I feel like I should jot this down before the details slip away into the abyss of my perpetually hungover brain. First things first: Dave Matthews Band is absolutely legendary! But let’s be real—you already know that.

Unlike the band’s earliest die-hard fans, I stumbled upon the genius of DMB (yes, I’ll be calling them DMB, and if that bothers you, kindly take a seat) during the mid to late nineties. At that time, their first EP, Recently, had made the rounds, but it wasn’t until their debut studio album, Under the Table and Dreaming, that DMB truly invaded my consciousness. That album birthed classics like “Ants Marching,” “What Would You Say,” and the almost too popular “Satellite.” In an era when pop music was swirling around like confetti, DMB’s beautifully poetic lyrics stood out like a sore thumb—albeit a thumb that could sing. This was the moment I was beginning to figure out my own musical identity and preferences. And let me tell you, I’m not picky; I welcome all genres into my musical buffet—even OPM novelties. So when I say DMB is one of my favorites, trust me, that’s saying something. To this day, they remain a crucial influence on my playlist.

Their sound is uniquely intriguing, like nothing I’ve ever encountered, and they quickly became my go-to for musical nourishment. After that first studio album, DMB just kept churning out one gem after another, and it’s no surprise they skyrocketed to fame and worldwide recognition. Their follow-up album, Crash, introduced hits like “Proudest Monkey,” “#41,” and the crowd-pleasing “Crash Into Me.” The hits just kept coming with Before These Crowded Streets, Everyday, Busted Stuff, Stand Up, and Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King, creating a career that’s both widely celebrated and critically acclaimed.

While DMB was gearing up for their 2010 tour, they announced that, in celebration of their 20th anniversary, they would take a break from touring in 2011 for the first time in two decades. Cue the melodrama! This news sent die-hard fans into a tizzy, as many consider DMB road tours an integral part of their lives. I mean, come on—DMB is a touring powerhouse, holding the undisputed record for the most tickets sold by any live act. So, when they announced they’d be hosting four three-day events instead of a full tour, I practically did a cartwheel. I had to be there.

Yesterday, after working the night shift and running on fumes, I met up with friends and drove to Atlantic City for the inaugural leg of the Dave Matthews Band Caravan. It was only fitting that I join fellow enthusiasts who shared my burning passion for this momentous occasion. Had I not been working this weekend, I would have splurged on three-day tickets, but alas, responsible adulting won out. After a two-hour drive, which included a quick pit stop at an ATM, we arrived at Bader Field in high spirits. You could tell the city had put a lot of effort into making this event a success. Everything within a two-mile radius was DMB-themed—barricades, street closures, restaurants flaunting DMB signs, and security personnel everywhere. Even gas stations ten blocks away were in on the action, selling merchandise. The energy was electric.

I learned that Bader Field was once an airport, shut down after a series of unfortunate accidents (some fatal, no less). You can imagine how expansive this space is. Yet everything felt surprisingly orderly and organized. There were stalls offering quick bites, bars serving cocktails and an impressive variety of beers, and plenty of room to spread out a blanket and chill. There was even a Ferris wheel in the center of the field—because why not? The ground was dusty and the air was thick with humidity, but spirits were high.

While this event featured other artists (despite the title Dave Matthews Band Caravan), we didn’t really care about the other acts—not even the Flaming Lips, and I mean no blasphemy by that. We were there for DMB, and our mission was clear: get to their stage early and snag a prime spot.

To be continued…