Dave Matthews tends to crowd tonight

By JON FASSNACHT
Collegian Staff Writer

Tonight, a select group of students will be treated to a performance by two guitarists -- one an ex-bartender and one who still plays bars when he's not touring.

Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds will give an intimate acoustic performance at 7:30 today in Eisenhower Auditorium. Tickets are sold out.

The Dave Matthews Band has remained extremely popular throughout the decade after breaking into the mainstream market with its 1994 release, Under the Table and Dreaming. In an era when one-hit wonders are prevalent, the band is a refreshing exception.

Although not an official member of the band, Reynolds has appeared on every one of the band's albums -- including a few acoustic duets with Matthews on the band's 1993 releases Remember Two Things and Recently -- and frequently has gone on tour with the band providing rhythmic support for Matthews' guitar.

Although not very well known outside of the Dave Matthews Band camp, Reynolds has garnered numerous accolades for his musical abilities. Some of his material can be heard on Live at Luther College, the pair's first album together. The album was released two weeks ago and entered the Billboard pop charts at No. 2.

The University Concert Committee has high hopes for the popular collaboration.

"We're all very excited we were lucky enough to get Tim and Dave," said Galit Hadari, publicity director for the UCC. "It should be a great show."

The two met well before The Dave Matthews Band became a household name.

Matthews was working as a bartender when he spotted Reynolds playing. The two quickly formed a strong camaraderie and started playing together. When his band hit the big time, Matthews didn't forget his partner, inviting him to guest on tours. When the band went on hiatus, Matthews saw it was a perfect opportunity to relive the past and the "Acoustic Evening" tour was born.

To keep the performances as intimate as possible, the shows are played in smaller venues. While this is advantageous to those who get tickets, it leaves many fans without a chance to see their favorite singer.

Penn State fans lucky enough to get seats for the performance tonight are looking forward to seeing an up-close-and-personal performance.

"The small setting definitely fits the atmosphere," Kristin Wisemiller (freshman-marketing) said. "I'm very excited that I have a chance to go."