Photo via Dave Matthews Band’s Facebook page

Dave Matthews Band invited two Georgia music staples to the stage at Duluth, GA’s The Arena at Gwinnett Center last night. Near the end of their set, Dave Matthews Band brought out Tedeschi Trucks Band/Derek Trucks Band’s Kofi Burbridge to play flute on “Jimi Thing.” Though this is the first time Burbridge has been a featured guest with the group, he is an important part of the Southeast jamband circuit that nourished Dave Matthews Band during their early years. Different incarnations of old band Aquarium Rescue Unit toured with DMB in the ’90s, and his brother Oteil Burbridge has shared the stage with the members of Dave Matthews Band in a variety of settings. Touring DMB members Jeff Coffin and Rashawn Ross also have deep connections to his extended musical family.

After Burbridge left the stage, Georgia country/jam star Zac Brown joined the band on a set-closing cover of “All Along the Watchtower.” Brown is a longtime DMB fan, and Zac Brown Band has toured as an opener for the group. Recent Grammy nominees The Lumineers opened the night.

Dave Matthews Band will perform in Raleigh, NC this evening. For more on Brown’s unexpected connections to Dave Matthews Band, be sure to read our recent site interview.