Last night was one of those nights where karma was on my side. The Dave Matthews Band was in town for a show at the Riverbend Music Center, a place I have seen them play at seven times before, the last time was back to back nights in 2003. Last night was my 45th time seeing DMB play (including a couple of Dave & Tim Reynolds performances). I had tickets with my family in the lawn, surprisingly where I’ve sat for every other DMB show I’ve seen at Riverbend since 1997. In my more recent years I’ve really developed a dislike for lawn seats, but I figured hanging with my family would be a blast. It turns out that seeing a show with them on the lawn will have to wait for another time.

Free PIT Upgrade!

As we were all sitting on the lawn between sets my brother spotted a couple of people walking through the crowd with a sign advertising free pit passes for anyone driving a Volkswagen. At that point I was so glad that I had driven our ten-year-old VW Jetta to the show. I sprung to my feet with my key in hand and ran toward the pair. They saw me running and yelling from a mile away and even though a couple of other people were quickly approaching, I was awarded the pair of free pit tickets!

Sweet!

Since my brother was the one who spotted the sign he claimed the other ticket and away we went. Wristbands were issues to us to allow access to the general admission pit area. Once inside we made it to within probably ten feet of the stage. Toward the end of the show there were only a couple of people between us and the band. It was an incredible experience that I will not forget. Seeing the band perform at such a close distance after years of following them is remarkable. They way they interact on stage and with the crowd is something that cannot be experienced elsewhere.

You Never Know

My only regret was not having a better camera with me. I tried my best with my iPhone 3GS and I still managed to get some good shots. Here are another dozen of my favorites from the 70+ photos I took.

#41

Duel #1

Seven

Tripping Billies

Gaucho

Jimi Thing

Boyd

Two Step

Full Band

Squirm

Watchtower

Duel #2