Blues Traveler vocalist John Popper isn’t known by many as the Hendrix of harmonica for nothing.

Formed in Princeton, N.J., in 1993, Blues Traveler has built its reputation on kinetic jamming and a frenetic live show, and this simple but effective formula hasn’t changed in 20 years. And although Blues Traveler’s days of headlining stadiums or closing the H.O.R.D.E. tour may be behind the band, Popper and company again proved why they’re one of the best jam-based blues bands on the planet March 30 in Champaign.

Opening the evening’s show was California country rockers Shurman. With tunes about staples of women, liquor and partying, Shurman was one part country, two parts rock and all fun, as the band jammed its way through an all-too-short set, smiling all the while.

The fact the crowd may have been unfamiliar with the group didn’t stop vocalist and rhythm guitarist Aaron Beavers from throwing himself into convulsions and slamming away at his Fender Telecaster, while winning the crowd over with a commanding stage presence and liberal doses of humor.

And while the crowd eventually warmed to the California rockers, it was evident all those in attendance were eagerly awaiting the return of Blues Traveler. In a two-plus-hour set that rarely paused, the band never disappointed.

Twisting and turning through crowd favorites like “Hook,” “But Anyway” and “Sweet and Broken,” the band blissfully turned each tune around and sideways. Building each verse and then tearing each song to its root only to build it back up again, much of the show was a musical tour de force of sheer virtuosity.

Blues Traveler may be known best as a jam band, but each of the group’s members have incredible prowess over his respective instrument.

While Popper’s proclivity for intricate solos is well-known, the rest of the band rarely gets its due. Lead guitarist Chan Kinchla can shred with the best virtuosos, as his finger-tapped licks combine blistering speed and beautiful melody. Likewise, bassist Tad Kinchla’s slick walking basslines often belie the fact he can improv with style and melody when given a solo.

Although the top 40 hits aren’t coming for the band anymore, Blue Traveler has again restaked its claim as a leader in the genre of blues jamming.