Tuesday saw the first of two Dave Matthews Band shows at Acrisure Amphitheater with Father John Misty playing GLC Live at 20 Monroe. The reviews, photos and set lists at Local Spins.
‘The Best of What’s Around’: Dave Matthews closed out his encore with that track on Tuesday. (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
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A quiet “Hello” at the microphone was all that signaled the beginning of an explosion of a first song from Charlottesville, Va.’s Dave Matthews Band at Acrisure Amphitheater on Tuesday night.
The “Warehouse” fan base was in full attendance, with the audience — as always — feeling like an extension of a jam-band night with your close friends. Fans coming to Night 2 at the amphitheater on Wednesday should be prepared for typical Dave Matthews energy: If you’ve purchased a seat ticket, you’ll likely only be seeing standing butts when you sit down to use it. (You can livestream the July 8 concert for free on Volta.)
Families, friends and fans of all ages took over to enjoy the two-hours-plus concert, which included hits such as “Everyday,” “Too Much,” “I Did It” and “#41” as well as some delightfully unexpected interludes, including the tour debut of “Break Free.”
Other highlights included legendary DMB drummer Carter Beauford encouraging the crowd to sing an impromptu choral rendition of “I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You” by Elvis Presley in the middle of a rousing rendition of “The Stone,” and longtime trumpet player and backup vocalist for the band, Rashawn Ross, performing a killer version of Cameo’s 1986 funk hit, “Word Up.”
After the conclusion of perennial favorite and mainstream radio darling “Ants Marching,” the crowd didn’t budge for the expected encore from Dave and the band. He entered solo with a stirring version of “Peace on Earth,” an unreleased song which he recently performed during one of the final episodes of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” and finished with the namesake song from their first greatest hits album.
The collective ownership that fans feel over the material itself creates special energy at a Dave Matthews Band concert — evolving DMB from a ’90s rock staple to a transcendent musical experience akin to The Grateful Dead and Phish. Simply put: They’re the best of what’s around. – By Virginia Anzengruber
View the 19-song list online at setlist.fm. Some tickets are still available for the Wednesday night show online here.
PHOTO GALLERY: Dave Matthews Band at Acrisure Amphitheater
Photos by Derek Ketchum
FATHER JOHN MISTY AT GLC LIVE AT 20 MONROE
Father John Misty: He performed several of his most recent songs in his Grand Rapids tour stop. (Photo/Jamie Geysbeek)
As he loomed at center stage in a suit under kaleidoscopic lights, Father John Misty (Josh Tillman) let his velvety singing voice soar.
During his Tuesday night stopover in Grand Rapids at GLC Live at 20 Monroe, the revered songwriter and frontman was amply backed by a dazzling eight-piece band.
With a library of musical work on full display, themes covered dark dystopian fortunes and satirically social commentaries, as well as twang-tinted tales of love that feel cinematic.
The evening’s set list included listener favorites such as “Mr. Tillman,” “When You’re Smiling and Astride Me” and “I Love You Honeybear.”
Other standout moments arrived with the performances of songs from his most recent record, including the tracks “Being You,” “Mental Health” and “Screamland.” Following a captivating main set, a five-song encore boasted heavy satirical hitters “Pure Comedy,” “God’s Favorite Customer,” “She Cleans Up” and “Mahashmashana.” – By Enrique Olmos
View the 21-song set list online at setlist.fm.
PHOTO GALLERY: Father John Misty, King Tuff at GLC Live at 20 Monroe
Photos by Jamie Geysbeek
