Third Eye Blind Rocks Q Casino for Late-Summer Concert

The weather nor the overall vibes could've been better for the latest show at Q Casino's Back Waters Stage, which also served as the penultimate concert in the venue's 2023 Summer Concert Series.

10 Years and Third Eye Blind performed in Dubuque on September 9th, 2023, giving adoring fans an energetic show that felt in part like a celebration of summer and an open-arms welcome for the upcoming fall season. The show followed the sold out Jelly Roll concert at Q Casino, which felt like the social event of the summer season back in August.

Saturday night began with a performance by 10 Years, the Knoxville-based rock band probably best known for their song "Wasteland" from 2005. Lead singer and band-mainstay, Jesse Hasek, who is also the cousin of the late Brad Renfro, showed love to Iowans and Dubuquians alike on multiple occasions as the band cycled through their tunes, which were no doubt familiar to the crowd.

At about 9:30pm, Third Eye Blind took the stage to a roaring applause and responded with some shredding guitars, thunderous drums, and lead singer Stephan Jenkins' recognizable vocals.

Sprinkled in with newer material were some of the group's most popular tracks, including "Graduate," "Jumper," and "Never Let You Go."

Jenkins didn't directly address the crowd of concertgoers until a little after 10pm, and revealed that he had traveled 30+ hours to Dubuque after being in Bali and Egypt the week prior. No doubt Jenkins was fighting some serious jet lag, but his voice didn't show any sign of tiredness. He soldiered on, not letting fatigue get the best of him, while also reminding the crowd how exhausting the life of a musician can be.

I admit I wasn't terribly familiar with Third Eye Blind's music prior to this week. My girlfriend is a big fan, so in the week leading up to the show, I was treated to their greatest hits collection, where I recognized a couple of their hits. Sometimes, there's something nice going to a show and having no idea what you'll be in for. Saturday was one of those nights for me, similar to when I experienced Halestorm at the Back Waters Stage earlier this summer.

Third Eye Blind closed their show with extended versions of their two most popular songs, including "Semi-Charmed Life" and "How's It Going to Be." It was a fitting way to end the night.

Trampled by Turtles will take the Back Waters Stage this Friday, September 15th, which will conclude Q Casino's 2023 Summer Concert Series. Tickets are still available on the Back Waters Stage's website.

Q Casino is an entertainment and gaming complex that incorporates both live entertainment and casino gaming located in Dubuque, Iowa. The casino is owned by the City of Dubuque, and operated by the non-profit Dubuque Racing Association, its license holder.