Not my typical post, but Dave Matthews Band released their Summer Tour schedule and it got me thinking about which venues I love the most. Here are my Top 5 Favorite DMB venues.
5. Hollywood Bowl
Unlike some of the other venues on this list, I don't exactly associate the Hollywood Bowl with Dave Matthews Band, but it's such an iconic venue that it still had to make the list. Typically, it seems DMB only plays at the Bowl when they're releasing a new album (in 2018 for Come Tomorrow, 2012 for Away From the World, etc.). They're playing a 2-night stop at the Bowl this tour, so I'd place my bet on them releasing an album this year too.
For the quintessential DMB venue stop, go to one of the other amphitheaters on this list. At the Hollywood Bowl most in attendance aren't going to excitedly cheer when the band plays the third verse of Grey Street and they might prefer Crash Into Me over a rarity like #40, but that doesn't mean a diehard can't have an amazing time. Playing in Los Angeles allows for some unique concert experiences, like in 2007 when John Mayer guested on #41 or in 2018 when the band was joined by an orchestra.
4. Alpine Valley
Alpine Valley Music Theatre is a huge outdoor venue that feels like it's in the middle of nowhere between Milwaukee and Chicago. Technically it's in Troy East, Wisconsin near the Alpine Valley Ski Resort. Lots of tailgating, drinking, and good vibes at Alpine.
The setlists tend to be solid, but I think what sets Alpine apart is the crowd. This is a crowd that is there to have a good time and loves its DMB. Lots of dancing and singing along for sure. You'd be hard pressed to not leave an Alpine show feeling happy.
For those lucky enough to have been in attendance in 2004, a highlight was the band playing Super Freak in tribute to Rick James.
3. Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Saratoga Performing Arts Center - SPAC - might be at the top of many fans' lists. It's a nice road trip to upstate New York for those living in the City.
Maybe more than any other venue, this is where you'll find your diehards - and DMB knows it. The band has played here nearly every year since 1994, almost always makes this a 2-night stay, and the setlists are legendary. If you're hunting for less played song, go to SPAC because you're certain to get some rarities.
Why isn't SPAC at the top of my list? The setlists might be my favorite, but I'm not a HUGE fan of the venue itself. Or at least not all of it. If you're going to SPAC, get a reserved seat. The venue is partially enclosed, so the lawn seating is less than ideal (and in my experience can get a bit muddy too). Sit at the front of the upper level of reserved seating for a solid view and great acoustics.
2. Red Rocks
Full disclosure: I've never seen Dave Matthews Band at Red Rocks. But the allure of Red Rocks started back in 1997 with the band's first live release Live at Red Rocks (second if you count the LP Remember Two Things). After listening to that album, if you hadn't seen DMB live yet, you knew you needed to see this band live and what better place than Red Rocks? Unfortunately, the band has only toured there once in the 2000s - an epic 4-night stand in 2005 (Dave and Tim also did a private show in 2008) - so catching a show there wasn't easy.
Unlike the sprawling 35k+ capacity of Alpine, Red Rocks is an intimate setting holding fewer than ten thousand people. As the name implies, the setting of the amphitheater is between two natural red rock structures on either side of the audience seating. A beautiful setting that might be rivaled only by our next selection.
2. The Gorge
The Gorge Amphitheatre is perfection. Located about a 2 and a half hour drive east of Seattle, the Gorge is set on a hill along the Columbia River. Dave has fittingly called this place "Heaven's Amphitheatre."
Unlike Red Rocks, the band playing here is no rarity. Since 1996, every summer tour has included a stop at the Gorge; typically a 3-night stop over Labor Day Weekend. Most fans see more than one show (often all three) on the stop, so the band makes sure not to repeat any songs. Over the course of three nights, you're assured of hearing some deep cuts. Due to its remote location, The Gorge isn't really a "home venue" to many, so the fans in attendance are diehards who have made a weekend trip to see the band, which means a lively and fun crowd. All this in an incredibly beautiful setting. A DMB show at the Gorge has it all.
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