Way back in 2002 I was a member of the now defunct Nancies.org, which at the time a Dave Matthews Band message board, go on, it’s okay to laugh.  It was on this board that I came across like minded people, and as a result we all decided to meet up at the Gorge for DMB’s Labor Day Weekend shows that year. 

To this day, it is one of my favorite memories and those people I met that weekend are some of my dearest friends.  From births of children to the death of a dear friend, I am seen it all with them.  

Between 2002 and 2012 I have been back a handful of times for DMB and other shows, Pearl Jam in 2006 was an equally amazing experience  this year marked the tenth anniversary of that weekend.  While very few people were able to make it back, I arranged things at work and life so that I could. 

I have seen DMB 100 times, and as I often tell me at this point its less about the music and more about the people and memories that are conjured when I hear an opening note of a favorite song. 

Anyways, even if you hate DMB you must see a show at the Gorge it’s an entirely different experience then any other venue, though Red Rocks is an experience in itself as well.  Over Labor Day Weekend by friend, Crystal,  and I drove out from Seattle for the DMB weekend. 

Crystal and Me

view from theWild Horses Monument on the drive to the Gorge

View from the top of the lawn.

Closer view