I swear, I’ve spent more time in Henderson this past week than I have in the past few years combined. Right now though I’m simply wasting time while this automated process completes.
What can I say about the show aside from it being a completely amazing experience? Let me preface this by saying I’m not a big Dave Matthews Band fan–or more accurately, I’m not very familiar with their music. I’ve enjoyed what I’ve heard and when the opportunity came along to broaden that exposure I jumped on it wholeheartedly.
Lance Wilkerson said it best, “You’re at a two-night show at Alpine for your first concert. You have been spoiled and you’ll find no other show will compare.” I haven’t been to another show yet but based on my experience at Alpine I can imagine it holding true. Starting it off Saturday Night was tailgating in the VIP parking area…the only person I knew was my friend Jeff who I went with. By the time it was time to enter the venue it was as if I knew these people for ages. Aside from Bonnaroo, I’ve never met a more good-natured, friendly, accepting group of people at a concert before. The delicious BBQ probably helped a little bit.
After the first show Saturday I was told how lucky I was to have gotten Blue Water partial…apparently that song never gets played. All in all Dave played for about three hours.
Sunday was a bit more relaxed considering we were didn’t have to drive from Chicago up to Milwaukee. It allowed us to move at a more leisurely place–and spend more time tailgating. Sadly, we didn’t have VIP parking for the second night…only took us about 15-20 minutes from our car to where Lance and his friends had their stuff setup. Mostly the same group of people, including the Penguin mascot. Ah, I wish my phone had signal in here…I’ll upload some pics and the setlist when I get home.
Night two was definitely my favorite. Better set list and a more relaxed vibe all around added to the enjoyment. 40,000 people both nights to a sold out show. We managed to get seats right behind the pit.
There’s not much to add except for I can definitely see from the band to the fans why everyone says that coming to Alpine is a magical experience.
…I lied, there is one more thing…I’m still more excited about getting to see the smashing pumpkins again this Saturday!!!