Some say music is a drug. Friday night, a mix of rock and acoustic songs were a stimulant that gave the crowd a boost of energy at Club Infinity.

The atmosphere was already buzzing at the Clarence nightclub, when Lisa Bouchelle took the stage. Lisa is an acoustic artist who's sang back-up vocals for superstars like Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen, and Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20. With songs like "Kiss Worth a Thousand Words" and "Being in Love's Like Being Insane", Bouchelle has her own original sound. She's an emotional singer who has a sound similar to Alanis Morissette or Sheryl Crow.

While she does set herself apart from the rock stars she's learned from, in the song "Bubbles Everywhere", Bouchelle's rock guitar sound resonated similar to Jon Bon Jovi's "Blaze of Glory". After all, she recorded her debut album in the New Jersey rock star's home studio.

Bouchelle's opened for Blues Traveler since the tour began in early October. She said she couldn't have picked a better group of guys to tour with. She dedicated "Along For The Ride" to the band. She said she enjoyed her brief stay in WNY, pointing out "Buffalo's got a good vibe". Most in the crowd will agree that Bouchelle and her rock acoustic sound will be welcomed back to the Queen City in a heartbeat.

When John Popper and Blues Traveler took the stage, the energy level at the nightclub quickly rose to another level. The band opened with "This Ache". Within minutes, Popper's electric vocals and harmonica were enough to raise the temperature of the audience a few more notches. "This Ache" was the first opportunity for fans to see the band doesn't rely on vocals for their sound. The bass, guitar, harmonica, and drums are enough to get anyone's blood pumping. In fact, guitarist Chan Kinchla didn't need a warm-up set, he played like he felt each and every chord.

In "Reach Me", Popper combined a rock sound with scat vocals that brought the audience back to the days of the "Rat Pack". Popper described the band's latest CD "Cover Yourself" as a greatest hits album with a new sound. "The fans picked the song and we re-did them." That was true in the new sound of
"But Anyway", as the piano and bass fiddle had the same beat as the song fans are used to, but this version has more emotion and a more acoustic sound. Keyboardist Ben Wilson's piano solo raised the energy level even more.

Blues Traveler has quite a few songs dedicated to the ladies. In "Amber", Popper gives the phrase "use your mouth as an instrument" a whole new meaning. While, in "Gina", the bass solo sounded more like a medley, rather than just Tad Kinchla on bass. During "Felicia", Popper proved his lung capacity as he held on to extended chords on the harmonica, then quickly transformed to vocals.

While "Alone" started as a ballad, it quickly escalated to a rock song with Popper on the electric guitar. With the help of a "roadie", the lead singer was able to make the transition from guitar to harmonica without missing a beat. Popper gives the harmonica sound a whole new meaning, he makes the instrument versatile in each and every song.

"Partner in Crime" revived the crowd, with a drum solo that brought cheers and screams from fans, and "Run-Around" and "Hook" quickly escalated the energy level in the club to its highest point as heads bopped, and fans vocals' were nearly as loud as Popper's. The band saved the fan favorites for last, and the hundreds in the crowd were not disappointed.

Most people know Blues Traveler from their hits in the 90s, but their live show multiplies their sound and their talent times 10. It's difficult to put into words the emotion and vibe that emanated through the nightclub.

Buffalo is a favorite stop for the band. They've been here numerous times over the past two decades, most recently playing Thursday at the Square last year. With the reception they received Friday night, there's no doubt they'll be back to treat the WNY crowd to great music once again.