The Dave Matthews Band played their first of two back-to-back shows at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on Friday, July 17.

Playing at SPAC nearly every year since 1994 has created a summer tradition for local crowds, who showed up in high numbers to support the band.

Opening with “Louisiana Bayou” had people on their feet and not a soul sat down for the remainder of the performance.

The only thing that slightly tempered the energy was the confiscation by the ushers of bouncing beach balls during “Beach Ball.”

Other highlights included a Led Zepplin tribute in song “Fool in the Rain,” and closer, “Ants Marching,” one of the band’s all-time hits.

To the crowd’s delight, the band returned for two encore songs, “Making it Great,” and “Lie in Our Graves.”

For fans who missed night one, DMB will host their second show at SPAC on July 18; they will also be at Jones Beach Amphitheatre in Wantagh on July 21 and Darien Lake Amphitheater in Darien Center on July 22.

Setlist: Louisiana Bayou, So Much to Say, Anyone Seen the Bridge, Too Much, The Only Thing, Beach Ball, I Did It, Come Tomorrow, Madman’s Eyes, Fool in the Rain (Led Zepplin), Captain (Tour Debut), Rooftop, Seek Up, Big Eyed Fish, Bartender, Grey Street, Pig, Ants Marching

Encore: Making it Great, Lie in Our Graves