Re: ***Official Portland 2022 Thread***
Let me start by saying that I became a fan of the band in 2003.* That summer, I had the option of seeing DMB at the MODA Center (named the Rose Garden Arena at that time) or at the Gorge amphitheater; I chose the latter.* As Dave mentioned last night, it had been almost 20 years since they last played the venue.* How surprised I was to see a Portland date in the list of 2022 Fall tour dates for DMB.* Initially I was a little concerned about what the attendance would be for this show, especially with the slow ticket sales and hearing about the low attendance for the Vancouver, BC show.* Once the lights went down and the band came out (7:45ish), I was happy and proud of the turn out and the energy and excitement from the crowd.* I would estimate that the floor, 100, and 200 levels were 85% - 90% full.* There were also enough people in the 300 level seats that they would not have been able to curtain off these sections and still accommodate all the fans that came out last night.
First let me acknowledge the Warehouse staff on site last night.* There were two individuals who were out front working the crowd, separating the PIT ticket holders from the rest of the crowd, and separating those holding Warehouse tickets from the rest of the ticketholders.* They were engaging people at the back of the lines and bringing those with Warehouse tickets to a blocked off area directly in front of the doors to the building.* It was really nice to see the band putting effort and resources into following through on one of the perks of being a Warehouse member; job well done, thank you!
Regarding the 2022 Fall tour merchandise, there were two styles of posters available, the 2022 Fall tour poster, and the Portland specific poster.* There was a 2022 Fall tour t-shirt available in both short sleeve and long sleeve styles.* The only other item I saw that was not available during the 2022 Summer tour was the 2023 calendar.
Regarding the show, it was a good one indeed!* The first thing I noticed was how good the sound was.* I don't know if it was the acoustics of the MODA Center or the new sound system I heard the band picked up recently, or a combination of both.* Also, Dave's voice was in top form and the rest of the band were in sync and sounding great as well.
Regarding the setlist, loved getting Granny through Rapunzel, Lover Lay Down, #41, and Dancing Nancies through the closer, Don't Drink the Water.* Not a fan of the band doing cover songs, and therefore was happy we only got one last night, Fool in the Rain.
My one disappointment about the show was the one song encore and the show ending around 10:25 pm.* With the 11:00 pm curfew I was expecting at least the standard two song encore and thought we might even get an extra song with a significant amount of time remaining before curfew.
Let me end by saying that I feel very fortunate that this band tours as much as they do, and still have so much enthusiasm, excitement, and excellence in their performances.* Yes, sometimes I'm not happy with a setlist or waiting for a new album of material, but I was reminded once again last night why I love this band.* Dave, in answer to your question, I had a good evening.* Job very well done DMB and until the next time I have the pleasure of seeing you again.* Thank you boys!*
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