It's a tough thing to like a sports team. They can bring so much excitement and happiness into ones life but they can also cause an immense out of pain. People claim to love their home team more than someone else, but no one can say how much you love your team. Some fans have it tougher when the organization they root for doesn't win very often, if ever, but through thick and thin true fans will stay faithful to their team.
Since birth, I've bled Green Bay Packer Green and Gold. There is nothing better than that team winning on Sunday (or Monday or Thursday). We've had more up and down seasons than many other teams in the NFL. We've gone from being the best team in the league to the worst in a matter of seasons, sometimes within the same season. The organization has a history unlike many others in professional sports. From the beginning as the Acme Packers, a group of Wisconsin meat packers led by Curly Lambeau, have remained true through and through. The Packers are the only NFL organization true to its roots, still playing as the Packers and in the founding city of Green Bay. (They did play some seasons in Milwaukee, WI). What we can hold over the rest of the NFL is a few things. One, we won the first 2 Superbowls, one being the legendary "Ice Bowl" against the Cowboys. Two, the trophy everyone wants... the VINCE LOMBARDI trophy, was named after the legend. Lombardi is God in Green Bay. He changed the game with his coaching and with what he did in his years at Green Bay. Excuses weren't an option on his team and his word was the final word. It wasn't a bad thing either that he had players like Bart Starr, Ray Nitschke, Jerry Kramer, and Willie Wood. Under his leadership the Packers were lead to their 10th and 11th "NFL World Championship" (Before Superbowls 1 and 2, they won the first 3 by league standing and the next 6 by the "NFL Title Game") The Packers eventually won the 1997 Superbowl to claim their 12th world title, which by the way is the most for any NFL organization with the closest being the Bears at 9.
After Lombardi's reign ended, so did the winning, however that didn't deter the fans. If anything that made them even more crazed than before. Packers fans are unique. We don't like the hot weather, we prefer the below freezing temperatures where we can drink beer and wear our coveted Cheeseheads. Despite many a dreadful seasons, Cheeseheads continued to flock to Lambeau Field for every game with hopes of a victory, or sometimes even a touchdown. I'd say more about this era but that's all there was, fans showing up to games hoping for a win and more often than not, getting nothing. From Lombardi's departure to Brett Favre's arrival the Packers only had 5 winning seasons. FIVE. The 1992 happened. 1992 was an ever changing season for the Packers. With Mike Holmgren now the head coach hired by Ron Wolf and some young QB traded from the Atlanta Falcons named Brett Favre, Packer Nation didn't know what was coming.
That year the Packers went 9-7 and already started to turn heads in the NFL. But when they signed Reggie White your head went a full 360. This team was going to be unstoppable. Almost at once, the Packers found success with this revamped team. The next two seasons they made it to the 2nd round of the playoffs and finally to the NFC championship in 1995, sadly all 3 years they were defeated by the powerhouse that used to be the Dallas Cowboys. All the while I'm growing up in Wisconsin during this resurgence, now I'm not even 10 years old at this point but despite what others may say, I remember this time period. Growing up, Sundays were spent at someone's house watching games with a group of other loud Cheeseheads. The only attire allowed was Green and Gold, food was themed to the game. Some of these parties were (and still are today) bigger than some holidays, especially when we get to the playoffs. Everything in those years revolved around 2 main players: Brett Favre and Reggie White.
Brett Favre, the man who not only changed the Packers but changed the way people watch professional football. An unknown 2nd round draft pick by the Falcons, traded to the Packers replacing Don Majkowski in 1992 almost instantly became the face of NFL. No one played like he did. Legends like Steve Young, Troy Aikman, and John Elway didn't know what to think of the young gunslinger from Mississippi, and neither did anyone else. But it didn't matter, especially to Packer nation, because he was throwing touchdowns and winning games all with that boyish grin. He took a lot of chances that many other QBs would never take and more often than not, it worked. I remember countless times holding my breath when he'd launch a rocket 40 yds down the field to Robert Brooks and not breath until the ball was caught. And while nervewrecking to watch it was thrilling all in the same. People criticize him for having a high number of INTs in his 20 year career in the NFL, but for me I look at it differently. He took chances, and yes sometimes they didn't turn out the way he wanted, but he took that chance. He went for it, gave it all he could. There are countless games that I remember watching Favre play with the Packers, but one will forever stand out, besides their Superbowl victory in the 90s. December 2003, Favre's father had died the day before their game against the Oakland Raiders. A number of people expected Favre to not play, but he did quite the opposite he played the game of his life. Anyone who watched that game could feel the emotion coming from not only Favre but the entire team. They all wanted to win for him and seeing him after the game looking to the sky will bring tears to anyone's eyes. For the better part of 2 decades, I watched that man play for my team, and right now I want nothing to do with him while he plays for the enemy but when it's all said and done, what he did for the Packers and for the NFL can not be overlooked. He's one of the game's greatest QBs and players of all time. Anyone who refutes that just doesn't understand.
During the 1990's on the other side of the ball was the gentle giant that we knew as Reggie White. When the Packers picked him up as a free agent, I think deep down every other team knew they were in trouble. It's because of White that I have an immense respect for the Philadelphia Eagles organization. White was never like a lot of players in the NFL then or today. He didn't over-celebrate a sack or a tackle, he didn't get into fights with other players or bad mouth refs (not saying that he didn't get upset at a bad call because he did) but all he wanted was one thing: to play the game. He was an unstoppable force and would play each play like it was his last. You could see in his eyes, from the moment the ball was hiked that he was going to do anything he could to stop the play. Known across the league as the Minister his gentle nature and leadership was unmatched. While it's always exciting to watch a good offense make plays and score points, that's not what it was all about w/ the Packers. During White's tenure with the Packers, fans got just as excited to see the defense take the field. When Reggie got a sack you could have sworn it was a game winning TD. Reggie's legacy in Green Bay and with the Eagles will never be forgotten. He was good man until his death in the early 2000's and we will remember him forever. Rest In Peace Reggie, you're in good hands upstairs with the other greats of the NFL.
Superbowl 31... Packers/Patriots... Bledsoe/Favre... Holmgren/Parcels. Going into the game many thought it was going to be an evenly matched game, but it all changed as soon as Desmond Howard caught that first kick off return and ran it back for a touchdown. I remember being at a family friends house for the game and thinking this is going to be good. All pistons were firing together that day. The Packers could do no wrong and when the final seconds ran out, the joy that was felt was unmatched. I couldn't believe that I had seen a Packers Superbowl victory before the age of 10. The talk for the next months leading up to the next season was, How many more Superbowls could the Packers win before Y2K? Little did we know... it would be 0. The next year we played the Broncos, in San Diego. A heartbreaking loss and one I wish to never have to relive again. We had gone from a dominating performance the year before to a devastating loss. The next 10 years were hard on the entire Packers organization. We lost a lot of players, many losing seasons, devastating losses but nothing hurt more than the loss of our leader: Brett Favre. After his first decision to retire in 2007, the season of the heartbreaking loss to the Giants in the playoffs on a Favre INT, a lot of Packer nation thought we would never recover. But then we found a new leader in Aaron Rodgers. The man truly stepped into a big pair of shoes and in my honest opinion, he has succeeded beyond my expectations. While we may not have seen a lot of success like we did in the early 90's it's not something to be pinned to Rodgers himself. Since his start, he's been a phenomenal QB making some plays that even Favre himself couldn't make.
Through the ups and the many downs, Packer fans are more faithful than any other team in the NFL. We've been through some of the hardest times and still have sat through the below freezing games with the smallest hope that they could pull out a win from 14 points down. This 2010 season has already caused me to have about 6 mini heart attacks but have I stopped watching the games, absolutely not. I feed off the thrill every week of watching my team. Yesterday's loss to the Falcons was especially painful, but the team they have is outstanding. The Packers didn't show up with everything they had and the Falcons did. There is nothing we can do to change the outcome (unless something happens to the Falcons organization and they're stripped of all their victories in the 2010 season) so we have to move on, prepare for the next game and hope the final score is in our favor.
"I don't wanna work, I just wanna bang on the drum all day"
GO PACK GO!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Hugs for Zach Benefit Weekend
There isn't often that one person can influence so many others with a such a positive Ora and personality. But fortunately for myself and many others we have been able to meet someone who does just that. Let me tell you about my friend, Zach Powers.
Zach is one of the most amazing people I have been fortunate enough to meet. We met approximately a year and a half ago on a Dave Matthews Band fan club message board known as the Warehouse. I know it seems lame to meet people through it, but as in previous posts, they are some of my closest friends and because of them I have some of the greatest memories of my life. Zach is one of those people. We officially met in July 2009, when he, along with many other people who I knew, and had yet to meet, came up to Wisconsin for the DMB shows @ Alpine Valley Music Theatre. We all went downtown Milwaukee the night before the first show. Before I could even get a word out Zach was there giving me the biggest hug (I showed up around midnight). We stayed for a few hours until bar close and in those few hours, I already knew just how awesome Zach truly was. He was either sitting at a table telling awesome stories, drinking Appletinis w/ his pinky up with Matt, or dancing for a group of people doing some of his favorite dance moves. Little did I know he'd become one of my closest friends.
Fast forward a year or so and we're in the next DMB summer tour season. Zach is part of the reason I went to half of the shows I did. Because it would give me a chance to see him. By this time Zach had become very close. Many inside jokes, constant txting, phone calls at 3-4 am just for the hell of it. I ventured down to Indy for the n2 show at Deer Creek, aka Best.Seat.Buddies.Ever night (see DMB Part 2 post). I waited a few weeks for Alpine Valley and of course Zach was there. We all spent the weekend camping in Ang's parents backyard and I couldn't ask for a better weekend. I don't know how many times he did the worm, but every time someone asked, he was happy to do it.
No matter who he was talking to they had a smile on their face. Besides Jeff, when he lost the Worm-off, well more like failed miserably. If it weren't for Zach pulling me away that afternoon, I probably would have been beaten up by some Notre Dame football players with whom I was trash talking to (I blame the tequila).
September 2010 rolls around and we're all together once again in Chicago for the DMB shows at Wrigley Field. So many people came in for the weekend and it was going to be memorable, good and bad. The weekend was amazing, great shows, good people, good times. Saturday night/early Sunday morning we were struck with a tragedy. Zach fell from the 8th floor balcony of our hotel to the roof of the hotel's convention center. An accident that we are very lucky to have him still alive. He is currently at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and has a long road ahead of him in his recovery. He has a broken pelvis, 3-4 fractured vertebrae and about 6-8 fractured ribs, with some moderate brain damage that with time will heal. But thankfully there is no serious brain damage or paralysis. Right now we're just waiting for him to fully recovery and get back to his normal self.
What truly amazed me in this situation is the outpouring of love that has come from not only his friends and family, but the entire DMB community. Within 48 hours of the accident there was a PayPal acct set up in his name taking donations from anyone and everyone. Within a few weeks we had a trust fund, Hugs for Zach, set up with nearly $3000 purely from donations. While the money is helpful, what's amazing are the cards and gifts sent to his hospital room. A group of people here in Chicago and across the country thought of the idea to have a few benefits to help raise more money for his trust. Here in Chicago, I helped put together and run this regions benefit. We had raffle prizes, paintings, an incredible musician in Alex Hoffer and even Zach himself on the computer via Skype. In NYC, they had a phenomenal turnout from the DMB community with raffle prizes as well as bunny ears galore (Zach this year at Alpine Valley was given a pait of bunny ears that we could all see in the pit in front of the stage the entire night, we felt it tribute to wear them for him)
Between the 2 benefits 1000 miles apart we were able to raise more than $3000. We may not be professional event planners, but I think that's pretty damn awesome. The outpouring love and support from everyone was the best part. To see his family and friends able to talk to him on the computer and cheering him with their drinks was beyond amazing. The best part of the evening, his mom, Gina. She was given the chance to finally get out and see his friends and share with us the stories about what makes him so amazing. In NYC, Operation Rabbit Rampage and MSG n2 was a success. Nearly a hundred bunny ears were seen throughout the venue and more people became aware of what we were doing and who it was for.
A friend of mine put it best for the past weekend: 2 benefits, 2 different cities, all for one guy...pretty amazing.
It's not done yet. With DMB at their "Last Stop" in Charlottesville, VA we've got a few more benefits and gatherings for Zach that I know will be a huge success. Not many people can impact so many lives, but Zach, he's one of them. I can't wait for him to get better and I can dance with him once again.
For any information about Zach please visit www.hugzforzach.org
LoVe
Zach is one of the most amazing people I have been fortunate enough to meet. We met approximately a year and a half ago on a Dave Matthews Band fan club message board known as the Warehouse. I know it seems lame to meet people through it, but as in previous posts, they are some of my closest friends and because of them I have some of the greatest memories of my life. Zach is one of those people. We officially met in July 2009, when he, along with many other people who I knew, and had yet to meet, came up to Wisconsin for the DMB shows @ Alpine Valley Music Theatre. We all went downtown Milwaukee the night before the first show. Before I could even get a word out Zach was there giving me the biggest hug (I showed up around midnight). We stayed for a few hours until bar close and in those few hours, I already knew just how awesome Zach truly was. He was either sitting at a table telling awesome stories, drinking Appletinis w/ his pinky up with Matt, or dancing for a group of people doing some of his favorite dance moves. Little did I know he'd become one of my closest friends.
Fast forward a year or so and we're in the next DMB summer tour season. Zach is part of the reason I went to half of the shows I did. Because it would give me a chance to see him. By this time Zach had become very close. Many inside jokes, constant txting, phone calls at 3-4 am just for the hell of it. I ventured down to Indy for the n2 show at Deer Creek, aka Best.Seat.Buddies.Ever night (see DMB Part 2 post). I waited a few weeks for Alpine Valley and of course Zach was there. We all spent the weekend camping in Ang's parents backyard and I couldn't ask for a better weekend. I don't know how many times he did the worm, but every time someone asked, he was happy to do it.
No matter who he was talking to they had a smile on their face. Besides Jeff, when he lost the Worm-off, well more like failed miserably. If it weren't for Zach pulling me away that afternoon, I probably would have been beaten up by some Notre Dame football players with whom I was trash talking to (I blame the tequila).
September 2010 rolls around and we're all together once again in Chicago for the DMB shows at Wrigley Field. So many people came in for the weekend and it was going to be memorable, good and bad. The weekend was amazing, great shows, good people, good times. Saturday night/early Sunday morning we were struck with a tragedy. Zach fell from the 8th floor balcony of our hotel to the roof of the hotel's convention center. An accident that we are very lucky to have him still alive. He is currently at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and has a long road ahead of him in his recovery. He has a broken pelvis, 3-4 fractured vertebrae and about 6-8 fractured ribs, with some moderate brain damage that with time will heal. But thankfully there is no serious brain damage or paralysis. Right now we're just waiting for him to fully recovery and get back to his normal self.
What truly amazed me in this situation is the outpouring of love that has come from not only his friends and family, but the entire DMB community. Within 48 hours of the accident there was a PayPal acct set up in his name taking donations from anyone and everyone. Within a few weeks we had a trust fund, Hugs for Zach, set up with nearly $3000 purely from donations. While the money is helpful, what's amazing are the cards and gifts sent to his hospital room. A group of people here in Chicago and across the country thought of the idea to have a few benefits to help raise more money for his trust. Here in Chicago, I helped put together and run this regions benefit. We had raffle prizes, paintings, an incredible musician in Alex Hoffer and even Zach himself on the computer via Skype. In NYC, they had a phenomenal turnout from the DMB community with raffle prizes as well as bunny ears galore (Zach this year at Alpine Valley was given a pait of bunny ears that we could all see in the pit in front of the stage the entire night, we felt it tribute to wear them for him)
Between the 2 benefits 1000 miles apart we were able to raise more than $3000. We may not be professional event planners, but I think that's pretty damn awesome. The outpouring love and support from everyone was the best part. To see his family and friends able to talk to him on the computer and cheering him with their drinks was beyond amazing. The best part of the evening, his mom, Gina. She was given the chance to finally get out and see his friends and share with us the stories about what makes him so amazing. In NYC, Operation Rabbit Rampage and MSG n2 was a success. Nearly a hundred bunny ears were seen throughout the venue and more people became aware of what we were doing and who it was for.
A friend of mine put it best for the past weekend: 2 benefits, 2 different cities, all for one guy...pretty amazing.
It's not done yet. With DMB at their "Last Stop" in Charlottesville, VA we've got a few more benefits and gatherings for Zach that I know will be a huge success. Not many people can impact so many lives, but Zach, he's one of them. I can't wait for him to get better and I can dance with him once again.
For any information about Zach please visit www.hugzforzach.org
LoVe
Monday, September 13, 2010
Mid-American Junior Golf Tour
As a child growing up my mom always believed that during the summer I needed to be doing something active at all times. Whether I was signed up at a month long girls camp (Camp Agawak) in northern WI, going to College for Kids and UW-Milwaukee or taking various sports camps, there was always some activity for me to participate in. Summer is about being outside and enjoying youth before it slips out from under our feet. I spent many summers playing various sports and going to various sports camps. Sports, among other activities, provide many kids stability in their lives and allow them to focus on something they enjoy. This summer was truly a new experience for me watching the juniors play on the Mid-American Junior Golf Tour (MAJGT).
Golf is a different sport, some people will often say it's not a sport at all, but rather a game. It may not be deemed as athletically challenging as football or wrestling or even baseball, but it indeed takes a lot of physical strength to play the game. To hit a ball 250+ yds (and in many cases further) it takes a lot of strength. It's true than anyone can hit the ball, maybe not as far, but they can hit it. What it comes down is the strength and accuracy that these kids can really hit the ball. They want it to go 300 yds from the tee to the middle of the fairway and when their swing goes right or they get the right bounce of a hill, the ball will land right where they want it. Depending on the hole they might have to try and hit it further or choke up on their club and hit it softer but then do it 18 times with hopes of either hitting the green (on the par 3's) or in the fairway everytime. It's challenging anyway you look at it. Not only does a player need the strength to swing the club, but hell walking 18 holes and carrying that ungodly awkward and heavy golf bag, you've gotta be at least somewhat athletic to do so. On average a golf course is between 6500-7000 yds which equates to approximately 3.75 miles. For anyone to walk that distance and then again the day after is impressive.
What is most impressive however is these kids' mental game. We see kids from the ages of 10-18 playing a sport that most people would say is better suited for an older generation. While like any other sport, the kids get frustrated and angry when they hit a bad shot or miss a 2 ft putt for birdie. We do on occasion have to give them warnings about their actions because like I said it's a respectful game. Our players need to keep in good form with the sport by respecting the rest of the field and not lashing out. However, it is good for them to grunt, slam a club or throw a towel to let out a little frustration. In watching the 20+ tournaments this summer I came to realize truly how awesome these kids are at what they do. At one tournament in Indiana, there was a 13 year old kid who was leading after the 1st round of the tournament. On the 2nd day he wasn't doing that well, mentally he was intimated by the other older players. He finished the 11th hole w/ an 11 (it was a par 4) and when we saw him on the 12th tee he had already re focused his mind and forgot about the 11th hole. He came out and birdied 12. I'll remind you, he's 13. A lot of kids his age aren't mentally able to keep that kind of focus in a sport. Not all of the players have that ability, we do see a lot of tears and lot of frustration. But still in the end, they come back for more because they love the game.
More kids in todays society are getting stuck in an environment where playing video games all day long is okay. That sitting around doing nothing but play on computers is what's best for them. It's not. Kids, at any age, need activity, they need to be out in the world creating experiences and memories. Socially it's better for our younger generations to be able to create social experiences and develop. The more they can experience the better they are able to figure out exactly who they are. For me, in swimming I found out that while I'm very determined and hard working to achieve my goals, I need to be able to have fun while doing it or else it's going to make it that much harder to achieve my goals. I goofed around a lot when at practice and at meets, but that's because it helped me to stay unfocused and loose rather than overthink what I was doing. Parents, grandparents, brothers/sisters, whoever you are, make sure we don't lose our younger generations to computers and video games. Get out in the world and give them the activities that you got when you were a child. Hell even throwing a football around can make all the difference.
Golf is a different sport, some people will often say it's not a sport at all, but rather a game. It may not be deemed as athletically challenging as football or wrestling or even baseball, but it indeed takes a lot of physical strength to play the game. To hit a ball 250+ yds (and in many cases further) it takes a lot of strength. It's true than anyone can hit the ball, maybe not as far, but they can hit it. What it comes down is the strength and accuracy that these kids can really hit the ball. They want it to go 300 yds from the tee to the middle of the fairway and when their swing goes right or they get the right bounce of a hill, the ball will land right where they want it. Depending on the hole they might have to try and hit it further or choke up on their club and hit it softer but then do it 18 times with hopes of either hitting the green (on the par 3's) or in the fairway everytime. It's challenging anyway you look at it. Not only does a player need the strength to swing the club, but hell walking 18 holes and carrying that ungodly awkward and heavy golf bag, you've gotta be at least somewhat athletic to do so. On average a golf course is between 6500-7000 yds which equates to approximately 3.75 miles. For anyone to walk that distance and then again the day after is impressive.
What is most impressive however is these kids' mental game. We see kids from the ages of 10-18 playing a sport that most people would say is better suited for an older generation. While like any other sport, the kids get frustrated and angry when they hit a bad shot or miss a 2 ft putt for birdie. We do on occasion have to give them warnings about their actions because like I said it's a respectful game. Our players need to keep in good form with the sport by respecting the rest of the field and not lashing out. However, it is good for them to grunt, slam a club or throw a towel to let out a little frustration. In watching the 20+ tournaments this summer I came to realize truly how awesome these kids are at what they do. At one tournament in Indiana, there was a 13 year old kid who was leading after the 1st round of the tournament. On the 2nd day he wasn't doing that well, mentally he was intimated by the other older players. He finished the 11th hole w/ an 11 (it was a par 4) and when we saw him on the 12th tee he had already re focused his mind and forgot about the 11th hole. He came out and birdied 12. I'll remind you, he's 13. A lot of kids his age aren't mentally able to keep that kind of focus in a sport. Not all of the players have that ability, we do see a lot of tears and lot of frustration. But still in the end, they come back for more because they love the game.
More kids in todays society are getting stuck in an environment where playing video games all day long is okay. That sitting around doing nothing but play on computers is what's best for them. It's not. Kids, at any age, need activity, they need to be out in the world creating experiences and memories. Socially it's better for our younger generations to be able to create social experiences and develop. The more they can experience the better they are able to figure out exactly who they are. For me, in swimming I found out that while I'm very determined and hard working to achieve my goals, I need to be able to have fun while doing it or else it's going to make it that much harder to achieve my goals. I goofed around a lot when at practice and at meets, but that's because it helped me to stay unfocused and loose rather than overthink what I was doing. Parents, grandparents, brothers/sisters, whoever you are, make sure we don't lose our younger generations to computers and video games. Get out in the world and give them the activities that you got when you were a child. Hell even throwing a football around can make all the difference.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
NCAA Football season is upon us once again
It's that time of the year. For sports fans it's the start of 2 of the best seasons in sports: the NFL and NCAA Football. It's the perfect way to spend a weekend. Thursday through Sunday there is something to watch. Even for those who are still invested in baseball season, the playoff race is beginning to get tighter.
I grew up in a family that completely immerses itself into sports. Saying that we like football would be a complete understatement. We grew up in Wisconsin therefore of course making us Green Bay Packer fans. Not just fans, diehards but that's for another post. In addition to being Packer fans my family grew up watching the Big Ten Wisconsin Badgers. My family loves this team so much that my aunt when she turned 60 got the Bucky Badger tattooed on her ankle. Now that's dedication.
This week is one of the most highly anticipated weeks of the sports year. Each team, whether they're a conference powerhouse or they are just a small division III school, this is the start of a new season, a new chance to win. Every year is a clean slate, anything that happened since the previous season is behind them, if you dwell on bad games, it's going to effect the way you approach the upcoming season. Even schools like Lane Kiffan's USC team this year who is under probation from illegal recruiting in the past have a chance to prove to the sports world that they have what it takes to win. We look at some of the programs who get the constant media attention: Alabama, Florida, Notre Dame, USC, Michigan, Ohio State, Texas and the likes, yes they are powerhouses who dominate season after season and they make for great football but some of the truest players and teams are found in the smaller programs.
We start this season with Alabama and Ohio State atop the AP polls, but then the Broncos from Boise State sneak into the AP poll and #3. A lot of sports fans alike have already put their money on Boise State to win the BCS championship. For years the Broncos have been rising amongst the top dawgs of college football. Building a program like they have has finally shown the critics that not every year is going to belong to the standard SEC or Big XII powerhouse. Boise State stands apart from many other teams. First they play on a blue field, something that you can't ignore. Other teams watch Boise State play and when it's their turn to play on that turf, it's almost surreal to them, and it's as if they forget how to play the game. But when traveling to the blue turf that's the least of their worries. This team, who by the way for those who don't know went undefeated last year and STILL didn't make it to the BCS championship game, wants to win more than almost any other team out there. They aren't a flashy team, they don't recruit players who showboat their talents. They want players who simply want to go out there play the best football they can and win.
Those who are most excited about the season to start aren't just the college football fans, but the students themselves. Now I can say that I'm a college football fan because I am, I love all parts of the game. But when you're a current student and whatever college you're attending, nothing is better than spending a Saturday at the football stadium. Some school's have such history with their football programs that without the students it wouldn't be the same. I went to a basketball school (UConn) where everything revolves around basketball season but since the early 2000's UConn has started to develop themselves into more of a football school. While our traditions may not be as timely as schools like Ohio State or Notre Dame, we're creating our own traditions that we can call our own. Each school has something that they are known for. Ohio State's marching band has their infamous "dotting of the I" in Ohio as well as the O-H-I-O cheer. Wisconsin at the end of the 3rd quarter will play "House of Pain-Jump Around" where the entire student section will jump causing nearly the entire stadium to shake. It's because of the fans that some teams shake with fear when entering the domain of teams like Texas, Ohio State and Michigan.
My Alma Mater is traveling to Ann Arbor this weekend for what might be the biggest game of their season. Last year UConn beat Notre Dame in amazing fashion after tragedy struck the team when a friend and teammate Jasper Howard was killed. For our still developing program that was a huge win. This Saturday has a chance to top that. If we're able to overcome the intensity that the Michigan stadium brings and pull out a win there, we can win anywhere. Every team goes into a game no matter who they are up against with the mindset that they can win. And when they walk off that field all they need to know is that they played their hearts out and left it on the field.
This season is already shaping up to be pretty amazing and I look forward to sitting in front of a tv on consecutive Saturdays to watch more football games than one can count. Expect more posts during the season. I'm already planning one about rival schools. College football season is here, I hope you're ready.
I grew up in a family that completely immerses itself into sports. Saying that we like football would be a complete understatement. We grew up in Wisconsin therefore of course making us Green Bay Packer fans. Not just fans, diehards but that's for another post. In addition to being Packer fans my family grew up watching the Big Ten Wisconsin Badgers. My family loves this team so much that my aunt when she turned 60 got the Bucky Badger tattooed on her ankle. Now that's dedication.
This week is one of the most highly anticipated weeks of the sports year. Each team, whether they're a conference powerhouse or they are just a small division III school, this is the start of a new season, a new chance to win. Every year is a clean slate, anything that happened since the previous season is behind them, if you dwell on bad games, it's going to effect the way you approach the upcoming season. Even schools like Lane Kiffan's USC team this year who is under probation from illegal recruiting in the past have a chance to prove to the sports world that they have what it takes to win. We look at some of the programs who get the constant media attention: Alabama, Florida, Notre Dame, USC, Michigan, Ohio State, Texas and the likes, yes they are powerhouses who dominate season after season and they make for great football but some of the truest players and teams are found in the smaller programs.
We start this season with Alabama and Ohio State atop the AP polls, but then the Broncos from Boise State sneak into the AP poll and #3. A lot of sports fans alike have already put their money on Boise State to win the BCS championship. For years the Broncos have been rising amongst the top dawgs of college football. Building a program like they have has finally shown the critics that not every year is going to belong to the standard SEC or Big XII powerhouse. Boise State stands apart from many other teams. First they play on a blue field, something that you can't ignore. Other teams watch Boise State play and when it's their turn to play on that turf, it's almost surreal to them, and it's as if they forget how to play the game. But when traveling to the blue turf that's the least of their worries. This team, who by the way for those who don't know went undefeated last year and STILL didn't make it to the BCS championship game, wants to win more than almost any other team out there. They aren't a flashy team, they don't recruit players who showboat their talents. They want players who simply want to go out there play the best football they can and win.
Those who are most excited about the season to start aren't just the college football fans, but the students themselves. Now I can say that I'm a college football fan because I am, I love all parts of the game. But when you're a current student and whatever college you're attending, nothing is better than spending a Saturday at the football stadium. Some school's have such history with their football programs that without the students it wouldn't be the same. I went to a basketball school (UConn) where everything revolves around basketball season but since the early 2000's UConn has started to develop themselves into more of a football school. While our traditions may not be as timely as schools like Ohio State or Notre Dame, we're creating our own traditions that we can call our own. Each school has something that they are known for. Ohio State's marching band has their infamous "dotting of the I" in Ohio as well as the O-H-I-O cheer. Wisconsin at the end of the 3rd quarter will play "House of Pain-Jump Around" where the entire student section will jump causing nearly the entire stadium to shake. It's because of the fans that some teams shake with fear when entering the domain of teams like Texas, Ohio State and Michigan.
My Alma Mater is traveling to Ann Arbor this weekend for what might be the biggest game of their season. Last year UConn beat Notre Dame in amazing fashion after tragedy struck the team when a friend and teammate Jasper Howard was killed. For our still developing program that was a huge win. This Saturday has a chance to top that. If we're able to overcome the intensity that the Michigan stadium brings and pull out a win there, we can win anywhere. Every team goes into a game no matter who they are up against with the mindset that they can win. And when they walk off that field all they need to know is that they played their hearts out and left it on the field.
This season is already shaping up to be pretty amazing and I look forward to sitting in front of a tv on consecutive Saturdays to watch more football games than one can count. Expect more posts during the season. I'm already planning one about rival schools. College football season is here, I hope you're ready.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
it's not where, but who you're with that really matters
Part II: The Concerts. The People. The Memories.
After so many years and so many shows it's not just about the music anymore, it does play a large part obviously because if it weren't for the band I wouldn't go, but after years it's become much more than that.
There are so many groups, artists and bands that travel the world performing in countless cities, but few can match what DMB does. Yes there are bands like The Rolling Stones, Elton John, U2, and others who have an amazing live act, but they can't do it like DMB does. Every show DMB plays, they sell out. While these other acts are making more money by having their tickets cost up to $250 for face value, they aren't selling out entire 40,000 person amphitheaters. DMB will sell out in minutes for a show that's months away keep prices relatively low. Not saying there aren't scalpers out there, cause there are, but in general no ticket should be over $100. They have toured every summer for the past 15 years and are just now taking the summer of 2011 off. Year after year they put in 50+ shows all over the country and even the world and in those 15 years, no setlist has ever been the same. Bands like U2 will play one tour every few years and within that tour you will see the same songs if you go to more than one show. Not saying that you won't get repeats at multiple DMB shows, but there is always some variations between the concerts.
Each show has it's own element, vibe, mood and experience. I have been to 30+ shows and each one has been a completely different experience. There is no other band (and I have seen my fair share of live acts) that can perform the way this band does. From the first song to the last, they are 100%. They may not play a song that you want to hear or that you've heard before but it doesn't matter because odds are it's going to be different. Whether a solo is different, Dave changes the words, misses a line, has the crowd sing a verse, adds an intro or outro, it's all different. I've heard songs like Two Step and Crush so many times I can't even count them all but each time they've been different. For a while I was starting to dislike every time they played Two Step, then last year at Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Center (SPAC) I heard it again, but it was revamped, Carter added a 2nd badass drum solo. It blew me out of the water. That one moment at the show I fell in love w/ the song all over again.
there are a lot of people who have been to countless shows who go into the next concert expecting the perfect setlist, all the songs THEY want to hear. It's up to the band, they will play what they want to play. If you go into a show with your nose in the air expecting to hear something they haven't played in 6 years, you're going to be sorely disappointed when you don't get it. Going into every show just wanting to enjoy the music that you love you're going to have a good time. They go out there and do what they love for their fans (and of course for the money) going into a venue just wanting to have a great time is going to make the experience 1000x better. What matters most though, I think, are the people you're with.
Yes Dave says it himself "it's not where but who you're with that really matters" and as cliche as it sounds, it's true. I started going to concerts when I was in high school with my mom and a few friends. We'd show up to the show a few hours before, walk into the venue, sit down listen to the opener, wait for DMB and then leave right after the show. It wasn't until 2006 when I really experienced what it's like to be at a DMB concert. What I call my home venue is Alpine Valley in East Troy, WI. To me it's the best place in the country to see a show. Everyone is going to have their own opinion naturally but Alpine is my home. 06 was the first year I showed up early to tailgate with friends, we drank (yes underage) and we had a great time. From that moment on I knew I had to have an experience just like that at every show. Summer 2007 I stayed out on the east coast @ UConn during the previous year I had spent a lot of time on the Warehouse Message Boards (the official DMB fan club) talking to a lot of other fans who loved the band just as much as I did. DMB was coming to Hartford, CT and I was going to both shows, so finally I met so many of these people who I'd become friends with through one common interest. That weekend is a weekend I'll never forget.
Hartford 2007 changed my life instantly. I never thought that I could be embraced by a group of people so easily. I walked up to the tailgate and before I could even get a word out people were running up to me to give me a hug. In high school and somewhat in college I was never really accepted by a lot of people. I was left out of a lot of things for reasons I'll never know, but showing up at Hartford in 07 made me feel at home. I felt like I belonged. After meeting these people I felt whole (yes I know it sounds cheesy). Time continued on and I kept getting closer and closer with these people. Some of them I've become closer with online than some friend I've known for years. We have one thing in common to start w/ the band, but then we grow and expand from there. No judgments, no reservations, just be who you are. I've become so involved with this community that it often has consumed parts of my life. I'd rather go home and see a friend from the Warehouse than someone I went to high school with. They understand me, they get me, and they like me. More years pass, more shows, more tailgates, and more people. While we all have people we are closer with, it naturally happens, every person I've met at these gatherings has been good to me and I wouldn't change the experience for anything.
I've become so close with some of these people that we've even created Blackberry Messenger Chat groups so we have another way to keep in touch. Many people don't understand how we can all become so close with one another over something like a band. It's more than the band now, it's the memories that we're creating every time we get together. We don't even need the concerts anymore, we just need each other. This year may have topped the charts on my experiences at these shows. It started in New York @ SPAC this year. We had our normal group of UConn alumni who went upstate together and we spent the first night at our same tailgate just enjoying one anothers company and having a great time. The 2nd night I convinced them to come to the Warehouse gathering, BALLSfest. It's a huge gathering of hundreds of people with food, alcohol and music. While I only knew probably 50 people, it was a great time to meet new people and still have my friends there with me.
That weekend is always hard to top but then this year I ventured to a new venue: Deer Creek. After hearing so many things I figured I'm in Chicago I can drive down Sat am and go to the 2nd night. Arriving at a friends house around 11 we left shortly after for the Poole House. The Pooles are a truly amazing couple who own a house nearby the venue with of course... a pool. The entire day is spent lounging, drinking, eating, laughing, and just relaxing with friends. We're away from all the under aged kids who are out of control and with the people we care about. That night I was supposed to sit alone in a single seat about 25 rows up from the stage. Another friend of mine had a single as well about 5 rows behind mine so she suggested we sit together. Behind her seat were 2 more of our friends... the other 7 people who were supposed to be around her didn't show up so we had 8 seats for 4 people. While the setlist may have not been the best... we had the greatest time. Thus creating: BEST... SEAT... BUDDIES... EVER!!!!! I woke up the next morning with bruises on my leg because I was dancing so much and hit the seats so many times.
My summer of DMB 2010 came to a close (for the time being, but since Wrigley has been announced 2 more shows were added) at Alpine. Because of work I only planned to go to the first night buttttttt the crazies that are known as my friends of course convinced me to stay for the 2nd night. I arrived in Milwaukee after a brutal commute from Chicago, but even the traffic couldn't get to me because I was so excited. Rather than staying in separate hotel rooms all over the city a friend was kind enough to open her parents home where they had plenty of land for us to camp on for free. Not many communities based around a band can say that they can do this. Friday night before the concerts was spent downtown Milwaukee at bars and camping in the backyard. Not getting back until the wee hours of the morning and we were still ready to go the next day for the shows. We left at noon on our Joy Farm school bus loaded with beer, alochol, and a buffet of food. Not many people can say they can board a bus with 40 of their friends and go to a concert like we do. There are too many things to even try to remember that went on during the weekend but without the people it wouldn't be the same. We created so many inside jokes, memories, nicknames, and whatever else we can think of that will stick with us for the rest of our lives. I mean hell, they convinced me to stay another night that's how much they mean to me.
While the band has a lot to do with our plans and our trips to see one another, without the band next year we're already planning to make the same trip to Wisconsin during Summerfest to check out other bands. Some of us are getting together for Labor Day weekend to camp, when I'm home in Milwaukee I always try to grab drinks with friends. I'm even going to ones wedding next weekend in northern WI. Yes we may have not met what would be considered the normal way, but how is it any different than meeting a random person walking on the street. Plus in our modern world, especially where internet plays such a large factor in all of our lives, who's to say what's not normal. I cherish every chance I get to see these people and so what if we go to multiple concerts a year, so what if it seems obsessive. I love my life and I love my friends that are in it. Judge me all you want, but I'm going to keep going to shows as long as the band is touring.
I love what this band has done for my life, they've introduced me to a world that I never though existed. Happiness, great memories, good music, amazing experiences, life-long memories, phenomenal people, and just an all around "good good time".
After so many years and so many shows it's not just about the music anymore, it does play a large part obviously because if it weren't for the band I wouldn't go, but after years it's become much more than that.
There are so many groups, artists and bands that travel the world performing in countless cities, but few can match what DMB does. Yes there are bands like The Rolling Stones, Elton John, U2, and others who have an amazing live act, but they can't do it like DMB does. Every show DMB plays, they sell out. While these other acts are making more money by having their tickets cost up to $250 for face value, they aren't selling out entire 40,000 person amphitheaters. DMB will sell out in minutes for a show that's months away keep prices relatively low. Not saying there aren't scalpers out there, cause there are, but in general no ticket should be over $100. They have toured every summer for the past 15 years and are just now taking the summer of 2011 off. Year after year they put in 50+ shows all over the country and even the world and in those 15 years, no setlist has ever been the same. Bands like U2 will play one tour every few years and within that tour you will see the same songs if you go to more than one show. Not saying that you won't get repeats at multiple DMB shows, but there is always some variations between the concerts.
Each show has it's own element, vibe, mood and experience. I have been to 30+ shows and each one has been a completely different experience. There is no other band (and I have seen my fair share of live acts) that can perform the way this band does. From the first song to the last, they are 100%. They may not play a song that you want to hear or that you've heard before but it doesn't matter because odds are it's going to be different. Whether a solo is different, Dave changes the words, misses a line, has the crowd sing a verse, adds an intro or outro, it's all different. I've heard songs like Two Step and Crush so many times I can't even count them all but each time they've been different. For a while I was starting to dislike every time they played Two Step, then last year at Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Center (SPAC) I heard it again, but it was revamped, Carter added a 2nd badass drum solo. It blew me out of the water. That one moment at the show I fell in love w/ the song all over again.
there are a lot of people who have been to countless shows who go into the next concert expecting the perfect setlist, all the songs THEY want to hear. It's up to the band, they will play what they want to play. If you go into a show with your nose in the air expecting to hear something they haven't played in 6 years, you're going to be sorely disappointed when you don't get it. Going into every show just wanting to enjoy the music that you love you're going to have a good time. They go out there and do what they love for their fans (and of course for the money) going into a venue just wanting to have a great time is going to make the experience 1000x better. What matters most though, I think, are the people you're with.
Yes Dave says it himself "it's not where but who you're with that really matters" and as cliche as it sounds, it's true. I started going to concerts when I was in high school with my mom and a few friends. We'd show up to the show a few hours before, walk into the venue, sit down listen to the opener, wait for DMB and then leave right after the show. It wasn't until 2006 when I really experienced what it's like to be at a DMB concert. What I call my home venue is Alpine Valley in East Troy, WI. To me it's the best place in the country to see a show. Everyone is going to have their own opinion naturally but Alpine is my home. 06 was the first year I showed up early to tailgate with friends, we drank (yes underage) and we had a great time. From that moment on I knew I had to have an experience just like that at every show. Summer 2007 I stayed out on the east coast @ UConn during the previous year I had spent a lot of time on the Warehouse Message Boards (the official DMB fan club) talking to a lot of other fans who loved the band just as much as I did. DMB was coming to Hartford, CT and I was going to both shows, so finally I met so many of these people who I'd become friends with through one common interest. That weekend is a weekend I'll never forget.
Hartford 2007 changed my life instantly. I never thought that I could be embraced by a group of people so easily. I walked up to the tailgate and before I could even get a word out people were running up to me to give me a hug. In high school and somewhat in college I was never really accepted by a lot of people. I was left out of a lot of things for reasons I'll never know, but showing up at Hartford in 07 made me feel at home. I felt like I belonged. After meeting these people I felt whole (yes I know it sounds cheesy). Time continued on and I kept getting closer and closer with these people. Some of them I've become closer with online than some friend I've known for years. We have one thing in common to start w/ the band, but then we grow and expand from there. No judgments, no reservations, just be who you are. I've become so involved with this community that it often has consumed parts of my life. I'd rather go home and see a friend from the Warehouse than someone I went to high school with. They understand me, they get me, and they like me. More years pass, more shows, more tailgates, and more people. While we all have people we are closer with, it naturally happens, every person I've met at these gatherings has been good to me and I wouldn't change the experience for anything.
I've become so close with some of these people that we've even created Blackberry Messenger Chat groups so we have another way to keep in touch. Many people don't understand how we can all become so close with one another over something like a band. It's more than the band now, it's the memories that we're creating every time we get together. We don't even need the concerts anymore, we just need each other. This year may have topped the charts on my experiences at these shows. It started in New York @ SPAC this year. We had our normal group of UConn alumni who went upstate together and we spent the first night at our same tailgate just enjoying one anothers company and having a great time. The 2nd night I convinced them to come to the Warehouse gathering, BALLSfest. It's a huge gathering of hundreds of people with food, alcohol and music. While I only knew probably 50 people, it was a great time to meet new people and still have my friends there with me.
That weekend is always hard to top but then this year I ventured to a new venue: Deer Creek. After hearing so many things I figured I'm in Chicago I can drive down Sat am and go to the 2nd night. Arriving at a friends house around 11 we left shortly after for the Poole House. The Pooles are a truly amazing couple who own a house nearby the venue with of course... a pool. The entire day is spent lounging, drinking, eating, laughing, and just relaxing with friends. We're away from all the under aged kids who are out of control and with the people we care about. That night I was supposed to sit alone in a single seat about 25 rows up from the stage. Another friend of mine had a single as well about 5 rows behind mine so she suggested we sit together. Behind her seat were 2 more of our friends... the other 7 people who were supposed to be around her didn't show up so we had 8 seats for 4 people. While the setlist may have not been the best... we had the greatest time. Thus creating: BEST... SEAT... BUDDIES... EVER!!!!! I woke up the next morning with bruises on my leg because I was dancing so much and hit the seats so many times.
My summer of DMB 2010 came to a close (for the time being, but since Wrigley has been announced 2 more shows were added) at Alpine. Because of work I only planned to go to the first night buttttttt the crazies that are known as my friends of course convinced me to stay for the 2nd night. I arrived in Milwaukee after a brutal commute from Chicago, but even the traffic couldn't get to me because I was so excited. Rather than staying in separate hotel rooms all over the city a friend was kind enough to open her parents home where they had plenty of land for us to camp on for free. Not many communities based around a band can say that they can do this. Friday night before the concerts was spent downtown Milwaukee at bars and camping in the backyard. Not getting back until the wee hours of the morning and we were still ready to go the next day for the shows. We left at noon on our Joy Farm school bus loaded with beer, alochol, and a buffet of food. Not many people can say they can board a bus with 40 of their friends and go to a concert like we do. There are too many things to even try to remember that went on during the weekend but without the people it wouldn't be the same. We created so many inside jokes, memories, nicknames, and whatever else we can think of that will stick with us for the rest of our lives. I mean hell, they convinced me to stay another night that's how much they mean to me.
While the band has a lot to do with our plans and our trips to see one another, without the band next year we're already planning to make the same trip to Wisconsin during Summerfest to check out other bands. Some of us are getting together for Labor Day weekend to camp, when I'm home in Milwaukee I always try to grab drinks with friends. I'm even going to ones wedding next weekend in northern WI. Yes we may have not met what would be considered the normal way, but how is it any different than meeting a random person walking on the street. Plus in our modern world, especially where internet plays such a large factor in all of our lives, who's to say what's not normal. I cherish every chance I get to see these people and so what if we go to multiple concerts a year, so what if it seems obsessive. I love my life and I love my friends that are in it. Judge me all you want, but I'm going to keep going to shows as long as the band is touring.
I love what this band has done for my life, they've introduced me to a world that I never though existed. Happiness, great memories, good music, amazing experiences, life-long memories, phenomenal people, and just an all around "good good time".
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Stay up and make some memories...
Part I: The Start, The Music, The Band.
As summer's end fast approaches I've begun to think a lot about the one thing that has consumed the better part of the last 10 years of my life: Dave Matthews Band. While most people make fun of me for my choice in music (and lifestyle) it's something I would never trade. Yes it could seem extreme and as some put it "obsessive" but if they could experience what I experience when I listen to the band then they'd understand. If they had something that they cared about as much as I do they would understand what this band means to me. I think it's a good thing to have something in your life that you can care so much about, it helps keep you sane.
I started listening to the band on a very regular basis when I was in high school thanks to my mother and now stepfather who are also big fans. I blame them for the obsession. I listened to Before These Crowded Streets for the first time a few years before and instantly fell in love with the rhythms, the lyrics, the percussion, the bass, the violin, the voice, everything. I know everyone will say how a song moves them and effects them deep inside their soul and others will laugh, but until you've heard that one song, you won't know what I'm talking about. When going through the BCTS album "Crush" began to play. From the opening bass lines, my heart melted. It's the perfect song, all of the elements put together are perfect. Nothing should be changed, it's the perfect love song. It's the pure love you have when you've met the perfect person to match your soul.
There were a lot of things I didn't believe in until I started listening to DMB. The songs that Dave Matthews (and other members who co-write songs as well) can be related to almost any mood you're in. Whether you're angry at the world, just happy to be alive, trying to live life to the fullest, enjoying time with friends, wanting to be different, confused, in love, or you just have no idea what's going on, there is always a song you can listen to. Lyrically they could be one of the most brilliant bands in history, while they may not write songs like the Beatles but what they do is so unique to them, that no matter who you are, you know "it's DMB". So many people who claim they don't like the music (which is more than okay) have never truly given it a chance. I've turned people on the music unintentionally and before they know it, they're addicted just like me.
I'm not a fan who wants all of their friends around them to be just as obsessed but there is one thing that always gets me. People who say the band sucks just because they don't like the music personally but they don't credit the members of the band for their musical talent. Even if you don't like their music, you have to appreciate and understand the level of talent in the band. While they may have not changed music like Led Zeppelin or Nirvana did with their styles of music, they did change the way other musicians and fans approach, listen and write music. They have a very unique style that only they can pull off. Leroi Moore, may he rest peacefully in heaven with other music greats, was as strong presence in the band that you can't help but just close your eyes and float away while listening to his solos on "#41" or "Bartender". Stefan Lessard, the bass guitarist, and youngest member of the band is oftern overlooked but as a 16 year old he obviously caught the attention of Dave Matthews for that's when he dropped out of school and joined the band. The thumping bass notes at the beginning of "crush" or his electric jam on "anyone seen the bridge" or the every famous fist pump during the "woo" on "warehouse" just make you want to dance. Boyd Tinsley, for 20 years has made the violin seem like the coolest instrument, even when he's moving around so much on the stage that you can barely see his face. The plucking at the beginning of "two step" or the phenomenal solo in "Lie in our Graves" gets everyone in the crowd excited.
While I love all the members of the band there are 2 who stand above. Carter Beauford, percussion extraordinaire and Dave Matthews, lyrical genius. Carter, the oldest member in the band now that Roi has passed away, still jams like he did 20 years ago. Not only does he play the standard drum set, but it includes any other percussion instrument that he needs. His 60 piece drum set would make any beginning, intermediate or advanced drummer drool, but the best part is that he makes it look easy. His movements are so fluid and smooth it's just mind blowing that he's 50 and doing what some 20-something year olds could never do. I often think that drummers in other bands watch and listen to him and just bow their heads because they will never be able to do what he does. His jam intros for songs like "you never know" and "say goodbye" make any fans jaw drop, but for me the song that makes my jaw drop all the way to the floor would have to be "Halloween". Such a brilliantly angry song and then to hear the pounding of the drums throughout the song and during his solo by the end you already feel better.
And finally the man who's name IS the band, Dave Matthews. Many people say it's arrogant to name the band after yourself, but as the co-founding member and lead singer it just sounds right. Many fans if you ask them who their favorite member is, it's not Dave himself (most will say Carter, his smile is irresistible). What Matthews has done lyrically, can put him up there with some of the greatest lyricists of all time. He has written everything from love songs ("Crash", "Crush") to living life to the fullest songs ("Pig", "Lie in our Graves", "Tripping Billies") to songs about death ("Shotgun", "You Never Know") to songs about god knows what ("Rhyme and Reason") and no matter what, there is always a song you can listen to. He may not be the best guitarist of all time but his style and the rhythms that he composes other musicians can't do it like he does. He even has songs that he can't play and sing at the same time because the guitar part alone is too difficult. His stage presence has drawn so many people into the music alone and without him center stage it wouldn't be the same band for most people. Some can't stand his voice but to me it's so soothing (even during the angriest of songs) with the hint of raspiness, no one could sing these songs the way he does.
tomorrow... Part II: The Concerts, The People, The Memories
As summer's end fast approaches I've begun to think a lot about the one thing that has consumed the better part of the last 10 years of my life: Dave Matthews Band. While most people make fun of me for my choice in music (and lifestyle) it's something I would never trade. Yes it could seem extreme and as some put it "obsessive" but if they could experience what I experience when I listen to the band then they'd understand. If they had something that they cared about as much as I do they would understand what this band means to me. I think it's a good thing to have something in your life that you can care so much about, it helps keep you sane.
I started listening to the band on a very regular basis when I was in high school thanks to my mother and now stepfather who are also big fans. I blame them for the obsession. I listened to Before These Crowded Streets for the first time a few years before and instantly fell in love with the rhythms, the lyrics, the percussion, the bass, the violin, the voice, everything. I know everyone will say how a song moves them and effects them deep inside their soul and others will laugh, but until you've heard that one song, you won't know what I'm talking about. When going through the BCTS album "Crush" began to play. From the opening bass lines, my heart melted. It's the perfect song, all of the elements put together are perfect. Nothing should be changed, it's the perfect love song. It's the pure love you have when you've met the perfect person to match your soul.
There were a lot of things I didn't believe in until I started listening to DMB. The songs that Dave Matthews (and other members who co-write songs as well) can be related to almost any mood you're in. Whether you're angry at the world, just happy to be alive, trying to live life to the fullest, enjoying time with friends, wanting to be different, confused, in love, or you just have no idea what's going on, there is always a song you can listen to. Lyrically they could be one of the most brilliant bands in history, while they may not write songs like the Beatles but what they do is so unique to them, that no matter who you are, you know "it's DMB". So many people who claim they don't like the music (which is more than okay) have never truly given it a chance. I've turned people on the music unintentionally and before they know it, they're addicted just like me.
I'm not a fan who wants all of their friends around them to be just as obsessed but there is one thing that always gets me. People who say the band sucks just because they don't like the music personally but they don't credit the members of the band for their musical talent. Even if you don't like their music, you have to appreciate and understand the level of talent in the band. While they may have not changed music like Led Zeppelin or Nirvana did with their styles of music, they did change the way other musicians and fans approach, listen and write music. They have a very unique style that only they can pull off. Leroi Moore, may he rest peacefully in heaven with other music greats, was as strong presence in the band that you can't help but just close your eyes and float away while listening to his solos on "#41" or "Bartender". Stefan Lessard, the bass guitarist, and youngest member of the band is oftern overlooked but as a 16 year old he obviously caught the attention of Dave Matthews for that's when he dropped out of school and joined the band. The thumping bass notes at the beginning of "crush" or his electric jam on "anyone seen the bridge" or the every famous fist pump during the "woo" on "warehouse" just make you want to dance. Boyd Tinsley, for 20 years has made the violin seem like the coolest instrument, even when he's moving around so much on the stage that you can barely see his face. The plucking at the beginning of "two step" or the phenomenal solo in "Lie in our Graves" gets everyone in the crowd excited.
While I love all the members of the band there are 2 who stand above. Carter Beauford, percussion extraordinaire and Dave Matthews, lyrical genius. Carter, the oldest member in the band now that Roi has passed away, still jams like he did 20 years ago. Not only does he play the standard drum set, but it includes any other percussion instrument that he needs. His 60 piece drum set would make any beginning, intermediate or advanced drummer drool, but the best part is that he makes it look easy. His movements are so fluid and smooth it's just mind blowing that he's 50 and doing what some 20-something year olds could never do. I often think that drummers in other bands watch and listen to him and just bow their heads because they will never be able to do what he does. His jam intros for songs like "you never know" and "say goodbye" make any fans jaw drop, but for me the song that makes my jaw drop all the way to the floor would have to be "Halloween". Such a brilliantly angry song and then to hear the pounding of the drums throughout the song and during his solo by the end you already feel better.
And finally the man who's name IS the band, Dave Matthews. Many people say it's arrogant to name the band after yourself, but as the co-founding member and lead singer it just sounds right. Many fans if you ask them who their favorite member is, it's not Dave himself (most will say Carter, his smile is irresistible). What Matthews has done lyrically, can put him up there with some of the greatest lyricists of all time. He has written everything from love songs ("Crash", "Crush") to living life to the fullest songs ("Pig", "Lie in our Graves", "Tripping Billies") to songs about death ("Shotgun", "You Never Know") to songs about god knows what ("Rhyme and Reason") and no matter what, there is always a song you can listen to. He may not be the best guitarist of all time but his style and the rhythms that he composes other musicians can't do it like he does. He even has songs that he can't play and sing at the same time because the guitar part alone is too difficult. His stage presence has drawn so many people into the music alone and without him center stage it wouldn't be the same band for most people. Some can't stand his voice but to me it's so soothing (even during the angriest of songs) with the hint of raspiness, no one could sing these songs the way he does.
tomorrow... Part II: The Concerts, The People, The Memories
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Ben Folds and a Piano
My first adventure into the big city could not have been any better. Tuesday afternoon I left work a little early to catch the 4:43 train into the city and of course the non Chicago resident that I am forgot to buy my ticket beforehand and the ticket window was of course, closed. It doesn't matter that much because you can buy your ticket on the train. After my adventure on the train I made it the Purple L Line and headed north to the Belmont stop.
I got the to the Vic Theatre to pick up my ticket from Will Call and of course the line was around the corner long before I got there at 6:30. I got a spot in line and waited but my hopes of being up close and center were severely diminished. They let us into the venue and me being on my own made it a lot easier to get around and manuver my way to the front. Getting into the venue I was expecting the front to be jam packed, but found it near empty and I still can't figure out why it was so empty in front of the stage. I perfectly centered myself at center stage and about 2 people back. Pretty much near perfect seating/standing for this show. The only thing I couldn't see were his hands which are always amazing to watch. Either way I was close and exactly where I wanted to be. We still had another hour until the opener came on so of course it was incredibly boring.
The opener was this chick, can't remember her name, from Australia. She reminded me a lot of Regina Specktor but with opera. She had quite the voice and had one of the best songs that night about facebook. It's surprising how short an openers setlist is, she only played a 1/2 hour. So once she got off the stage we waited for Ben. He just finished a new album so right before he came one they played 2 songs over the sound system and they were pretty good, from what I could hear. Ben came on stage to a thunderous roar and unlike some artists he just went right into the music. The entire show was a good mix of old songs, newer solo songs, and new songs off the new album. I found it funny that he wears these special band aids on his fingers to prevent blisters (yet it kind of makes sense) but he also forgot to put them on that night so he had to stop and have the roadie bring them out which of course prompted many people to shout out various things. They then reminded him that it was his father in laws birthday so we preceded to sing happy birthday so they could record it. He brought out the opener to sing the female part on "you don't know me" and it was just amazing.
This man seriously puts on one of the best concerts I've ever seen. His stage presence resembles that of an entire band, and he's just on his own w/ his piano. It's quite remarkable. He played some of my favorite songs including Zak and Sara, Underground, and Kate. Ben played a few new songs, not too many which was perfect, but one song that he played was pretty much pure brilliance. His new album he cowrote w/ Nick Hornby (High Fidelity) and I guess for a few months Hornby was obsessed with Levi Johnston, yes the guy who knocked up Bristol Palin, and somehow figured out how to write a song about it. Ranging from paparazzi to killing mooses, it pretty much sums up everything about his life and it's spectacular. I wonder what Levi is going to think once the cd is released. It's kind of strange going to a new concert thats non-DMB because I'm used to the 2.5-3 hour concert and this was only 2 BUT he played more songs and it was just as amazing in its own way. For the encore Ben came back out and played a new song then messed around soloing on his piano when from the side stage a roadie came out and brought him a snare drum. He then transitioned to the other side of the stage while the rest of the crew built the drumset around him and NOT ONCE did he stop playing. Even when he lost one of his drumsticks he stretched out got it while still hitting the symbol. Talk about talent. He closed the show with "One Angry Dwarf" and it was single handedly one of the best performances of any songs I've ever seen.
Ben Folds is one artist that anyone and everyone should go see at some point in their life. He's a fantastic performer with incredible stage presence to wow any crowd no matter who they are. I can't wait to see him again in the future.
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