Thank you to everyone who took the time to enter the the “I Heart DMB” Essay and DMB Calendar Contests we opened up in November. It was very difficult, but we’ve chosen the winners: Congratulations to Shirley Finik who will take away a DMB Live Trax CD of her choice, and to the runner-ups Katie and Jennifer Bierce.

Here are their essays.

The first song I loved by DMB was Crush. Yeah, I know, I was a late bloomer. Little did I know that eight years later the songs from DMB are part of my soul. The songs are simple and complex at the same time, much like we are. Dave Matthews is one of the most influential songwriters of our time, having the depth and breadth to capture wisdom and serenity, happiness, joy, pain, heartache, and fun within the lyrics and music he writes. He is able to bring his band along for this joyride, as his collaborative friends and colleagues. There is nothing like watching Boyd and Dave share a "moment" on stage.

From where I sit, Dave and the band share mutual respect for each other and it shows to the fans. The “live” DMB concert experience whisks you away from your routine, from your life, and into a 3-hour retreat. I plan my summer vacation around the shows. The highlight of my summer is making my way around three or four states, with friends or on my own (doesn’t matter because when you are at a show, you have an abundance of friends)!!! The nuances of the live show are really interesting, and if you are a true “fan-at-ic” like me you can pick them out easily. The teasers and short intros and outros keep you wondering what will happen next. It’s all part of the fun.

The band has integrity and honesty, sharing their money and voices with charities that involve the environment and children. They are not afraid to offer their opinion and stand firm to that choice. I admire their generosity, and Dave’s enjoyment of living a simplistic lifestyle, even though they have so much.

I imagine just sitting around and having conversation with the band. We’d talk about family, music, food, and maybe a little politics thrown in for good measure. Please consider my short essay for the contest, as I am one 44-year old fan that is defined and well known by my love of this band!

By Shirley Finik

When thinking about why I "heart" the Dave Matthews Band, lots of things come to mind. First of course, is the music. There is no other music in this world that can change my mood in an instant, and give me goosebumps at the same time. Each member does something different for me, and together they make the best music out there.

Dave's incredibly unique lyrics, happy feet, and Jimi Thing skats are one of a kind. Boyd's hair going crazy during his solos, his "duels" with Dave, and mad violin skills are a sight to be seen. Stefan "bouncing" on stage, his tight bass lines, and overall cool vibe on stage are a highlight of any DMB show. Leroi's bone-chilling solos, sunglasses, and his "Bartender" outro are truly the best out there. Carter's incredible drumming skills, blowing bubbles during songs, and his smile make a DMB show hard to forget.

It is not just the music aspect of DMB that I "heart", it is also their good hearts. No matter how many arenas or venues they sell out, they always remember those less fortunate than themselves. The Bama Works Foundation does great work for many charities and makes a major difference in many lives. The fact that they have performed at numerous charity concerts only makes me "heart" them even more. Each year, Dave performs at Farm Aid, where he is a chairman on the board as well. The Central Park concert, as well as the Golden Gate show were for charity, and this makes them quite noble citizens. Many artists at the level that DMB is would never play a concert for charity, but DMB is quite different, they care about others. It makes me want to give to charities, and be as charitable as they are. The members, their charitable hearts, and of course, the incredible fans make me love this band more and more every single day. I have met so many awesome people at DMB shows, and that goes to show how this band has touched so many people's lives, especially my own.

By Katie (dmbjtr2step)

 It was 1996 and I was nine years old.  I sat on my floor, at the edge of my bed and popped Crash into my cd player, it was the first Dave Matthews Band cd I had ever bought.  I sat anxiously, curiously awaiting what I was about to hear.  From the moment I heard the click of Carter’s drumsticks in the beginning of So Much to Say, I was in love.  As the song went on, my heart filled with such extreme ecstasy, I couldn’t contain myself any longer.  I got up off my floor and started dancing and singing like a crazy person.  I had found my passion, and that passion was the Dave Matthews Band.
        There is no feeling that can even begin to compare to the feeling I get from listening to their music.  When I hear their songs, it’s like Dave’s voice, Carter's drums, Boyd’s violin, Stefan’s bass and Leroy’s sax, fill my entire body.  I feel their music pulsing through my veins and become a part of me.  My mind is boggled by how they can take five completely unique sounds and combine them into one phenomenal musical orgasm.  No matter what's going on in my life, or what problems I face, when I listen to their music, everything seems to disappear and I become immersed in the song.  I don’t think about anything, I don’t care about anything, its just me and band having a good time.  

Between Best of What’s Around, Rhyme and Reason, Halloween and Song that Jane Likes, their songs have gotten me through everything, good times and bad.  I am so glad that I discovered them at such a young age, because they have become a part of who I am, and have shaped my philosophy on life.  I feel as though, without Dave and the boys,  I would be missing out on a whole new level of joy; my life would be empty and not nearly as fun.  Their songs have taught me to appreciate life, because after all, life is short but sweet for certain.

By Jennifer Bierce

Congratulations again to Katie, who submitted the only entry for the calendar contest. We'll be sending her a Bobble-Head Jesus.