Dave Matthews Band releases recording of 1996 solo concert at Sweet Briar College

Dave Matthews performs solo in the dell at Sweet Briar April 14, 1996. Sweet Briar College archive photo


It’s an oft-remembered part of Sweet Briar lore that Dave Matthews performed at least twice at the College in the mid-1990s.

What is less well known is that a high-quality recording exists of his solo concert in the dell on April 14, 1996. Dave Matthews Band announced on its website today that it is releasing “Live at Sweet Briar College 4.14.1996” through its official store along with a companion T-shirt commemorating the event. Net proceeds from the sale of both items will benefit the College.



For those curious about Matthews’ ties to Sweet Briar, a description of the release offers some background:

This special, uncirculated Dave Matthews solo acoustic performance was recorded in Spring, 1996 outside at the Sweet Briar College Dell, just before the release of the band’s sophomore album Crash. The show is intimate and carefree and Dave takes his time sharing stories regarding the place of inspiration for “Crash Into Me” (a dorm within viewing distance of the stage) and a recent trip to Africa. This rare performance features beautiful solo acoustic renditions of full-band songs with highlights including “#41,” “Lie In Our Graves,” “Seek Up” and “#36.”

When Matthews first played at Sweet Briar in Prothro on Feb. 25, 1994, the band — now in the midst of a 25th anniversary summer tour — was gaining national prominence. By the 1996 solo concert, DMB was weeks away from releasing “Crash,” its second album with the RCA label.

Pre-orders of the recording, available in three formats — MP3 for $11.99, CD and FLAC for $13.99 — may be placed now to begin shipping in time for the Aug. 19 release date. The T-shirts are $25 or may be bundled with the CD for $29.99.

Visit DMB’s official store for details. The CD and T-shirts will also be available for purchase at the Sweet Briar Book Shop after Aug. 19.

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