Where do Dave Matthews Band fans go to quench their DMB thirst? They hop on the Dave Matthews Band Caravan, of course! A moving festival with an ever-so- faithful following, DMB Caravan draws in thousands upon thousands of the band's fans at each stop. They leave their respectable corporate nine-to-fives to cash in a few of their vacation days; to get dirty, camp out, dance, and surround themselves with mesmerizing folk sounds at one of the most pleasant music festivals I've ever had the pleasure of experiencing.
(Myself at The Gorge, overlooking main stage)
Though I hadn't previously experienced Dave Matthews Band live, I have experienced numerous massives and music festivals like Coachella and Bonnaroo. I can honestly say that DMB Caravan is the cleanest, most organized, most positive-vibe-infused music festival that I've ever experienced! It was tens of thousands of happy Dave fans coming out to have a good time for a weekend; and I've learned that there is absolutely no room for shadiness or drama at a Dave show! Taking it easy is the name of the game among these folks. And locking your car, tent, or campsite is never a thought that crosses your mind at DMB Caravan. Trust, faith, love, positivity and nature just permeate the air at the Dave Matthews Band Caravan!
I've always been a fan of Dave Matthews Band, but had never seen them live. This is much to the dismay of some of my best friends, who have all seen him-- literally-- dozens of times. My best friend, DJ stated that this was roughly his 30th DMB show; and Mark, who I met at Seattle's SeaTac airport wearing a DMB Caravan T-Shirt, proudly stated that this was his 52nd Dave show; and Julian, whom I also met at the airport flew in from Belgium to attend all 2011 DMB Caravan stops, and stated that this was his 25th time seeing Dave; as well, I met two sisters, Jody and Sharon from Anaheim who proudly stated that this was their 70th Dave show! DMB fans are some of the most faithful followers and fans that I've EVER met.
Earlier albums like Under the Table and Dreaming (1994), Crash (1996), and Before These Crowded Streets (1998) stole my heart as a youngster and became a folk-hippie staple in my coming of age and among my generation. I've lost myself in songs like "Dancing Nancies"—which Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds closed their afternoon set with on Sunday—and "Crush" on many a foggy occasion. And on the occasion of Labor Day Weekend 2011, I experienced Dave and the DMB Caravan for over three days at Washington's famed venue, The Gorge-- located about a 2 hour drive from Seattle.
(The Gorge by day)
September 2-4, Dave Matthews Band headlined the festival at the end of each day. But the event also consisted of three separate stages in this beautiful, unique venue with other great bands and acts filling The Gorge with music for miles and miles, as The Gorge is actually a natural amphitheatre and canyon along the Columbia River.
On Friday, I finally caught an amazing act that I've been dying to see for years-- Gogol Bordello! This gypsy-punk band of crazies certainly lived up to their reputation and had The Meadows stage hopping with their own style of psychogypsy-punk vibes; any festival-goers sporting a studded belt could be found at that stage… Their powerful set had the crowd dancing, thrashing, jumping, and yelling, "Start Wearing Purple!" Jenny-O also performed on Friday, but really should have been reserved for the night-- her psychedelic Lissie-sounding electronic folk tunes almost put me to sleep in the high-sun heat of the day. Washington D.C.-based, Soja, set the mood of the day with their undeniably magnificent reggae sounds!
(DC's own Soja - pic borrowed from Irieites.de)
On Saturday, I had the privilege of once again catching one of my fave San Diego bands-- The Silent Comedy. The Silent Comedy always seems to make themselves one with their audience, as you can see in the next picture. Frontman Josh Zimmerman can be seen below getting deep down into the crowd and bringing them low to the ground to hear and feel what the earth is saying. Saturday also hailed a performance from The Roots. The Roots really need no explanation as to who and what they are; but if you're still at a loss, you might recognize them as Jimmy Fallon's house band. Devotchka was another notable performance of the day that had every pseudo-hippie dancing their butt off! And to top the night off, when Dave Matthews Band performed with Warren Haynes as guest, they closed with a splendid cover of Blue Oyster Cult's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" that sent goose bumps running all over my entire body!
(The Silent Comedy's Josh Zimmerman getting down into the audience)
On Sunday, the good vibes relentlessly continued to radiate. DMB's final performance of this stop was (as stated by every DMB fan I spoke to) one of the very best live sets from the band. I would have to say that I completely believe that, as it was an amazing and hypnotic set that began with the beautiful sunset in the background (as pictured below) and went well into the night, closing with a cover of Sly and the Family Stone's "Thank You for Letting Me Be Myself (Again)." Dave was not shy about his good mood and dance moves either, as he broke it down with his funky, country style swag and dance skills. But earlier in the day, a memorable and sun-shiny set from Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros had the entire crowd-- from front to back-- dancing to beloved tunes of theirs like "Home". Also earlier that afternoon, Philadelphia's Dispatch packed the grass of the main stage with free-spirited indie-roots fans dancing around and being merry.
(sunset, final day)
Dave Matthews Band Caravan was an experience that left me with a feeling of satisfaction and gratification. From the campgrounds, to the stages, to the people, to the view, to the sheer magnificence of the gift from God that is The Gorge, the festival was worth every penny and every ounce of travel and effort it took to get there. I know in my heart that-- DMB Caravan or not-- I will once again find myself at this spectacular, breathtaking venue. Kudos to DMB Caravan and blessings to Washington's The Gorge!
~Meow~
Pennies
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