Let's Ride - Fred Faulkner's Blog About the Road Called Life

First and foremost, Uncle Joe, if you are reading this STOP RIGHT NOW. Go here and plan your next vacation instead of reading this post.

Sorry for that interruption. You see, Uncle Joe was the one who provided me with the tickets for Friday night's show under the stipulation that I wouldn't brag about how great the seats were or the concert. While I won't do it to his face, I'm going to quickly write about it here.

So how was the concert? THE BEST! The entire night was THE BEST! Even with the rain that came in that afternoon, it was THE BEST! We got so lucky with our seats. We had two tickets in the 200 level on the east side of Soldier Field. Which meant we were in the Caddilac Club area. Nice carpeted area with bars and bar tops for food. Oh, and it was air conditioned which was great with the humidity that night. Very exclusive and a nice addition to the the stadium when it was redone about four/five years ago. Plus when we got out to our seats we were just within the overhang of the 300 level so we wouldn't get wet by the rain and still had a great view of the stage and screens. Outside of being in the front row/pit area, these were great seats to be in. (and we were dry too!)

The concert started a little late due to the weather. stellar ROAD kicked off the show and they rocked! I mean it was clear why they were the winner of the Have a Nice Gig contest. I said it in my last post about them getting some new fans out of this gig...and I'm sure they did. My wife said she heard them on the local news cast that morning, but it was just three guitars. I guess they did more accoustic set because her observation of "they sound a lot like Dave Matthews" did not hold true to what I heard. Great sound. Great energy. Great performance. stellar ROAD played for about 35 min, which was a great five song set. They have one album out from 2004 and one coming out soon. I definitely have a new band to check out and place on the iPod.

Next up was Nickelback. I was totally pumped to see them and after getting pumped up from stellar ROAD, the energy in the place grew exponentially when Nickelback hit the stage. They kicked off their set with Animal from their latest album. They had about 45 min. to play, it was pretty much a greatest hits set for them. They played "Photograph" and "Save Me" also from their latest album. They ended their set with "How You Remind Me" from Silver Side Up. Nickelback was cool because they interacted with the audience. Lead singer Todd Kroger had numerous occasoions where he was talking to the audience. They ended up shooting a bunch of Nickelback t-shirts into the crowd with air cannons (though they were admittedly pretty weak as nothing made it past the pit area). My only complaint about the Nickelback set was that the bass player had his volume turned a little too far up. Too much distortion was coming out the speakers. I'm sure the soundboard guy did what he could though (because JB and stellar ROAD sounded awesome).

Then the sun goes down, the rain stops and the night kicks into HIGH GEAR. The lights go off from inside the stadium for the set change and the "smirk" appears on the screens. Bon Jovi hits the stage and Jon Bon Jovi runs out on a ramp that leads into the audience to a mic center arc. From there they kick off their set with "Last Man Standing" that went into a great ending riff that led into "You Give Love a Bad Name" (which I coincidentally called). Here is the entire set list for the night.

LAST MAN STANDING
YOU GIVE LOVE A BAD NAME
COMPLICATED
BORN TO BE MY BABY
STORY OF MY LIFE
CAPTAIN CRASH & THE BEAUTY QUEEN FROM MARS
I'LL SLEEP WHEN I'M DEAD (with bits of "Dancing In The Streets" and "Jumpin' Jack Flash" included)
RUNAWAY
THE RADIO SAVED MY LIFE TONIGHT
IN THESE ARMS
ALWAYS (acoustic)
I'LL BE THERE FOR YOU (Electric Version with Richie Sambora taking lead vocals)
HAVE A NICE DAY
WHO SAYS YOU CAN'T GO HOME
RAISE YOUR HANDS
BAD MEDICINE / SHOUT
LIVIN' ON A PRAYER

Encores:
JUST OLDER
WANTED DEAD OR ALIVE
IT'S MY LIFE
BLOOD ON BLOOD
SOMEDAY I'LL BE SATURDAY NIGHT
TREAT HER RIGHT
KEEP THE FAITH

This set list rocked and they did a great job of interating with the audience as well. "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead" was awesome how they brought in the two classics "Dancing in the Streets" and "Jumpin' Jack Flash". That song alone lasted about 10 minutes and then Jon went right into this dialogue about a song that was not from 2001, 2000, 1999, all they way down to 1983 and they busted right into "Runaway" which energized the crowd.

Once the main set ended, they came back out for their first of two encores! What was super cool was that Jon came out in a Chicago Rush jersey and congratulated the team on winning Arena Bowl 20 this year. (If you didn't know Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora are co-owners of the Philladelphia Soul) It was cool that they brought out the old tune "Blood on Blood". I've never heard that song live and it was cool to see the band jazzed to play it.

Overall it was a great concert. One of the very best I've ever seen. It was great to see the entire stadium packed with fans. The one thing I did notice this time that I've never seen before with Bon Jovi was the addition of a back-up guitarist. I don't know how hard of a time Richie is going through with his divorce, etc. (pure speculation here), but there were times where this other guy took solos that Richie would normally play. They introduced him at the end, but I missed his name. Of course the band will always acknowledge that Bon Jovi is really only four band members now and that Hugh McDonald is just a bass player that plays with them, so I guess this is no different (other than the fact that they never had a sixth member who played guitar). I just hope they don't get like the Stones someday where they continue to play and tour but they need a complete back-up band to make it sound good.

If you didn't get a chance to see Bon Jovi this time around it looks like your missed your opportunity. It looks like according to their tour schedule that their tour is ending soon. Try and catch them after their next album (when that is I have no idea). They are worth seeing.

Posted by Frederick L. Faulkner IV at 08:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hey! Man! I'm alive,
Taking each day a night at a time,
I'm down, but I know I'll get by,

Hey! Man! Gonna live my life
Like I ain't got nothin' but this roll of the dice,
I'm feelin' like a Monday But someday I'll be FRIDAY NIGHT!"

Tonight my wife and I are headed to Soldiers Field to see Bon Jovi, Nickelback and Stella Road. It is going to be a great night for a concert and this line-up is one for the record books. Bon Jovi will headline with NickelBack opening for them. Then Bon Jovi working with Saturn did a local contest called Have a Nice Gig where a local band was selected to open the entire night. Stella Road, a south side band, won last weekend to open tonight.

I've been reading on the Bon Jovi Web site the set lists from the last couple of nights, and it should be a rockin' time. They've been playing a great combination of old stuff with new stuff and a dash of cover tunes. I've seen Bon Jovi a couple times now, but this will be my first time seeing Nickelback and I can't wait! The boys from Canada, I've heard, put on a great show. Their rocking tunes should bode for a great stage show as well. Hopefully they won't disappoint.

Stella Road is the unknown here for me. I just recently heard about them. From what I hear, they are a great band as well. They play on the south side a lot, so I'll have to check them out after tonight if they are as good as everyone says. If they do well they will definitely get a few new fans out of this gig. Very cool of Bon Jovi to support the local music scene (note: they have done this for almost every market they have and are going to on this leg of their tour).

Looking forward to a great show and a long night!

Posted by Frederick L. Faulkner IV at 07:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The World Music Theatre is located in Tinley Park. It was purchased a few years ago and later renamed the Tweeter Center. Those of use from around the area refused to call it Tweeter unless we had to. Last week the World was purchased by another company and the naming rights were sold once again. The World will now be called the First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre. As Chris points out, how about a new sound system, an often criticism of the outdoor theatre, instead of changing the name. As Chris mentions, I too go there because it is local and convenient, not necessarily for the sound.

Posted by Frederick L. Faulkner IV at 08:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hello World! Ok, I'm back for a short minute to do some rants and give some updates as to what is going on here at Let's Ride.

iPod Update: Still not connecting like it should. I seem to get it to work by disabling my USB drivers and then re-enabling them until it catches. Sometimes this is three times, other times I just give up. For some reason my laptop didn't update the USB controllers when going to SP2 and I can't find a way to do it manually because the computer thinks it is up to date. Ugh...

Shure Ec2: I can hear!! Got myself a pair of good headphones for my new iPod. These bad boys are worth every penny. Nicely snug in your ear you can block out the rest of the world and jam out to your iPod at a quarter of the volume level you might otherwise. Here's to not going deaf by 30.

Websites: Lots of projects going on. I'm building a totally new Website template for work which is completely CSS driven. Moving us out of the stone age. The documentation for the accompanying Standards and resources Website has consumed my life at work. The good news is that the roll-out is in the next week, so I can get on with other things.

Weddings: Got to see a bunch of friends over the holiday break at a wedding up in Milwaukee. Saw my old roomie AJ and his wife Courtney. It was good to see them. Of course I got to see the rest of the gang (minus Scott) as well. Always a good time. Oh, and congrats to Chad and Sarah!

New Years: Hung out with friends for New Years at our place. Last minute decision due to the wedding and some miscommunication, but it all worked out. Didn't have to drive which is always a plus. Pizza, cards, DVD Trivia Pursuit, and darts. I hate that bulls eye!!!

Go BEARS!! Gotta hoop it up for the Monsters of the Midway. Looks like we are going to open a can of whup ass on Carolina this weekend. My man Orton is out, but he did his job. Now let's use the Pro Bowlers and make it to Detroit next month! Yeah you heard me...Super Bowl bound. Brady..you listening. That roar is from the West.

24: Jack is back and this time he's pissed that someone is messing with his identity. 24 kicks off its season with a two day season premier on Sunday and Monday. We'll see if he can save the U.S. one more time while torturing some terrorists.

Ok, enough for now. Should be back to regular programming in about a week. I'll try to get some New Years Resolutions down befor then. But until I do that here is a question for you:

How many stories up can you be where you can get a good overall picture of the land while still being able to make out people on the ground? Give your guesses in the comments.

Posted by Frederick L. Faulkner IV at 09:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Rick Klau passed me the Musical Baton Meme today. This is something I was hoping would get passed on to me someday (I was thinking about just doing it anyway in a slightly different format just for kicks). So here go...Rick askes me:

• What is my total volume of music?
• What is the last CD I bought?
• What song is playing right now?
• What five songs do I listen to a lot because they are special to me?
• Five people I'm passing the musical baton to?

What is my total volume of music?

What is the last CD I bought?

What song is playing right now?

What five songs do I listen to a lot because they are special to me?

1. I'll Back You Up by Dave Matthews Band

This song I do listen to the lyrics to and is from their first album Remember Two Things. To me it is all about my relationship with my wife. We back each other up, in whatever we do. Doesn't get much better than that.

2. Love Shack by the B52s

This song is all about college and my friends. Everytime it comes on the memories just flood back in and a smile will always come to my face.

3. The Boys Are Back In Town by Thin Lizzy

This song is about me and my boys from college. We all now live across the country (L.A., Hartford, Detroit, Minneapolis, Rockford, and Chicago) so this song is played when we all get together because you know havoc will reign down when the six of us get in one location.

4. Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leppard

Because you know you love 80s hair bands just as much as I do.

5. Dreams by Van Halen

Ambition can be a bitch sometimes, but life without dreams is a life that just isn't worth living.

Five people I'm passing the musical baton to?

1. Steve Nipper
2. Matt Homann
3. Jim Calloway
4. Reid Trautz
5. and my brother Rob Faulkner

Posted by Frederick L. Faulkner IV at 07:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Boys of Summer. That is the story title for the Dave Matthews Band on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine this week. DMB is estimated to gross $40M from their summer tour, which will rank them probably in the top 5 summer acts. Other big competitors include The Rolling Stones, the Anger Management tour (with 50 Cent/Eminem), Green Day, and Coldplay. The article by Jenny Eliscu was decent. She covered information that was also in the DVD part of the Stand Up album, as well as general history of the band. She also emphasizes how the band feels that this album is one that brought the band back together and forged a new union through their music.

What the article did do, at least for me, was explain some of the meaning behind the lyrics in the songs. Dave brought out his politicalness in this album, which I didn't pick up on immediately. I like listening to music for the music. Sometimes I, admittedly, don't pick up on the lyical symbolism or inferences.

While flipping through the rest of the Rolling Stone issue I saw that VH1 is reviving Story Tellers. DMB recorded their Story Tellers installment back in May and it will broadcast in September. Thanks to Coldplay for reviving the series with the desire to record a session.

Posted by Frederick L. Faulkner IV at 01:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

My friend Ben and I went to the Dave Matthews Band concert last night at the Tweeter Center (formerly known as "The World") in Tinley Park. It was raining which made for an interesting "muddy" experience, but it was fun none the less. Jurassic 5 opened for them, but we were still parking, getting our Preferred Seating wrist bands and beer, so we missed their entire set. Dave and the gang hit the stage about 8:30 and that is when the fun began.

Boyd came out wearing a CHICAGO vest that had a cubbies logo on the back! Kicking off the show was One Sweet World. It is always tough to do, but when I go see them live I always try to call the first song, but 8 albums later I'm rarely correct. The energy from the crowd was magnified on stage 20 fold. The light show was awesome and it was LOUD. Jam sessions lasted for 10 minutes at a crack on multiple songs which makes seeing DMB live the main reason to go.

As I've stated before, I like the new album. It has grown on me just like the rest. I didn't think, however, that many of the songs would translate to good "live" tracks. I was so wrong. DMB rocked the house on songs like Louisiana Bayou, Hello Again, Die Trying, Smooth Rider and Hunger For The Great Light. They also pulled out a cover of The Zombies "Time of The Season" which rocked the entire place. Everyone was having fun on stage. Stefan was dancing to every tune as he laid down his bass lines. Boyd, LeRoi, and Butch all had great solos and jammed out to songs in perfect harmony. Dave was...well Dave. Enough said. Carter blasted out the best drum beats I've heard from any drummer. That man can use every drum in his arsenal and lay down rhythms that will make your head spin.

One of these summers I'm going to take a week off work and just travel with the band for three or four shows. I can never get enough of them live. I highly recommend seeing them live. One of the best live bands out on tour.

Here is the entire set list:

One Sweet World
Grey Street
Louisiana Bayou
Too Much
Dream Girl
Hello Again
Time Of The Season
Die Trying
Lover Lay Down
American Baby
Smooth Rider
Warehouse
Hunger For The Great Light
Crash
Stand Up
All Along The Watchtower

Encore:
Old Dirt Hill
Tripping Billies

Posted by Frederick L. Faulkner IV at 11:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Yes, I'm on a Dave Matthews Band kick lately. If you don't like it come back next week when I'm out of town or blogging about something else. ;-)

VH1 is streaming the new album, in its entirity. Very cool. As I mentioned in my last post, this album was going to be different. Joy Ride and Sugar Will didn't make the final cut, but Hello Again did. I think this one will take some getting used to. I'll have a nice plane ride to Orlando to check out the entire album next week. Until then, head over to VH1's Hear Music First site for DMB.

Posted by Frederick L. Faulkner IV at 09:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The tickets are bought. The new album is on its way in less than two weeks. And the anticipation of the new DMB album is growing. Dating back to 1991 DMB has been building an audience and a sound that is hard to define. Some of it is rock like I Did It from the Everyday album. Then you get a lovely ballad like I'll Back You Up from the Remember Two Things album. There are hints of jazz, blues, bluegrass, african, folk, and rock influence in each of their albums.

Each of DMB's albums have progressed through the times. When they first broke out with Under the Table and Dreaming they already had an EP album out called Recently, and a self released album called Remember Two Things out. So for the first couple of years, including the entire Crash album, their entire library was already written. It took until Before These Crowded Streets for them to start to evolve. And that they did. Then came some live albums which really shows the bread and butter of DMB...listening to them play "live."

Continue reading "Stand Up - New DMB Album May 10th" »

Posted by Frederick L. Faulkner IV at 06:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

The Dave Matthews Band continues to tease their fans by placing video shorts featuring all the members on their new studio album microsite. The fourth video was posted last week and features Dave himself talking about the process the band has taken to write the new album. These shorts are great to keep fans involved and anticipating the new album that will be released this spring. The summer tour dates have been announced and it looks like Chicago is again on their tour. Should be a grand time on June 2, 2005.

Posted by Frederick L. Faulkner IV at 06:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

The Dave Matthews Band is back in the studio recording their next album. Slated to drop in May, the band has again built a micro-site for the new album which is pretty bare right now, but has two videos for you to watch. The first one is from the new producer, Mark Batson, explaining that he wants to push DMB to new levels. The second video, which just came out recently, has a jam session with Carter and Mark on the piano. Stefan commentates about the moment.

I saw DMB last summer when they "road tested" three new songs and then played on they created in the sound check. That was pretty cool to learn after the fact. Regardless, the new songs sound awesome and I can't wait for the new album.

Posted by Frederick L. Faulkner IV at 06:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Not FAIR! U2 played a spontaneous concert under the Brooklyn Bridge this last weekend for a few thousand fans. My only question...why not Chicago. Anyone?

Posted by Frederick L. Faulkner IV at 07:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Hello Hello! Apple today announed the special edition U2 iPod today. Many have questioned when Apple would come out with a black iPod and this was the answer. There has also been some ranting about why they made the click-wheel red, but hey, it is U2 we're talking about here. Have they ever done anything normal? Bonus with the $349 price tag is laser etched signatures from the band on the back and an iTunes Music Store coupon you can use to save $50 when you purchase “The Complete U2,” a digital boxed-set that includes more than 400 songs and more than 25 rare and unreleased tracks. This would be better if those tracks, or some tracks would be pre-loaded. But I guess that is too much to ask.

I don't have an iPod, though I really want one. I just can't justify the $$ right now. This is a cool rendition though of the original.

Posted by Frederick L. Faulkner IV at 10:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I have always found more respect for music artists who really perform "live" vs. the pre-recorded crap we hear more and more today. I dont' care if you don't sound exactly how you do on the studio album. Most of the time it sounds better live anyway. But then I see, hear, and experience the "lip-sync" version and I just don't find it to be in the artists favor in the long run. It just goes to show you when an artist performs "live," yet it is pre-recorded, that the record labels are covering something up...like they really can't sing.

Hence comes to another Milli-Vanilli experience. This time it comes to poor Jessica Simpson's sister Ashlee. Apparently she was the most recent artist to fall victim to the "I fake it on stage" experience on Saturday Night Live. Adrants has a nice post about the incident titled Ashlee Simpson Croaks on Live TV. Funny stuff.

Posted by Frederick L. Faulkner IV at 04:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Fantastic show in Tinley Park tonight! Energy levels on stage and in the audience were high. The band are having a great time together as usual, and it's showing in their performance. Along with the 4 new songs we heard last night, DMB played a tune that they wrote during soundcheck this afternoon. Dave improvised lyrics and band members exchanged solos. When asked what we should name the song on the web site, Dave replied "Hmm? Call it......'Hmm?!'." We're headed to Indy for shows on Sunday and Monday. See y'all there.
-- The DMB Crew

Satuday, June 19
12:31 AM CDT

I couldn't agree more. This show rocked, especially with the fact that we got to hear new songs. I can't wait for the new album. It sounds like another winner just from the preview we heard tonight.

I have to admit that the "Preferred Seating Area" in the lawn rocked. We were able to show up a little after the gates opened and still got good seats. Either not many of the the Warehouse members got lawn seats, or they didn't take advantage of the area because it was pretty empty. Regardless, the show rocked. I drank one or two too many beers. I hurt a little the next morning. :-)

Next summer I think we'll do a little road trip and see them a couple shows in a row. What a vacation that would be!

Here is the Set List from the show:

So Much To Say++
Rapunzel
New Song #1
When The World Ends
Too Much
If I Had It All
Rhyme & Reason ++
Hmm ? [New]
Bass Intro ++
New Song #4
Where Are You Going
Warehouse
New Song #2
Lap Steel Intro ++
Grace Is Gone
Jimi Thing
Grey Street
New Song #3
Stay
__________________

Crush
What Would You Say

++ indicates a segue into next song

Posted by Frederick L. Faulkner IV at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

"with the wine that saved Jesus from three days in the ground...."

That is what I will be singing tonight as I head to the Tweeter Center to see the Dave Matthews Band. I have been looking forward to this concert for weeks. I don't go to many concerts (although I would love to go to more) due to the increasing ticket costs and the not-so-great acoustics of Tweeter. The good thing though is that Tweeter is only fifteen minutes from my place, so it won't take forever to get home.

The cool thing about this summer's concert for DMB is that I will get access to a “Preferred Seating Area” in the lawn. I get all of my tickets for DMB though their fan club, the Warehouse, and in the summer I usually get lawn seats. Well the folks over at the Warehouse have scored the lawn ticket holders a little perk this year. They have arranged for a preferred seating area that will be roped off until just about when DMB hits the state. This is cool! Finally a perk to paying more for a ticket through the fan club. This area I can only assume is in the middle and front of the lawn. They claim it to be an area that has better viability to the screens and optimum for sound quality. Makes logical sense to me that this would be in the middle. So I will be going early today so I can get even better seats in my Preferred Seating Area...fighting for space from all the other fan club members.

So today I ride the train back and forth to work like a bunch of Ants Marching, wondering What Would You Say to me if I said 'hello' to you while walking down the street. Today I will do my job like I do Everyday, and tonight I will eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we may die.

Posted by Frederick L. Faulkner IV at 08:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I heard right before I left work that Ray Charles passed away today. Music lost a legend, but the world of music would have never been the same if he wasn't part of it. Blind at the age of seven, Ray Charles produced music that influenced the soul, body, and mind. Inspiration for hundreds of musicians after him, Ray didn't need to see the world to know how much he changed it. From playing classics like Georgia on My Mind to being in cult classics like The Blues Brothers, Ray Charles entertained the world. We will miss you.

Posted by Frederick L. Faulkner IV at 08:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I downloaded the new Napster tonight. I got five free songs to download before I will be shelling out .99 / song. I have been reading the reviews on the iTunes from Apple and other competitors. I don't own an iPod, so iTunes doesn't seem relevant to me. Napster 2.0.6.1 seems like all the rest. You download their software, you buy songs, but it seems like they reside on their servers under your profile until you are ready to "burn" them. Seeing how Napster is now owned by Roxio, this is a natural move. I still haven't played with it all yet. But more to come on this front when I do. So far, so good.

Posted by Frederick L. Faulkner IV at 10:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

It was recently announced that Dave Matthews will be going on the road this winter to support his solo album Some Devil. As a Warehouse Member I got the e-mail last week to get in on the lotter for the shows. I selected the one in Chicago at the Allstate Arena. Hopefully I will score the two tickets I requested. I missed out on the Dave & Tim show up in Kenosha earlier this year and I am looking forward to "An Acoustic & Electric Evening with Dave Matthews and Friends."

Of course I pre-ordered Some Devil in the summer. I'll be writing a review to post on this site soon. Until then, this fall/winter is going to be crazy. Business trip next week, come back then finalize wedding plans. Thanksgiving, Bachealor party, wedding, Dave concert, Xmas, and then honeymoon! Whew! Going to be a busy 60 days.

Posted by Frederick L. Faulkner IV at 10:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Dave Matthews has been named the Artist of the Month on Yahoo's music portal for September. With his upcoming album Some Devil, Matthews in set to take the stage in a new spotlight...solo. I've heard some of the tracks in preview form from the DMB website. I think it is going to be different. The rumor is that Some Devil spelled backwards is "Live Demos." From what I've heard, it might be true. The clips seem a little more raw than polished. But I guess I'll just have to wait until Sept. 23 when the album hits my doorstep from Fed Ex.

Posted by Frederick L. Faulkner IV at 10:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

My man Dave. The man is a multi-talented, imspiring, genius. Well maybe not genius musically, but he is a genius when it comes to a business man, or at least he surrounds himself by ones. Nanices.org and Chicago Red Eye are reporting that Dave is going to be a main character in the major motion film "Because of Winn Dixie" set for release in 2004. Dave is going to play a homeless guy that gets to interact with the main character because her dog, "Winn Dixie," brings them together.

So that is Dave's major film debut. He played a small role in a production of Where the Red Fern Grows, but it hasn't been released to the public.

As for the genius of Dave...it just seems from my point of view, Dave played all the right cards. He got a band together that believed in his style of music. Then he starts a copyright company called Colden Grey where all his music is published under. He also owns the distribution company that produces all of there merchandise. Big $$ there. Dave has also started a record label, ATO, which has artists such as Gov't Mule and David Grey on it. And the list goes on.

I'm a big DMB fan. I have since '94 when I first saw them at H.O.R.D.E. fest at the World Music Theater (now the Chicago Tweeter Center). DMB has since put out numerous albums. I have seen them almost 10 times in concert with plans to see them as much as I can in the future. Finally, Dave has his solo album, Some Devil, coming out next month. Can't wait to hear a different side of the man.

Posted by Frederick L. Faulkner IV at 10:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)