from their early days to their eventual mainstream success. I was even in the audience at that church gig – the sound was terrible, but their energy and attitude were incredible. At the John and Peter’s gig, I was actually escorted out before the first song because I was only 15! But I made up for it by becoming a regular at shows at the Wetlands Preserve in Manhattan, taking the 4 a.m. train home to make it to school. My parents were incredibly supportive.
Princeton Reunions: A Hometown Tradition
B&M: For many who grew up in Princeton, sneaking into Princeton Reunions is a rite of passage. Did you all partake in this tradition?
C.K.: Being a “university brat,” I knew all the loopholes the proctors missed. We’d strategically wander through the reunion tents at dawn, collecting the coveted commemorative cups, which we’d use for years to come.
B.H.: Chan taught me the ropes! Reunions were always a highlight of the year. The fifth reunion was legendary – the best bands, the most fun, but notoriously difficult to get into. The 55th, on the other hand, was much easier; you just had to be quick and inconspicuous. I had a collection of reunion buttons and cups in my bedroom, displayed like trophies.
T.K.: Reunions were definitely a rite of passage for all Princeton kids. Our dad, being faculty, got us passes that were practically “super V.I.P.” Sometimes we would sneak in even with passes, just for the thrill of it. Having grown up right next to campus, we knew the intricate tunnel system connecting the dorms better than most campus proctors, I think.
C.K.: In 2009, Blues Traveler band actually returned to play the 20th reunion. Ironically, after our performance, Tad and I were denied entry into the fifth reunion tent! So, naturally, we proceeded to sneak in through a dorm room window. You just couldn’t keep us out.
Beyond Campus: Exploring Princeton’s Hidden Gems
B&M: Aside from the university campus, where else in Princeton did you spend your time?
C.K.: Marquand Park was a favorite. We’d climb to the very top of those magnificent trees and get a panoramic view of the entire town.
B.H.: I’ve always loved the grounds around the Institute for Advanced Study. My family would often take walks there on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Herrontown Woods is another fantastic trail for exploring nature.
T.K.: There’s a special spot on Carnegie Lake where my family used to picnic, right below where Broadmead meets Lake Street. I also appreciate the Princeton Battlefield. I used to fly kites and hike there. It’s pretty incredible to have such an iconic piece of American history right in our backyard, and it’s a wonderfully peaceful place in Princeton.
The Princeton Sound: Nurturing Musical Talent
B&M: There seems to be a disproportionate amount of musical talent that has emerged from Princeton. What do you think contributes to this phenomenon?
C.K.: Everywhere you look in Princeton, there’s incredible access to the arts. And there’s definitely a high concentration of very interesting and supportive parents.
B.H.: I believe the middle and high school music programs in Princeton were, and still are, exceptional. It’s a testament to the value of a well-rounded curriculum that includes art and music. These outlets are crucial for many students; people learn and express themselves in so many different ways. I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up in such an enriching environment that fostered my musical development and personal identity.
T.K.: Princeton is a unique blend of history, innovation, and diversity. My experience growing up here was always one of acceptance and inclusion. The university attracts intelligent and progressive thinkers from all over the world, and I think that positively influenced the town’s attitude towards the arts. Creative individuals were not only accepted but actively encouraged and supported by the community.
Blues Traveler band members Ben Wilson, Brendan Hill, and Tad Kinchla in the recording studio, working on new music.
Blues Traveler Band: Coming Home Soon?
B&M: So, when can we expect to see the Blues Traveler band back in town?
B.H.: Blues Traveler band is launching the first leg of our two-part 30th-anniversary tour next week, and we have a new album coming out in early spring. We’ll be playing shows near Princeton several times, but a proper Princeton show probably won’t happen until 2018.
T.K.: We’re all incredibly grateful and excited to still be doing what we love. We’ll likely continue as long as we can because it’s still fun, and we genuinely enjoy making music together.
B.H.: I would love to come back and play our real hometown again soon. It’s been far too long since we’ve performed at McCarter Theatre.
C.K.: We hope to be back in Princeton soon. As our dear father, Ron “The Prof” Kinchla, used to say, “Princeton is Brigadoon—the city on the hill that never changes.”
Blues Traveler featuring John Popper (lead vocals, harmonica), Chan Kinchla (guitar), Tad Kinchla (bass), Brendan Hill (drums), and Ben Wilson (keyboard) embarked on the first leg of its 30th Anniversary U.S. Tour from November 2017, continuing into February 2018.
—Jennifer P. Henderson (photographs provided by Bill Filipiak, Denise Truscello, Dominique Callan, and Tad Kinchla; article originally appeared in Bricks & Mortar: Fall/Winter 2017, Vol. 2)
