In addition to the two big music festivals that came to town over the last month, I was also fortunate enough to see my two all-time favorite bands recently.

Phillip Phillips at PNC Pavilion

First up was 99th O.A.R. show, which took place at PNC Pavilion June 28. This was a co-headline show with Phillip Phillips, who played first for just over an hour. This former American Idol winner actually puts on a pretty good live show and has a very solid backing band.

O.A.R. at PNC Pavilion

Due to the co-headline show, O.A.R.’s set was a bit shorter than the standard two hours they usually play. It was a treat to hear some of the new songs live for the first time including “Two Hands Up” and “We’ll Pick Up Where We Left Off.” The band was on fire and the show was a ton of fun!

Dave & Tim at Riverbend

Just a week and a half later I was treated to my 52nd Dave Matthews Band show. This summer tour is one that you definitely should not miss as the band is playing two sets, the first being an acoustic set. To kick of the night at Riverbend, Dave and Tim Reynolds played a couple of songs alone followed by a number of full band acoustic songs.

DMB Full Band Acoustic at Riverbend

It was really cool to hear some of the live staples being played in a different manner, such as “Ants Marching” and “Two Step.” After eight acoustic songs and a short break, the band was back on stage for a dozen or so plugged in songs followed by a few songs in the encore.

Dave Matthews Band at Riverbend

Thanks to a Riverbend ticket giveaway I was able to watch the entire show from the general admission pit. It had been a couple years since my last shows in the pit and I forgot just how awesome it can be. What a night!