My Backyard

Dare you agree?

DMB Concert in Boise

On Tuesday I made the drive across the Idaho desert to attend my annual Dave Matthews Band concert. This year's venue of choice was on the campus of Boise State. It was my first visit to Boise and a long-awaited twelve years since Dave and company had made a tour stop at the city.

I will share my own thoughts and feeling about my DMB experience in Boise, but first here is what Brian Murphy from the Idaho Statesman had to say about the performance...

Tuesday night’s show at Taco Bell Arena delivered. Before an estimated crowd of more than 8,000, Matthews and band rocked through a 2 1/2-hour set, closing with a 16-minute version of “Two Step.”

The band stayed away from the older mega hits — no “Crash Into Me,” no “Ants Marching” — but played a nice selection from its collection, cutting across albums.

The group played some more sentimental tunes, such as “Stay or Leave” and “Gravedigger.” They opened with “Big Eyed Fish.”

Matthews acknowledged that it “took a little while” for the band to get back to Boise. It was an upbeat performance from him, complete with goofy voices, some scat talk/singing and several wonderfully silly dance moves around the stage.

His band mates were on, too. Woodwind whiz Jeff Coffin nailed a beautiful, transitional instrumental early in the show after “Bartender.” Violinist Boyd Tinsley is always a highlight at concerts and this night was no different, especially during “Crush.”

Bassist Stefan Lessard did a solo version of “The Star Spangled Banner” that led straight into one of the band’s favorite covers — “All Along the Watchtower.” And drummer Carter Beauford earned fan favorite status by tossing dozens of drum sticks into the crowd before and after the encore.

There is no doubt that the band put out 110% for those in attendance despite the very many obvious empty seats throughout the arena. And even then, I was disappointed with those that were in attendance and their lack of enthusiasm and participation. I found myself the only "fan" in my section standing (and dancing) throughout the entire duration of the show.

For those reasons, it will probably be a long time before DMB returns to Boise again. But that's okay with me, because myself and any other true fan will drive an additional four hours to see them perform and be surrounded by those who share a common passion.

Thanks DMB!

Powder in August?

I don't now whether it's the new $700 skis I just bought, or perhaps the unseasonal cool weather we've recently been experiencing...but for some reason I felt compelled to buy this magazine at our local gas station.

So as I sit on my deck waiting for the steaks finish cooking, my thoughts fade from casting hopper patterns tight against grassy banks on the South Fork...to facial shots of Targhee powder.

Three months...but who's counting.

Still Alive!

Thursday Morning

Maybe I shouldn't have put my skis in storage yet. I wonder if Targhee is getting hit?

A Pirate's Life for Me

Unless you have actually seen the Chester Dam backwaters, these photos probably won't make much sense.

A low head dam causes the Henry's Fork to literally turn into a lake for the last half mile before the boat ramp. But add 25 mph winds blowing up river, and you get a not so fun last half mile. It was more productive to pull the oars out of the water and walk the boat down the river bank.

By this point, I didn't really care that my sister didn't catch any fish.

Last Call