If music is like baseball, then Dave Matthews Band is not only in the big leagues, but they’re heavy hitting all-stars.

Good old DMB.

Every summer, since most of us were in high school, Dave Matthews Band has been bringing their eclectic form of jam based music to a shed or venue near you. This Tuesday they come to the Virginia Beach Amphitheater in support of their latest album, Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King, with lawn tickets at $52, or $85 for pavilion seats. If you haven’t bought a ticket yet, but plan on going, I’d suggest heading down a little early because you’ll likely be able to get a ticket for under face value, from someone stuck with extras. Worse case scenario, you can purchase a ticket at the box office.

I don’t know if it’s because they got their start in Charlottesville, and he considers this his home state shows, or if the fans in the area have been following him from his early years, but Dave always seem to bring the heat to the Amphitheater. On top of that, after 20 years of touring, these boys will finally be taking a break from the road next year to spend some time with their families, so I’m going to make this my show of the week. Catch them while you can.

If Dave, or dealing with traffic, or large crowds isn’t your thing, no worries, I’ve got a great local show for you going on the same night. If you haven’t been to Colley Cantina on Tuesday in the last year or so, you’ve missing out on what is developing into a consistently solid night of local music. Regular performers include, the Muckrakes, Collyn Coates and Rodeo Clown, and this week’s guest, singer/songrwriter Gina Dalmas with Christopher May from Rylo accompanying her on bass. She’s an amazing talent both as a guitarist and vocalist, singing a mix of originals and covers, but be warned, although there’s no cover charge, you will be expected to enjoy yourself. If you’re not into that sort of thing, it’s probably best to just stay home and play scrabble.

Damn, Gina Dalmas. (Photo | George Kartis)

Speaking of local talents, Virginia-born Phillip Roebuck, the banjo playing one man band, has a couple gigs lined up this week. Check him out at the Hampton Taphouse this Wednesday along with The New Familiars, a great four piece acoustic rock group from Charlotte, NC. Or if you live in Virginia Beach, he’ll be at the South Beach Grill with Norfolk’s very own Pawn Shop Lifters Saturday night. If you live in Norfolk and can’t make it out to either of those, well, let’s collectively ask him right now to please come back to 37th and Zen. His show there with a full orchestra of instruments and musicians back in February still ranks in my top 5 shows of the year.

Wednesday also has JJ Grey and Mofro, making their annual visit to the Jewish Mother. His voice is distinct, and the bands sound is a gumbo of musical stylings including blues, funk, swamp rock, and maybe a dash of R&B, that always leaves you hungry for more.

Moving on to Friday, for the 2nd week in a row you’ve got another great excuse to take the ferry over to Portsmouth, this time to see country music legend Willie Nelson, playing at nTelos Pavillion. Seats under the Pavilion run at either $45 or $60, but lawn seats are only $26, unless of course, you jumped on the $10 lawn ticket blowout last week. Unfortunately, if you didn’t, that sale ended Saturday the 17th.

For all you Indie music fans, the NorVa has a great week lined up, starting Sunday with Canadian pop rock band, Tegan and Sara, who appear to have been on a non-stop international tour since releasing their sixth album, Sainthood back in October of 2009. They’ve played just about every festival including Coachella, SXSW, Austin City Limits, and Bonnaroo, and shared the stage with such notable acts as Death Cab for Cutie, The Killers, Ben Folds, Gogol Bordello, and Weezer.

Tegan the walrus. (Photo | Lindsey Byrnes)

Looking ahead, the NorVa keeps the hits coming with Rogue Wave and Interpol are playing Wednesday (July28th) and Friday nights (July 30), respectively. Yeah, it’s going to be a good week. So I trust you all will be out at some shows this week, but in case we get lost, I’ll meet you in front of the soundboard.