2006 Road Crew Notes
February 5th, 2006
What a day! We're in Nassau, Bahamas for the Caribbean Cruise Getaway. Everything started off great for our show on the beach. 4000 very happy looking people arrived on the island by ferry over the coarse of a few hours. Dave & Tim took the stage around 7 PM and played five songs before the rest of the band joined in. The rain started not long after, and turned into a storm that forced us to pause the show. Much of our electronic equipment was waterlogged and damaged. Some of the audience headed back to the ships. About 750 remained and about an hour later, the rain let-up enough for us to get some acoustic guitars and vocals working. Dave and Tim played a few more songs, then Dave and Trey, a few more. The feeling remained that we owed those that left early, a bit more show. After some quick planning, we headed to the boats ourselves to finish what we came here to do. We started on the Sovereign of the Seas, where Toots and the Maytals equipment was set-up. We plugged into their gear and had the show up and running in little time. The band jammed for about an hour, completing their intended set list. We then hopped across the dock and did the same thing on the Majesty, using Bob Weir and Ratdog's equipment. Lucky for us, Bob was close by and sat in on a tune. The shows were excellent. We all had a blast and it looked like the crowd did to. The boats had a schedule to keep and needed to head back to sea. We were escorted off the Majesty and walked the docks back to our vans, to the cheers of the fans from the decks above. All in all, a surreal, yet exhilarating experience that we will not soon forget.
The DMB Crew
May 30th, 2006
The show's been over for a couple hours, and we're all still coming down from the excitement of it all. We kicked off the summer tour tonight in a great way. The band came out and crushed it. Excellent set list. New tunes. Brilliant light show. Rashawn Ross on trumpet. Can't say much else. It's going to be an incredible summer.
The DMB Crew
May 31st, 2006
It's clearly evident that the energy level on stage so far this year is blazing. The band is playing as tight as ever and having a noticeably great time together. Tonight they took the outro to Grace Is Gone on a foot stompin' fiddle jam that put big smiles on everyone present. Smooth Rider soared, featuring a killer Rashawn trumpet solo. We're all psyched to have him on board for the summer. The road cases are making their way to the trucks as we wrap things up for the night. See y'all in Indy on Friday.
The DMB Crew
June 2nd, 2006
A new song, The Idea Of You, made its debut last night at our first of two shows here in Noblesville, IN. Dave plays on a mandolin-like soprano 12-string, made by Veillette Guitars. Tuned an octive higher than typical guitars, Dave's been digging the rich tones of this instrument and has been rehearsing some of the new tunes with it. We're bound to hear at least a few of the new songs over the coming weeks, so be sure to check it out. See you back here tonight.
The DMB Crew
June 3rd, 2006
An amazing night tonight in Noblesville. Over the almost three hour set, DMB pulled out Digging A Ditch and Dreaming Tree, neither of which have been played live since 2003. #40 made a full comeback as well, acknowledging the crowd's distinct desire to hear it last night. We're all having a blast out here. See y'all in Detroit.
The DMB Crew
June 6th, 2006
We've missed this place. Formerly named Pine Knob, it's been nearly 9 years since we've been here. It's like summer camp. Deep in the woods, intimate stage, the backstage area built like a wooden boardwalk. The band played an excellent set tonight, opening the show in rare form with Satellite. Kill The King made it's debut tonight. The band have been enjoying playing it during rehearsals. It's one of the first tunes they wrote when they got together in the studio this past spring and they've been looking forward to playing it live ever since. "Come On Come On Yeah Yeah", we hope you dig it. Driving overnight to Columbus. We'll see you there tomorrow night.
The DMB Crew
June 7th, 2006
Beautiful colors in the sky, the sun's angelic rays creeping through the rains as it set. The set tonight mixed the old with the new. The band pulled out Big Eyed Fish for the first time in some years. Busses are rolling to Pittsburgh. See you in a couple days.
The DMB Crew
June 10th, 2006
We've just spent a few good days and some memorable shows in Pittsburgh. A couple old friends of the band sat in both nights. Ian Gordon on trumpet and Reggie Watkins on trombone rounded out the already powerful horn section. Sadly, we part ways with G. Love and Special Sauce tonight after playing our first eight shows with them. G. Love contributed his harp and vocal stylings to Smooth Rider. We're looking forward to hearing the tapes from that one. Our papers are in order for our early morning border crossing. We'll see you in Toronto on Tuesday.
The DMB Crew
June 13th, 2006
We love Toronto! The crowd was ON for the show at the Molson Amphitheater tonight. We've been anticipating this day, when we could finally check out a Matisyahu set. He's opening the show again tomorrow and is definitely worth checking out. Another tune spawned from the spring studio session made it's public debut this evening. Break Free features Dave's electric guitar, Carter's backing vocals and LeRoi and Rashawn on horns blowing beautifully over the anthemic chorus and outro. We've got a short drive to Darien Lake as we head back over the border. See y'all tomorrow.
The DMB Crew
June 14th, 2006
It was a magical night on stage tonight. We heard Joy Ride for the first time in a few years. Matisyahu joined the band on Everyday. As he entered the stage during the tune, a nearby cottonwood tree burst it's seeds into the air sending cottony tufts floating over the band. A surreal moment, to say the least. Matisyahu proceeded to lay down a funky freestyle rap between seemingly traditional Hasidic chants. We were pleasantly surprised during Two Step when Butch busted out some Jethro Tull AquaLung over an outrageous Carter solo. And the beat goes on. See y'all at SPAC.
The DMB Crew
June 17th, 2006
DMB just pulled off two incredible nights in Saratoga Springs. The setlists consisted of a diverse mixture of the band's material spanning their fifteen years. Song That Jane Likes, Rhyme and Reason and Say Goodbye made their returns tonight.
This venue, which we've now played over 15 times, has become one of our favorites. Built in the 60's and Summer home to the New York City Ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra, its design is intended more for the classical genre. Although a bit of a challenge for the crew to squeeze the rig into, the band always seems to put out their best.
Warehouse went to unprecidented heights tonight. Dave and Carter busted out into the Louie Louie chorus towards the end of the tune, much to the delight of all present. We were honored to be joined by South African Vusi Mahlasela on Everyday. His soaring voice unmistakable as that of the one on the original recording. We're enjoying the good weather out here. An 800 mile ride accross the Mason-Dixon and a couple days off are next on our itinerary. See y'all in North Carolina on Tuesday.
The DMB Crew
June 20th, 2006
Solid show from start to end in Charlotte tonight. Excitingly, the band is still pulling out tunes that haven't been played in years. Tonight we heard the comeback of Pay For What You Get in all it's glory. Without a doubt, a crew favorite. We're driving overnight to Raleigh. See y'all there.
The DMB Crew
June 21st, 2006
The house was packed with many friends and family for our show in Raleigh tonight. After a blisteringly hot day, the band rocked. DMB deconstructed Two Step in a rare jam that saw each band member improvising new lines and bringing it all back together to form an explosive close to the show. We're headed to Hershey for a show on Friday. See you there.
The DMB Crew
June 23rd, 2006
DMB played to over 30,000 people at Hershey Park Stadium tonight. They took the opportunity to do some experimenting with new tunes. Can't Stop and Shotgun are tunes they wrote over the spring, neither of which were actually on the set list tonight. Dave dedicated the encore to our good friend Ray Werthmann. A member of our lighting crew for many years, he was involved in a serious car accident last December requiring months of rehabilitation. He came to the gig tonight under his own power. It was the first time most of us have seen him since his recovery. We've missed him terribly and anxiously await his return to the crew. We are loading the trucks in preparation for our overnight drive to Bristow, VA. Hasta mañana.
The DMB Crew
June 24th, 2006
Back home in Virginia for a show in Bristow. It was a good night. The band vamped on Can't Stop again tonight. It's a funky little tune they've been working on this year, and although it has not yet appeared on a set list, it keeps popping up during the shows and changes each time. It's as if they're writing the song right in front of us. We've got a couple days off in Philly before a couple shows in Camden. See y'all on Tuesday.
The DMB Crew
June 27th, 2006
Fun night tonight for our first of two shows in Camden. The band played their hearts out. Highlights included a ripping Boyd solo in Lie In Our Graves and Butch's funky scat piano solo on Jimi Thing. It's great to hear Dreaming Tree getting pulled out more often. The band and crew are hanging out at the venue tonight for a little mid-tour dock party. We're excited to get back to here tomorrow. Until then...
The DMB Crew
June 28th, 2006
DMB just played an energetic 3 hour show in Camden. Nancies, Warehouse and Typical Situation, each sequed into the next. It was a real throw-back to old times. Smooth Rider took a twist as Fonz and Carter layed down a Reggae groove towards the end. We've got a 1000 mile ride to Wisconsin tonight. See y'all at Alpine Valley on Saturday.
The DMB Crew
July 2nd, 2006
Alpine Valley has once again proven itself one of our favorite stops on a summer tour. Dave says it every time we're here. The slope of the seats makes it appear as though we're performing before a wall of people. Kind of like the IMAX of rock venues. An energizing view from the stage. We've come to develop a bit of a tradition here over the years. The band and crew enjoy gathering on stage around the time doors open to watch the running of the fans over the crest of the hill and down the steep expanse of lawn in their quest to claim the ideal spot. DMB opened the set with Don't Drink The Water in a dramatic way with LeRoi and Rashawn hitting the 2001: A Space Odyssey lick over the intro drone. The audience was very obviously surprised and pleased to hear the band play Last Stop for the first time in a few years. Another 1000 mile drive is ahead of us tonight as we make our way to Virginia Beach for a show on the 4th. See y'all there.
The DMB Crew
July 4th, 2006
It was a hot and humid evening in Virginia Beach, but that didn't hold back DMB. We we honored to have John D'earth, a long time friend of the band, sit in with his trumpet on a few tunes. We were treated to fireworks tonight as the band finished off the encore with Stay. The display started a few minutes before the end of the tune and continued for another five. The band hung out on stage to watch as Hendrix's rendition of the Star Spangled Banner played over the PA. The crowd cheered on. It was a great moment. Happy 4th y'all, we'll see you tomorrow in Scranton.
The DMB Crew
July 5th, 2006
We finally had a break in the weather tonight for our show in Scranton. It was a pleasantly cool evening tucked back in the woods here on the ski hill. Grace Is Gone stood out with an amazing hoedown section. Boyd and Carter tore it up. We're extremely excited to get to Boston and get on with the Fenway shows. See you there on Friday.
The DMB Crew
July 8th, 2006
What an amazing weekend we've had in Boston to close out this leg of the tour. It's almost indescribable the feeling of looking over the audience from the outfield of Fenway. The band played Sweet Caroline during their set tonight to pay homage to the Boston fans (notice how it came after the 7th song). The crowd responded gleefully, singing their signature "so good" line. The only song repeated over the two nights was Can't Stop. Still in it's infancy, it hasn't been played the same way twice. We're all flying home tomorrow for a three week break before our next show in Hartford on the 28th. See you then.
The DMB Crew
July 29th, 2006
We've just finished 2 amazing shows in Hartford. The band and crew are reenergized after some time off at home. Soulive opened night one, Gov't Mule night two, bringing guitar virtuosos Eric Krasno and Warren Haynes into our midst. Each sat in with the band, making for some incredibly musical and memorable moments. DMB played hard for the enthused Hartford crowd. A fine way to kick off the 2nd leg of the sumer tour. See y'all in Cinci on Tuesday.
The DMB Crew
August 5th, 2006
We're back in NYC and loving it. Tonight was special. It's been some time since we've had so many masterful musicians sit in on one night. Mid-show, Warren Haynes stepped up and busted into Cortez The Killer, he and Dave trading verses. Band friend Tim Wicks added his horn stylings to Warehouse. Midway through #41, each of the Flecktones gradually entered the stage until there were two complete bands playing simultaneously, weaving an intricate tapestry of music. We all get giddy when Béla and the Band come around. They're great friends and amazing musicians. Can't wait to see what goes down tomorrow night. See you then.
The DMB Crew
August 6th, 2006
The heat broke for our weekend stay on Randall's Island in the middle of New York's East River. Béla Fleck and the Flecktones kicked it off tonight, David Gray followed. Both sounded great and were well received by the crowd. Carter and Butch opened Say Goodbye, trading licks in a cool way. The extended outro was unique as well. Béla sat in on Lie In Our Graves, then came back out with the rest of his band for Jimi Thing. The horn section have been flying in old TV show themes in the most unexpected places. If you get a chance, see if you can spot I Dream Of Jeannie and Lost In Space on the tapes. Tonight we begin the long haul to Tampa for a show on Wednesday. See you then.
The DMB Crew
August 12th, 2006
It's been a nice stay for us in West Palm Beach. Tonight's video shoot went well on our end. The show went out live on AOLMusic.com and will be available for viewing in their archives. Dave playfully asked the audience for help in singing due to his stressed voice. We're taking a couple days off before we hit the stage in Atlanta on Tuesday. See y'all then.
The DMB Crew
August 15th, 2006
We had a fun time in Atlanta today. The afternoon rains cooled the air enough to make for comfortable evening. The band pulled out Dream Girl for the first time since last year. Bela Fleck and the Flecktones happened to have a day off here today so they stopped by and sat in on a few tunes. They'll be playing Chastain Park Wednesday night. We're driving overnight to Nashville for a show tomorrow. See y'all there.
The DMB Crew
August 16th, 2006
It was a beautiful evening in Nashville. Tonight the band pulled out the newish tune Shotgun. It wasn't on the set list. Out of nowhere, Dave played the first few chords of the tune, then smiled at Carter who nodded and smiled back, at which point the whole band kicked into it. Band friend Mike Durham sat in, adding to the already rocking Louisiana Bayou. There's a long drive ahead of us tonight as we head towards Houston. See y'all at the Woodlands on Friday.
The DMB Crew
August 19th, 2006
Texas has done us well once again. We had a blast here over the past couple days. The audiences have been notably enthusiastic as well. One might have thought it was the 90's as the band opened the show with a bunch of old favorites. The band even commented to each other after The Song That Jane Likes that the performance felt "old school". We're having fun out here as we roll across the South towards California. A few days off in Phoenix are next on our itinerary. Can't wait to jump in that pool. See y'all at the Cricket Pavilion on Wednesday.
The DMB Crew
August 23rd, 2006
Slammin' show in Phoenix tonight. A few days off did us all some good as we head into the West coast run. Roi and Rashawn keep blowing us away, coming up with new lines each night. It's been years since we've played Irvine and we're all looking forward to getting back. See y'all there on Friday.
The DMB Crew
August 25th, 2006
It was good to be back in Irvine tonight. Robert Randolph and The Family Band have joined us on the road for a while. He sat in on Louisiana Bayou tonight. Before kicking into the song, there was a unique impromptu jam amongst the band. We're off to Chula Vista for a show tomorrow. See y'all there.
The DMB Crew
August 26th, 2006
Excellent show in Chula Vista tonight. DMB put on a nearly three hour show. Band friend, Alfredo Ballesteros (The Boxing Gandhis), sat in with his sax on a bunch of tunes. Dave pulled out Loving Wings after a bit of a hiatus as the intro to Where Are You Going. Jimi Thing was exceptional this evening. The band commented that it may have been the best version they had ever played. Robert Randolph joined in on Two Step, steering it in new directions. Next stop, Hollywood. We're all excited to play the Bowl for the first time. See y'all there on Monday.
The DMB Crew
August 28th, 2006
What a night! This place is amazing. We just got done with our show at the Hollywoood Bowl. The band put on a solid, energetic set. Dave joked with the crowd early on about how honored the band was to be playing such a cool venue, but when in L.A., you can't let on that you're the least bit nervous. "You gotta play it cool, cuz that how it rolls in L.A." We all had a lot of fun here. Robert Randolph again added his magic to the show, sitting in on Smooth Rider and Louisiana Bayou. He entered the stage carrying a stack of his signature Fedora hats, and put one on the head of each band member. It was a sight to see. We've got a long drive ahead of us tonight as we head towards Salt Lake. See you there on Wednesday.
The DMB Crew
August 30th, 2006
Despite having to battle the elements, DMB put on strong show here in West Valley City. Thirty mph winds and 10% humidity made for a bit of a challenge. As he opened Proudest Monkey, Dave told an insightful story explaining the origin of the tune. He sighted a book that he once read about the Bonobo Chimpanzee and their human-like characteristics. It will be worth getting a hold of the tapes for this story alone. We're off to the Gorge for three shows this weekend. Hope to see y'all there.
The DMB Crew
September 6th, 2006
It was a beautiful moonlit night for our show in Sacramento. You could tell the band were reveling in the temperate evening. We had a great show. Everyone's psyched to have Robert Randolph and his band back out for the duration of the tour. It been a few years since we've all been at Shoreline together and it's about time we got back. Catch ya there this weekend.
The DMB Crew
September 9th, 2006
We've spent another fine couple days in this familiar tent. The two shows contrasted with each other in that the first was a bit more laid back, seemingly leading into the second. Last night Dave sang lyrics from Simply Red's Holding Back The Years over the changes in If I Had It All. The new songs have really been standing out lately as the band and audience all become more familiar with them. We're about to cross the country in under a week with stops in Denver and Chicago as we head towards the final shows in Charlottesville. See you in a couple days.
The DMB Crew
September 13th, 2006
It feels great to be back in an arena for the first time since last year. There's an unmistakable energy that comes with playing indoors. The end is near. Just one stop in Illinois before we reach C'ville for the finale of the tour. See y'all on Friday.
The DMB Crew
September 15th, 2006
P-Funk!
DMB watched intently from the side of the stage as the legendary George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic opened the show. It was an exciting evening for us all. P-Funk horn players Bennie Cowen and Greg Thomas sat in for the second part of the show, doubling our already powerful horn section. Dave remarked to the audience the fact that tonight marked the last show on the road, as we're headed home to C'ville. The last 2 shows of the tour will take place next weekend at the new John Paul Jones Arena on the UVA campus in Charlottesville. We'll see you there.
The DMB Crew
September 23rd, 2006
We are sad to see the tour come to a close, though we'll be back together in just a few weeks when we open for the Stones in Seattle. See you soon.
The DMB Crew