Tana R.
Witnessing the Dave Matthews Band at Red Rocks is an incomparable experience. A natural amphitheater built into 400-foot ferrous-oxidized sandstone monoliths that jut out from the foothills of the Rockies, filled with the best music in the world and, as Dave said during the first night's show, you can't help but think, well, maybe there is a God. It was clear that the band was inspired by the place, as they channeled the pure beauty of the surroundings into two heavenly evenings of music. It was a fine, fine show by any standards. Highlights: the Seek Up opener was ethereal, and Boyd's violin at the end, which had begun to supercede the vocals earlier in this summer tour, now completely replaced them. Yes, that's right...no Davewailing! And as much as I always anticipate and enjoy that part of the song, I didn't even miss it because the violin was so hauntingly beautiful. Seek Up set the tone for the show. All the songs that followed, familiar as they were, sustained that elegance, which is why For the Beauty of Wynona, Lover Lay Down, Granny, and Leave Me Praying were such right choices for the evening's set. But now four days have passed, filled with many events, sights, and experiences, and though I've heard the tape I don't have much else to say about that show right now. No mistake about it, however: I left it feeling fully satisfied.