Coconut Times - Ocean City Maryland
Home | Contact
ADD THIS - Bookmark and Share
Dave Matthews Band
Written By: Gary Crouthamel
*Click images below to view larger versions.
Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews
Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews
Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews
Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews Band
Boyd Tinsley
Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews Band
Boyd Tinsley
Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews Band
Tim Reynolds
Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews Band
Tim Reynolds
Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews Band
Stefan Lessard
Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews Band
Stefan Lessard
Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews Band
Jeff Coffin
Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews Band
Rashawn Ross
Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews Band
Carter Beauford
Dave Matthews Band
Dave Matthews Band
Carter Beauford
Dave Matthews Band
Verizon Wireless Virginia Beach Amphitheater
Virginia Beach, Va. • August 7, 2009
 
        Well, my second straight concert at this venue. The only bad thing about this site is that the only way to get there is through the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. At least the toll is cheaper coming back through within a twenty-four hour period. And free parking at the venue also is a bonus.
        Once again this summer’s concert attendance hasn't been that good, but whenever and wherever Dave Matthews plays, it’s always a sell-out. Why? His many fans, including a lot of locals in our area who have seen him many times, would all tell you, Matthews definitely gives you your ticket money’s worth. The band played to the sold-out crowd of 20,000 for two hours and forty minutes!  It was a one-night stand at this venue. Being close to his hometown of Charlottesville, I wonder why he doesn't play two nights like he does at most major markets. I'm sure a second show would sell out here.
        The band hit the stage with Dave Matthews on guitar, Stefan Lessard on bass, Boyd Tinsley on violin, Carter Beauford on Drums, Tim Reynolds on guitar, Rashawn Ross on Trumpet and Jeff Coffin on the sax, now a permanent member filling in for the late LeRoi Moore who passed away last August, opening with "Funny The Way It Is" off their new abum "Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King." During the evening they played a generous selection of songs from that new release. Next up was "Squirm" and "Why I Am." Then Matthews says, “Hello, thank you very much,” to the enthusiastic crowd. And that will be about all he says the entire show. He never wastes much time talking to the crowd, preferring to spend the time just playing music. Up next was "You Might Die Trying," "Crash into Me,” "Seven," "Lyin in the Hands of God" and "Lie in Our Graves" where Boyd Tinsley jammed out a violin solo that must have been like ten minutes and incredible. I've never seen him go off like that before. Up next, another off the new album, "Shake Me Like a Monkey," and then, as Matthews always does some covers, they played an outstanding version of Peter Gabriel's "Solsbury Hill," that had Matthews dancing and shuffling his feet, as he did quite a lot during the night.
        There were no pyrotechnics but the light show was an incredible assortment of colors and patterns. The wall of three huge video screens at the back of the stage showcased individual band members throughout the night, so even folks in the back rows and the lawn area had great visuals. Next, "Shotgun" and then "Crush" with Reynolds and Coffin trading licks and once again, Coffin went off on the sax for about five good minutes on this song. Then "Alligator Pie," "You & Me," "Jimi Thing" and closing their main set with "Grey Street." I want to throw in a quick nod to Carter Beauford. This drummer is absolutely one of the best. He may not do a solo but the guy blazes on those drums with a smile on his face the entire night, giving 120 percent every show. He's amazing to watch and an unbelievably talented musician.
        The band returned for a two-song encore with "Gravedigger" and "Two Step" before ending the show and coming to the front of the stage for final waves and goodnights to the audience. The crowd was ecstatic as Beauford threw out a few drum sticks for the lucky people who caught them. One last word of advice - if you have never seen The Dave Matthws Band, try and catch them whenever you have the chance. The most expensive ticket is only seventy dollars and for a nearly three-hour show, you will not be disappointed. He’ll be playing mid September for two shows in Camden, NJ. Not too far to travel. I will be at BOTH! For a full tour date schedule, check www.davematthewsband.com.
Gary Crouthamel, concert photo journalist
«Go back to the previous page.
Calendar Of Events
< March `24 >
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31