Dave Matthews Band Randall’s Island Getaway

We’re back! What a crazy weekend. From the getting into a scuff with a street fellow in Harlem over my two Sunday tickets I was trying to sell (He wouln’t give me asking price and gave me less and took the tickets and started walking away — I put him back in his place…) to my wife getting violently ill during the Dave concert, it was a day unlike any other.

The DMB Island Getaway is a two day pseudo-festival. Randall’s Island is not a standard venue. Acoustically it sucks. The lawn is low and flat and partially obstructed. The lawn is actually a sand pit if you want to get technical. It’s just a huge sandy field. with some grass. On one end was the main stage where Robert Randolph opened for Barenaked Ladies who in turn opened for Dave Matthews Band. On the other was a second, smaller stager where up and coming bands played. Nothing generally spectacular but live music nonetheless. Plus, of course, things to do lining the field on both sides.

Let’s be honest though. It was hot. I’m a crispy critter as is Nicole. It was too dusty. When I finally had a chance to clean up, I was disgusted to find dirt in places there shouldn’t be dirt. The food was so-so and in fact, I believe the pizza gave Nicole food poisoning. The beer was pricey and was only in the Budweiser and Bud Light varieties. And transportation off the island sucked (Public Transportation -> Weekend -> Late Night = 3 hours to go 10 mins away after the show).

The DMB concert itself was better than Virginia Beach was for sure. Va Beach was great. don’t get me wrong. NYC-RI was 10 times better with the exception of physical vantage point. For one, they started the show with #41 which was incredible. Never heard of them doing that. The pinnacle of the show was Robert Randolph accompanying the band on “Louisiana Bayou” for one of the best Rolling Stonesish feel to this new song I’ve heard. They were also accompanied on stage by Trey Anasasio, formerly of Phish, also a suirprise. :)

And amazingly, ony 4 songs from their new album. Excellent. Setlist can be found here

We took a few pictures at the show. They wouldn’t let cameras in and I’m not quite sure how I got through 3 checkpoints with mine in my pocket.

:shifty:

Pictures on Flickr under tags randallsisland, davematthewsband or nyc enjoy.

• 
• Stumble it!

About the Author: Aaron Brazell is the lead editor of Technosailor.com and a social media expert. His passion is to see companies and individuals use the internet and web technologies wisely and effectively to promote their brands and companies. He is Business Development Manager for Lijit and he worked as Director of Technology at b5media from 2005-2008 and is currently an independent consultant.