This past weekend, Dave Matthews Band took their Summer Tour to the frequented and beloved Upstate venue, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. After leaving their mark on the attendees during the Friday night concert, which positioned select songs in rare slots, the first set ending “The Best of What’s Around” since 1993, and the first encore performance of “The Stone” since 2014, the bandleader used his last moments during Saturday’s encore to debut, “Take All Day.”

The single set performance found its footing on the Before These Crowded Streets track, “Pantala Naga Pampa,” which was fused with “Two Step,” featuring a “Time Bomb” intro. The nonstop movement gave way to follow-ups, “Stay (Wasting Time),” “Everyday,” and “Looking for a Vein.” The funky draw of “Jimi Thing” preluded Cameo’s “Word Up!” The concert’s midsection featured well-played renditions of “You Never Know,” “Hunger for the Great Light,” “Seven,” “Do You Remember,” and the punching bassline and rhythm section accentuated the layout of  “Rapunzel.”

“Steady As We Go” honored the band’s musical dynamism. In time, the group gave “Pig” and “Loving Wings” special treatment ahead of their siege of David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance.” The introspective classic, “The Space Between,” came before the final selections for the concert’s main frame, “Why I Am” and “What You Are.” Sans accompaniment by the instrumentalist, just the bandleader stepped out for the start of the evening’s encore. Matthews spoke to the audience, saying in part: “I don’t think I’ve ever played this song before… If you’ll indulge me…” 

Accompanied only by his acoustic guitar, Matthews strummed the opening of “Take All Day” before cooing into the microphone, which preluded the sentimental and loving lyrics to the new song. In a fan clip shared on YouTube, Matthews’ solo debut showcases his comfort and confidence stepping out in front of a 25,000-capacity venue and trying out new material for the first time.

Summer Tour resumes tomorrow night in Gilford, N.H. Tickets are sold out.

Dave Matthews Band 

SPAC – Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

July 19, 2025 

Set: Pantala Naga Pampa, Two Step, Stay (Wasting Time), Everyday, Looking for a Vein, Jimi Thing, Word Up!, You Never Know, Hunger for the Great Light, Seven, Do You Remember, Rapunzel, Steady as We Go, Pig, Loving Wings, Let’s Dance, The Space Between, Why I Am, What You Are

Enc.: Take All Day+, The Last Stop

Notes:

+ Debut, performed solo by Dave Matthews 

Setlist and notes via dmbalmanac.com.