You put your psychology textbook in hoc to go see him in Hershey last September. You avoided studying for your trig test to burn CDs of that "totally phat" show he and the Band played in Chicago in December of '98 for the guy who lives next door. And you broke up with your girlfriend because you kept insisting you heard "What Would You Say?" way before it was on the radio. You spent all semester waiting for tonight, and now the semester's over. And Dave is your reward.

The Dave Matthews and Friends tour, featuring Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio, longtime Dave collaborator Tim Reynolds and Mr. Matthews himself, kicks off tomorrow night at our very own Bryce Jordan Center.

Also joining Matthews will be drummer Brady Blade, bassist Tony Hall and keyboardist Ray Paczkowski. The guests all play on Dave Matthews' solo album, Some Devil, and the tour is in support of the September release.

Bernie Punt, director of public relations for the Bryce Jordan Center, said the show's focus will be on eclectic musicianship and spontaneity.

"I think the show will be mostly jamming," Punt said. "They'll decide when they get here what they're going to play. The audience should be in for some surprises, and so will the band."

Tyler Kulp, employee of City Lights Records, 316 E. College Ave., said that even after all these years, Dave is still a big draw with the State College audience.

"We've sold a considerable amount of his solo album since it came out," Kulp said. "The show should be packed."

Kulp said Dave's touring mates could lead to a crowd your typical Dave Matthews Band performance might not have otherwise drawn.

"His friends should bring out more of a mix of people," Kulp said.

"There'll be the Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds fans, and the Trey Anastasio fans, and people out to see everybody else."

Robert Rowland (junior-English) isn't quite so sure.

"I'm not too excited to see [Dave and Trey] share a stage," Rowland, a Phish fan who will not be attending the show, said.

"Dave's just gotten too big for his band. At least Trey is humble enough to stay in the background."

Punt, however, emphasizes the camaraderie between all the musicians playing.

"Tim Reynolds, Trey Anastasio; he calls them friends, he's known them for a long time," Punt said. "It'll be a cool experience to see him up there, just jamming with his old buddies."

Punt said the timing of the show couldn't be more perfect, as the tickets for the show have been selling fast.

"It's the last day of class, and it's right before finals," Punt said. "It'll be a good way to pat yourself on the back, congratulate yourself on a good semester."