Don’t ‘Say Goodbye’ to these Crowded Streets

Like many mid-Generation Y-ers, I first heard Dave Matthews Band (DMB) when I was a freshman in high school. The catchy yet powerful jam band was completely intoxicating to ears that had spent years listening to Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Green Day.  In fact, DMB served as the soundtrack to many of my high school and early college-year experiences, including my first big-venue show in 1996. However, like DMB’s sound, my musical taste began to change and I eventually stopped buying their newest albums and tickets to their summer shows. It wasn’t until Crowded Streets—a DMB tribute band—that I was reunited with the music of DMB.

I arrived at Whitlows in Alexandria on February 27^th a little apprehensive. Experience has taught me that there are three categories of tribute bands: great from the first note, terrible from the first note, and fun after the 30^th note and a few beers. Crowded Streets had a rough start due to sound engineering problems that made it hard to hear their opener “Dreamgirl”—a somewhat unknown song from DMB’s 2005 album Stand Up. Thankfully they were able find their groove and continued their first set with songs such as “#36”, “Everyday”, and “Typical Situation”. They even played “Stay”, which featured a very talented female vocalist to complete the arrangement. Although they look different in appearance, this six-man band was able to successfully capture the sound and energy of a true DMB show—a tough feat.

After a quick break, Crowded Streets took the stage for their second set. At this point the room was packed with people singing and dancing to songs like “Lover Lay Down”, “Dancing Nancies”, and “Ants Marching”.  Most notably were their spot-on instrumental solos during songs like “Tripping Billies” that proved to be the band’s strength, which is fitting because it’s also the core of DMB. Their closing song, “Too Much”, added to the great catalog of songs that were played throughout the night.

Unlike many tribute bands that I have seen, Crowded Streets doesn’t rely on showy tactics or overdone themes to grab the audience’s attention. Instead they use talent to show their respect for the music that everyone knows and loves.  If you are or were ever a fan of DMB, Crowded Streets will either help you reminisce about “the good old days” or at least tide you over till DMB comes to Nissan Pavilion in August.