Dave Matthews Band rocked as if they were playing enduring anthems of the summer, and the crowd willfully accepted their tribute. Dave Matthews’ genuine adoration for his fans cast a spell over the night, and both the band and the fans put everything they had into the music.

The concert traveled through the labyrinth of excitement that only exists in live music. Sensual rhythms flowed through the crowd, as Matthews’ eurythmic vocals and back-porch-style six-string picking complemented each instrument. Carter Beauford’s drum beats exploded like bombs as guitar licks rained down like fire after the dust settled. LeRoi Moore’s sax, Stefan Lessard’s bass and Boyd Tinsley’s violin acted as catalysts to catapault each song into overdrive during the band’s unstoppable jam sessions. At one point in the evening Matthews would have made Scat heroes Gene Greene and Ella Fitzgerald proud, with his random bursts of throwback improvisational vocals.

Songs “Louisiana Bayou,” “Corn Bread” and a cover of Pink Floyd’s “Money” provided fans with a glimpse into the roots of music, while fan favorites “Two Step” and “Don’t Drink the Water” demonstrated where music is headed. During the band’s encore an exuberant Matthews danced around stage while the crowd took over singing the chorus of “Thank You.” Mirroring Matthews’ usually unintelligible voice the crowd hollered, “Thank you falettinme be mice elf agin!” until the house lights came up.