The Dave Matthews Band proves you don't have to be in Kansas to like violins
Monday, July 7, 1997 July 7th, 1997
By Bernice Yeung
With its funk-rock roots, use of jazz instrumentals and Southern flavor, the Dave Matthews Band swings from genre to genre, causing confusion among radio station programmers who have difficulty categorizing the band.
The Virginians have long been considered a college-radio band, a designation that accurately characterized their following early on when they played mostly frat parties. But its hard to imagine such stand-out musicians performing amid discarded beer cans; they certainly deserve a real stage.
The marquee may have announced the Dave Matthews Band in concert at the Shoreline, but the group's July 6 performance was truly violinist Boyd Tinsley's showcase. Stomping his feet, mouth wide open and face peering heavenward, the classically trained violinist commanded the stage with his contagiously exuberant and maniacally brilliant playing.