By Gunnar Conway
For Saratoga TODAY
SARATOGA SPRINGS – They’re back.
The Dave Matthews Band is returning to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center for a two-day event, starting tonight and finishing up Saturday evening.
The exceptional duo that is musical virtuoso Dave Matthews, as well as fellow bandmate and guitarist Tim Reynolds were at SPAC for Farm Aid back on September 21 for an all-acoustic set. This is the first time the entire band will be performing at the venue since May 25th of last year.
If you went to the 2013 concert, you know the band’s usual live style. This year, DMB will be doing something a bit different. Instead of just playing one show all the way through each night, they are going to split into two sets, giving this year’s show a new twist.
One set will be an acoustic set featuring the whole band with Dave and Tim on acoustic guitar, while the other will have a more energetic, electric set.
Last year the band did a very special performance to open the show playing “Seek Up,” a fan favorite, and opened the next day with “Tripping Billies,” so it should be very interesting to see what the band opens up with this year.
In recent shows, Dave and the band have playing more uncommon songs such as “Pig,” a relaxing song about love that picks up the intensity toward the end, and “Louisiana Bayou,” which is a unique country-style Dave jam with a funky twist.
With last year’s shows more than living up to the hype, the band will have high expectations yet again tonight and Saturday. DMB always seems to play their best stuff at SPAC, as they play with a certain energy that they don’t play with at every show.
The band is really known for their amazing jams that are usually led by Reynolds and violinist Boyd Tinsley. Last year, Reynolds led a jam after the song “Two Step” that many will not forget.
One of the band’s best qualities is how they play with all they’ve got. You don’t have to be inside to really make a connection with the band. Whether you’re inside, or on the lawn, the band will not disappoint.
This is really going to be a concert that all fans will be able to enjoy, as the two sets will allow one of Saratoga Springs’ favorite groups to play songs that usually would only be played at a show like Farm Aid, when it was just Dave and Tim. But, if you are someone who enjoys the more rock style of Dave, you will be able to hear songs that you want to hear.
Whether you have been to their concerts before, or if this is you first time, or if you prefer the acoustic style or the electric style, you are sure to get what you are looking for. The Dave Matthews Band never seems to leave anybody in the crowd unpleased.
Both nights are set to begin at 7 p.m.
