The Dave Matthews Band makes me scratch my head and wonder, why, of all the groups clogging the concert circuit, this one can sell out 20,000-seat joints like the Ford Amphitheatre easier than most acts could fill a phone booth? Don't get me wrong, the band puts on a solid live show. In fact, they won me over when I saw 'em open for the Rolling Stones at a multi-band bash held down at the Orange Bowl in '97. But DMB's brand of jazz-rock (fusion) spiced with the occasional pop ditty didn't lead me to believe that a decade later they would be the biggest jam band in the land, capable of filling the nation's largest venues regardless if the group has a single on the charts. Then again, I suppose people who critiqued Jimmy Buffett three decades ago are equally perplexed at his ability to continually draw monster crowds. Take note: Arrive on time. Former Bob Marley collaborators, The Wailers, open. Wed., Sept. 12, 7 p.m., Ford Amphitheatre, 4802 U.S. 301 N., Tampa, $36 lawn/$61 reserved, 813-740-2446, fordamp.com.
This article appears in Sep 5-11, 2007.
