2 Backpacks, 2 Bikes, a Van and a plan..: Dave and the Gorge (Andre)

As you may know, Laura and I (perhaps me a bit more than Laura) are big Dave Matthews fans. We’ve seen the band in a variety of interesting and amazing places. These places have included Wrigley Field in Chicago, Bader Field at Atlantic City, Governor’s Island in New York Harbor, Philadelphia, and now the Gorge Amphitheater in Washington State. If you are not familiar with the Gorge, check out this link - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Gorge_Amphitheatre. It is an outdoor music venue built right on the shores of the Columbia River – it is stunning to say the least.

Dave Matthews plays a three day show at the Gorge each Labor Day Weekend, and needless to say, it is reputed to be an amazing experience. Well, we can now say, having been there ourselves, the reputation is dead-on. The scenery is stellar. The music right on the shores of the Columbia River is surreal. And, getting to and being at the Dave show at the Gorge is a happening scene!

We got tickets for the Sunday show – no we did not go all three days, we’re kind of homeless you may remember! We arrived early, just before noon, to soak in the whole experience. We walked around to check out the venue and sights.

Welcome to the world famous Gorge Amphitheatre..

Hanging out by the van prior to the show

We then opened up the awning on the van, got out our camp chairs, and let the fun begin. The gates opened at 1:00 and the show started at 3:00. Several opening acts played on a side stage before the main opener, Brandi Carlisle played on the main stage at 6:00. Dave did an acoustic set starting at 7:30 then a full electric set followed that.

I’ll admit that overall the set list was a bit ‘quirky’ but I think that fits the setting. Dave fans often seek out special shows where rare or unusually songs are played, and this did not disappoint. Most impressive to me are the following songs: the first time I saw Typical Situation, a solo acoustic version of Watchtower, a great version of Loving Wings, Steady as We Go (a song he has not played since 2006), and The Stone. The ‘quirkier’ parts, from my perspective, where ending the show with Sledgehammer, a Peter Gabriel cover he does occasionally, and the end of the encore section with Shake Me Like a Monkey – not a particular favorite of mine. But, art is in the eye of the beholder, so I get it that others may prefer these songs more than me!

The show ended a bit after 11:00 and since many people camp on site, it only took us 45 minutes or so to get out of the parking lot and head to our home for the night.

Laura and I were talking afterwards that we have a funny habit on occasion of saying that we should do something and more often than not, assuming it’s a good idea, we do it. Well several years ago we had a conversation about how we had to get to the Gorge someday. Check!

Enjoy some of the sights, we certainly did!