Roaring screams and whistles were heard as Boyd Tinsley took his fiddle to center stage during "Lie in our Graves." Dave Matthews stood stage left and allowed Tinsley to enjoy the screaming fans.
He knows that providing Tinsley the opportunity to share the spotlight is essential to creating the kind of show long-time fans are used to; the fiddler/violinist filled the arena with the talented sounds of his violin and the audience ate it up.
This was just one of the amazing sets performed by Dave Matthews Band last Saturday at HSBC Arena, which sold out quickly enough that organizers jammed some fans behind the stage. This is nothing new for DMB; they have been selling out arenas since 1997, and in 2000 were the top-grossing touring band in the U.S.
Before all the DMB phenomena began that evening, Robert Randolph and the Family Band got their chance to amaze the crowd. The New York City band, a cross between The Allman Brothers and Eric Clapton, jammed on stage for about an hour, getting the crowd hyped for DMB.
When DMB performed, the arena was filled with diehard fans screaming, dancing and singing along to the music. Matthews' ability to strum and dance simultaneously drove the females in the stands wild, leading Matthews to invite them to join him.
"This is the first time I've seen them perform live," said Annie Botkins, a freshman at Nardin Academy. "I'm blown away."
Although the atmosphere was positive, some fans disliked the cramped confines of the arena.
"I like the stadium shows better," said Andy Serrano, who traveled from Rochester to see DMB. "Being outside enables you to groove to the music better and have more fun."
Matthews put on a varied set list, performing old favorites but also sharing some rare songs. Crowd pleasers such as "The Space Between" and "What Would You Say" mingled with "Two Step" and "Sleep to Dream Her," with special guest Butch Taylor on keyboard.
The roots of their fame began in Virginia in 1991, when Matthews decided to record some songs he had written. After enlisting the help of drummer Carter Beauford and saxophonist LeRoi Moore, the talents of the-then-16-year old bass prodigy Stefan Lessard were recommended to Matthews by local jazz guru John D'Earth. The addition of keyboardist Peter Griesar and classically trained violinist Tinsley soon formed the full lineup.
So what is the secret that has allowed DMB to stick around for over 10 years while their fan base continues to grow?
The band loves to perform and they show their enthusiasm on stage. DMB still puts on concerts the way they have from day one - organically, showing their underlying grassroots mentality.
DMB shows are interactive, engaging the audience in conversations or allowing them to fill in the occasional chorus. Taping is allowed and encouraged and set lists can be found on their Web site, which is updated every two minutes as the show proceeds.
The band's live CDs usually climb the charts right alongside their studio albums. Their latest effort, Everyday, was followed by Live In Chicago 12-19-98 At The United Center, which both went platinum.
"It was just another amazing show," said Brian Neumann, a UB student who has seen DMB perform nine times. Neumann has traveled to Boston to see the band and has plans to go to Cleveland and Toronto for more shows.
Great theatrics, amazing lighting, powerful jams and lots of high energy - with each show, DMB continues to show why their popularity has spread like wildfire.
Photo: Breadchastick / Wikimedia Commons
