Franklin Avenue

The Best Of What's Around
No matter how big a fan you think you are of the Dave Matthews Band, there's always someone who's gone to more shows and know more about the band than you. Some people have even met the band or shared a cocktail with them like Mike's sister Melanie. At the DMB show last Saturday night, fans are striking up conversations left and right comparing how many shows they've been to so far etc. Suddenly, you're eavesdropping on a debate on which is a better venue to see Dave – the Gorge or Red Rocks.

All I know is this, no matter how many people are sometimes incredulous (even outraged?) that I'm a big DMB fan, I stand by them. Music has put me through some tough and lonely times and Dave has been a big part of that.

Here's what is special about any DMB show:
* They change the set list on every performance
* Dave always introduces the opening act (he's so cool like that)
* The opening acts are phenomenal artists in their own right (The Roots opened this year, but previous opening performers have been Maceo Parker, Angelique Kidjo, and Macy Gray to name a few)
* The fans, it's like going to a screening of Rocky Horror Picture Show, the fans know what chorus to sing or what to yell out as the band goes on to a favorite tune.

The show last Saturday night was another stellar one, what you'd expect from a Dave show. The band is still fired up and fierce and it was great seeing my sister Kat enjoy her first-ever Dave show so much. As Dave walked off the stage, I sensed a little weariness and a lot of fatigue but all Kat and I were thinking was how great the night was and that we hope they never stop touring.