It was another successful night for the Hershey Summer Concert Series as the Dave Matthews Band strolled into town, performed an incredibly amazing two-and-a-half hour show, and then moved on, leaving thousands of loyal fans in a whirlwind of excitement and glory over one of this year’s top selling bands to pass through Central Pennsylvania. To not know the words was inexcusable for anyone attending the concert, as it seemed almost a requirement to sing along. From the first note struck in the opening song, "Warehouse," fans sang, danced, and rallied along as the Dave Matthews Band played material covering an era from their start in 1991 to their current succession and then some.

Despite the fact that several songs seemed lengthy and drawn out, they were captivating. To experience the musicianship this band possesses is a gift in an age so computer generated that real music is often left behind for a more technical sound. Once again, a band has created songs that bear talent and passion. Each musician provided a quality of enhancement to the melodic rhythms set forth by Dave Matthews as they shared the spotlight throughout the evening, each taking a turn and each one adding to the emphasis of soul within every note.

At one point during the show, the Band slowed things down a bit to a relaxing mellow groove, giving the audience just a few minutes to catch their breath before picking things up and causing an uproar from the audience. As each song started throughout the night, more fans flocked to the open aisles dancing vigorously and swaying their arms in the air to show their appreciation. During one of his more popular songs, "Crash," lighters filled the air.

In addition to the mesmerizing sounds of the Dave Matthews Band, an array of colorful beams shot out through the darkness, often creating a kaleidoscope effect as a background for the music. The special effects created by the spectacular light show picked up where stage presence was left behind. Although the band’s performance was exceptional musically, they tended to be more laid back when it comes to creating a stage show.

Outside of the stadium, fans gathered with just as much enthusiasm as those who held tickets. All along the fence surrounding the Hershey Park Stadium, groups of fans varying in age made their way to the areas revealing black tarp, tearing small peekholes, and watching the show inside. For those who were just as content to listen, lawn chairs lined the parking lot, set up on backs of pickup trucks, with the makings of a picnic around them. T-shirts and memorabilia were also available outside of the stadium to those who were not fortunate enough to be on the inside.

When one fan was asked about his perception of the show, he replied that it was nice to finally see someone play for more than just an hour. His highlight of the evening was a comment Dave Matthews made during his final encore of "Drive In, Drive Out," when he spoke in reference to the upcoming presidential election and his opinion that there are no good choices to be made. When asked if he would attend the show again, the fan’s reply was quick and without hesitation: "Oh God, yes. In a second." Ticket prices were not a concern.

All in all, the Dave Matthews Band Concert at the Hershey Stadium was a truly incredible experience to anyone fortunate enough to attend; whether you were on the inside or a fan looking in from the outside. It is most assured that the Dave Matthews Band will be considered a "must have" for concert seasons to come. If you have the chance, spend the extra money for a ticket and experience Dave Matthews for yourself. The live performance is beyond what any recording can expose you to.