Dave Matthews Band Caravan

For fans of the Dave Matthews Band it was the worst news of the year.

"After twenty years of consecutive touring, Dave Matthews Band will be taking 2011 off. We feel lucky that our tours are a part of so many people's lives, and wanted to give everyone as much notice as possible," said a message on the band's Web site posted in mid-May.

Every year since 1991 there's been a Dave Matthews Band tour. In fact, DMB has never really taken more than a couple of months off from selling Dave Matthews Band tickets.

Just because the band isn't launching a Dave Matthews tour this year doesn't mean you won't be able to see them live. Yes, you might have to travel, and their shows are few and far between, but what they have planned will definitely be worth the effort.

DMB is hosting four concert festivals this year under the name Dave Matthews Band Caravan. Each festival last three days, stars a slew of great bands, and culminates each night with a full set from DMB.

The first Caravan is June 24-26 at Bader Field in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The second is July 8-10 at Lakeside, Chicago—the former site of U.S. Steelworks located on 85th Street. DMB's festival will be the first ever event held at this location.

Some of the big names joining DMB at both of the aforementioned festivals will be David Gray, Ray Lamontagne, The Flaming Lips, and O.A.R. Other big name acts scheduled for the Chicago festival are Emmylou Harris, Amos Lee, Ben Folds, and Liz Phair.

The third Dave Matthews Band Caravan is Aug. 26-28 at Governors Island in New York City. Joining DMB will be Dispatch, The Roots, and Gogol Bordello.

The fourth and final caravan of summer takes place over Labor Day weekend, Sept. 2-4, at the breathtaking Gorge Amphitheater in George, Washington. Once again, Dispatch, The Roots, and Gogol Bordello will be on the marquee as well as De La Soul and Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros.

The Gorge Amphitheater holds a special place for both the band and their fans. Dave Matthews tickets have been sold to the amphitheater on five previous Labor Day Weekends. Overall, their upcoming festival appearance marks the 16th year Dave Matthews Band has performed at the beautiful Washington State concert venue.

To offset the event's carbon footprint, DMB is going to great lengths to make sure every festival is as environmentally friendly as possible. DMB busses will be running on biodiesel, recycling bins will be everywhere, and you're encouraged to bring your own reusable water bottle. Brita will sponsor special hydration stations where DMB concert attendees can refill their water bottles.

Fans can procure Dave Matthews Band Caravan tickets one of three ways. You can buy them from the Dave Matthews Band Warehouse Fan Association, Ticketmaster, and, saving the best for last, you can purchase them right here at DaveMatthewsTickets.us. Buying tickets at DaveMatthewsTickets.us is safe, easy, and guaranteed.

Two types of tickets are available for the caravan. One is a 3-day pass and the other is a VIP pass. Both allow the holder entry into all three days but the VIP pass also offers access to special viewing areas, VIP bathrooms, free food, and a voucher for a free souvenir.

Shows start each day of the festival at 2 pm.

“I hope that people will go away from it, probably a little exhausted, but feeling like they had a really special experience,” said Matthews.