Saving The Best For Last
Sunday we woke up at Feathers around 930am. The sun just rose over the moutain and began to heat up our site. No shower today. We took the time to pack up our site and say goodbye to the people around us. We weren't sure what to do for the rest of the day. We knew we had to go back to Vantage for supplies such as gas, food, and drinks. We were side tracked a bit while showing John some of the scenic views.
Down at Vantage, the general store was packed. People were all out in the area boating, camping, and generally enjoying the holiday weekend. Once we replenished our supplies, we started to drive up and down the Columbia River. We found a nice state park right along side the river, but it was five or ten bucks to get in the park. We decided against it. We kept on driving and found a damn that was pretty cool. Someone had mentioned a nudist coloney somewhere. We couldn't find it. In the end, we just went back to the Gorge parking lot.
In retrospect, I wish we could have gotten a hold of some people out in Quincy. It seemed like everyone out there had a fantastic time. Alas, mobile phone service is spotty at best in most areas. John, Eric, and I had a great time grilling and relaxing in the bright sun. I say birght sun, but there was a nice breeze and the temperature must have been about 73 degrees. They even took a nap while I got my rig ready for taping.
I was set to sit with Ben for the evening, and we had to wait for him to arrive. He met us at the front of the venue around 630pm. We had plenty of time get through security, get to our seats, and setup the gear. I even taped part of Mraz's set. He really isn't as much fun with a full band. I also took some time to walk around The Gorge snapping photos. I hope they came out, but they will never do the place justice. As the sun started to set, I went back to my seat anticipating a night of great music.
Everyone agreed that this show was going to be the best. It is customary for the band not to repeat songs when playing a weekend run. Well, they do not repeat old material. They do play the new songs like Sugar Will and Joy Ride almost every night. This meant, we had a few good ones left in the bag. I was excited to have the rig up and ready for what was shaping up to be the best show of the weekend. Lets look at the setlist...
PNP > Rapunzel
Recently
Grace Is Gone
Joy Ride
If I Had It All
Crush
Hello Again
Lover Lay Down
Sugar Will
Ants Marching
Crazy Easy
Dancing Nancies
Cry Freedom
Two Step
__________________
(Butterfly)
Rhyme & Reason
All Along The Watchtower
I called PNP > Rapunzel. I was on fire when it comes to calling songs!!! My favorites from this show include Recently, Grace Is Gone, Lover Lay Down, Ants Marching, Dancing Nancies, Cry Freedom, Two Step, All Along The Watchtower. Wow that is a lot right? The Recently jam was sweet, "Pretty, Pretty Girl. Lovely, Lovely Girl." Stefan orchestrated an interesting and intriguing lap guitar intro to Grace Is Gone. Lover Lay Down was a nice suprise. I can't remeber the last time I have heard this quite and beautiful tune. "Snare, Snare, Snare..." Who doesn't love Ants?!?!? The place was going crazy, and Dave let us sing "People in every direction." Then we sang and danced to Nancies, oohed and ahhed over Cry Freedom while on our way to an extended and powerful Two Step. What a set. Everyone knew Watchtower was coming, and the band played their hearts out. The show clocked in at about two hours and fifty minutes.
What a fantastic weekend of music! I'd like to thank DMB for a good summer. I haven't enjoyed a summer like that since maybe 2000 or 2001? I'd have to say first night West Palm Beach was the best of the year with third night Gorge and first night Merriweather coming in two and three. I can't wait to see the dates for next year's tour.
The drive back to Seattle was hellish. I was so tired. It took about two hours. We made it in one piece even though my eyes were barely open. I had to pack up my stuff back at John's before grabbing a few hours sleep. I was off to the airport by 6am for the nastiness that is Southwest. My flights home were even worse. No more, never again will I fly them across the country. I was back in Annapolis by 9pm for some much needed sleep.
I would say the weekend was memorable. I'd really enjoyed seeing everyone and meeting new people. Kay and company were so kind to put us up. John is the man for supplying a place to crash in Seattle. Of course, all the sharing of booze, food, and everything out at the shows was cool. Everyone was so nice. The entire atmosphere was much better then the east coast shows. The fans were cool real people, not dumb poppy party kids. It will be hard not to go back year after year.
