DMB # 9

If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile it’s probably not a surprise to you that I am in love with the sounds of Dave Matthews Band.

I know there are a lot of haters out there and before I go any further, let me just say this: I was one of you.

Yes, I too, at one point, didn’t get what the big deal was about Dave Matthews Band and his music. Until my sophomore year in high school when my friend K asked me to go with her since her sister had extra tickets. And so I did.

And I fell in love. I fell in love with the sounds of the band and how they can just play for ten minutes with no particular end-point in mind. I fell in love with the witty banter Dave throws around on stage. I fell in love with the sounds, the words, the music.

I went out and bought three of his CDs the next day. And I’ve bought every one since.

I know a lot of his original followers don’t care for his new music saying it is too different from the “old Dave.” My question is this:  How is a musician supposed to sound the same all the time? That would be a bore not to mention unfair to the singer/songwriter/band. Music is about evolution, about expressing yourself at a particular place in time. It only makes sense that sound of DMB would change over the years. I’ve noticed with each CD a change, always slightly related to his personal life. His marriage to his wife, Grace. The birth of their twins. The death of LeRoi.

Perhaps it is because I grew up around music of all kinds and a musician family but I respect the music process, the musician, the freedom to change over time.

And as a result of my profound respect and understanding for the music, I have been to a whopping nine concerts. All of them except for one in StL. I have only been diasppointed once and that was because I didn’t know any of the songs but right as rain I bought the new CD the following day.

Last night’s concert was amazing on for many reasons:

* Irish was with me. I’ve never been to a DMB concert with a boyfriend before

* We carpooled, tailgated and “sat” with Liz and her husband. (I say “sit,” because anyone who has been to a concert at our venue knows that very little sitting takes place on the lawn.)

* Irish spoiled me by buying me two shirts and a very cool bio-friendly DMB bag. (They are my anniversary presents.)

* Irish admitted to “appreciating,”Dave’s music. It should be noted that prior to this concert, Irish was a DMB “hater.”

* Liz’s husband is now a self-proclaimed DMB Fan! (Side note: Our missions have been accomplished. Our men now like DMB!)

* There was a slight drizzle during the second half of the show which took the edge off the insane heat and humidity that settled upon us

* People watching was spectacular, as always

* DMB played for nearly three hours straight! No opening band, just pure DMB.

* I managed to thoroughly ignore all my stresses, worries and problems during the show which is a huge accomplishment for me

(Photos courtesy of Liz’s iPhone and please note the lovely floofy hair I’m sporting courtesy of the humidity. Sigh.)

After seeing the many concert-goers last night, most of whom were likely under the age of 20, I wonder if I’ll still go see him when I’m 30? I have a feeling the answer is yes, though maybe by then I’ll splurge and spend $80 on a seat instead.