Fiddlin’ Flair: Jason Crosby Joins Dave Matthews Band on “Pig” and “Ants Marching” in Holmdel

Photo: Jeff Coffin via Jason Crosby

On Tuesday, June 3, Dave Matthews Band took its ongoing Summer Tour to the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, N.J. Unbeknownst to the audience, the band had an ace up its sleeve, multi-instrumentalist Jason Crosby, who flexed his high-caliber fiddling chops across two classic compositions during the latter half of the concert’s single set display. Crosby’s arrival continued the band’s venue-specific trend of welcoming guests during their Holmdel visit, Warren Haynes in 2023, and Robert Randolph in 2024. 

Tuesday’s sit-in represented a first for Crosby, who had not joined the main band on stage until last night’s arrival, despite his roots as a Robert Randolph & The Family Band member and their early aughts crossover with DMB, which included tours in 2006 and 2007. Matthews also contributed to Randolph & the Family Band’s 2006 output, and second studio LP, Colorblind, providing another confluence between the host and guest. Also bridging the pair’s histories, Crosby and Matthews were included on legendary folk singer and activist Pete Seeger’s 90th birthday celebration at Madison Square Garden in 2009. 

During last night’s performance, Crosby began his sit-in by contributing to 1998’s Before These Crowded Streets feature, “Pig.” The song is tinged with violin at a studio level and was elevated with Crosby’s inclusion during the Tuesday night delivery. Crosby, a known Jackson Browne, Terrapin Family Band member, and a longtime contributor to Phil Lesh & Friends, kept up the same spirit during follow-up, “Ants Marching.” In a video shared online, capturing the instrumental back and forth, Matthews is entranced by the tenacity of Crosby’s efforts clearly enjoying the shared experience. 

Following his sit-in, Crosby shared a quote exclusively with Relix: “The energy last night was unreal. It was so special to play on those iconic songs with such a sweet and talented band. Thanks, DMB!” 

In addition to his inclusion with DMB, Crosby joined Widespread Panic as a guest during their Red Rocks run last year and during the Peach State ensemble’s Atlantic City return on Feb. 14, 2025. Besides guest slots, Crosby maintains a busy schedule supporting Jackson Browne and Oteil & Friends with his own Crosby Collective and new John Morgan Kimock featured, Spirit Guide.

Boyd Tinsley, a former member of the Dave Matthews Band who added iconic riffs to the original “Ants Marching” and others, exited the group in 2018, making Crosby’s instrumental assistance all the more significant to the fiddle-starved crowd. 

Scroll down to view last night’s setlist. 

Dave Matthews Band 

PNC Bank Arts Center – Holmdel, N.J.

June 3, 2025 

Set: What You Are, Cornbread, Grace Is Gone, Too Much, Word Up!, Walk Around the Moon, Raven, Don’t Drink the Water, Let’s Dance, Crush, Dive In, Drunken Soldier, Pig+, Ants Marching+, Typical Situation, Warehouse, Tripping Billies

Enc.: Peace on Earth@, Grey Street

Notes:

+ With Jason Crosby 

@ Dave solo