Who loves free music? The NYC Shakedown has been generous enough to offer one of our lucky readers a free pair of tickets to the Friday, July 16, 2010 performance:
Atnarko’s own sleek productions—which he describes as “funky and fun”—have been pressed for underground imprints like Nightshift Recordings, Tango, Kolour and Robsoul. His collaborations with British house-legend Huggy as “Formidable Force” for the 2020 Vision label has indeed landed in the record crates of the world’s top house DJs who prize their quirky, yet floor-movin’ vibes. Atnarko has appeared on Ministry Of Sound, OM, Fabric, Street Beat, Fat City, Network, Astralwerks, and more. He’s also an in-demand remixer and well traveled club DJ who wants nothing more than to drop a groove down your spine (and inspire a smile on your face).
Atnarko also co-owns Eight-Tracks along with Q-Burns abstract Message. Eight-Tracks is a vinyl based label dedicated to releasing conceptual house music with a post-modernist—read: subversive—slant.
Joining in this evening will be a debut Live-PA performance by Brooklyn Sound Lab, the crunchy closed-circuit production duo of U-Melt’s Zac Lasher and Josh Parrish. Brooklyn Sound Lab combines their years of live electronic music experience with the studio skill and precision that brought you U-Melt’s latest album, Perfect World… and it’s all bangin!
VJ Mamiko Kushida is on brain duties with her ever smashing avant-garde visuals and Nutritious hits the decks in his old-nabe with a new bag of picks…
10 bux at the Bell House 149 7th St, Brooklyn (in the Gowanus area of Park Slope)
Big Sam’s Funky Nation…Surrender Your Dance Floors
(By: Brett B.)
Big Sam's Funky Nation - Sullivan Hall, NYC 4/16/10
Full Rager!
How seriously do I take funk and soul music? Ask my kids what the greatest song ever written is and they will tell you without hesitation, “Isaac Hayes. ‘Theme from SHAFT‘. I have the STAX record label tattooed on my arm. And I skipped my high school prom in 1978 to see Earth, Wind & Fire, The Commodores and LTD at the San Diego Sports Arena.
For a white guy from the suburbs of Virginia, I don’t fool around when it comes to soul music. So, when I say to you I have seen the future of funk and his name is Big Sam Williams, you might want to take a moment and listen to what the man has to say.
Hailing from the magical city of New Orleans, Big Sam’s Funky Nation has spent the last few years bringing their Gospel of Boogie to every stage they can find. Like a soul-fueled juggernaut of tight horn charts and make your ass sweat on the dance floor bass beats, the Funky Nation is the kind of rhythmic unit that used to back greats like James Brown, Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett.
Big Sam is King
But it’s truly all about the Big Man. From the smile that hypnotizes to the dapper hat that makes him the envy of any haberdashery fan around to his skills on the trombone, he is the “total” performance package.
But then he starts to move. And I mean he moves like liquid mercury bopping and popping to the heat from the Funky Nation behind him. And I would be remiss in not mentioning the Nation:
This band follows Big Sam wherever and whenever the Cat In The Hat leads them. Whether it’s a water park in New Jersey or a gospel set in a hundred degree heat in a tent at Bonnaroo.
Once upon a time there were bands with horns who sang songs of positivity and hope. Who played songs that made you dance the night away. Songs about love not just about sex. These were bands like Earth, Wind & Fire, Chicago, Sly & The Family Stone and The Commdores.
Big Sam's Funky Nation
So, it is fitting that the band who most truly seems to follow the philosophies and putting forth the same messages of love and enjoying life to the fullest named their most recent album, KING OF THE PARTY.
Because for the citizens of Big Sam’s Funky Nation the party never stops and the cry of “Long live the King!” will be heard as long they can dance.
You know when you fall in love with something all over again? Something that you had slightly begun taking for granted? I woke up in this most comfortable bed, surrounded by lovely friends, in this gorgeous hotel, feeling the first few days of events course energy through my veins and all I could do was start tearing up. I always get so emotional when I am at my happiest. In that moment, as I closed my eyes and relived the last few days, I feel in love with the scene all over again. I fell in love with my life all over again. I fell in love with my people all over again. And so, I teared up, overwhelmed with happiness and knowing that this world existed for me to retreat to when I needed it.
Isaac, Wayan, And Mat jammin!
Today, my third day of tour, was going to be my last before I had to return to the real world. I was dreading it but at the same time , felt rejuvenated and safe. Rejuvenated through the love, the dancing, the music. Safe, because in our wonderful music world you always get what you need. Even safer still because I knew I could always find our little piece of music heaven anytime I needed it.
Happy Father's Day ~ If they only knew...
The real world had crept into our lives as today was Father’s Day. (I LOVE YOU DADDY!!!) The restaurant in the hotel was over flowing with Father Day’s reservations. Since I was not with my father I got a glass of champagne in his honor. That sparked the party and by noon, everyone was awake and by that I mean all sprawled out over the Golf green where I had birdied the hole only six hours earlier. Members of The Lead Heads and some other friends combined to play us Phish and Dead tunes as we relaxed into the afternoon. It was lovely to see random families walk through and little children watch the musicians with amazement. These families had no idea why we were there without our parents jamming out on the green. Yet once again, music had drawn different worlds together on a special day.
Unfortunately, I was running around meeting up with our ride home for the night and talking to my father and connecting with others to hear all of the jam. I invited the Zegs family to join us at our hotel which ended with them having a lovely brunch before they enjoyed their daughter’s first Phish show as a family. Love! I heard that they ended the jam session with a KILLER Tweezer Reprise. Even more Love! 🙂
View from the "Ho Chi Mhin Trail" @ SPAC
View from the "Ho Chi Mhin Trail" @ SPAC
The day literally consisted of connecting with people arriving for the day and just relaxing. The show was slated to start again at 7pm. The night prior, the scene at The Shakedown was grimy and wooked-out, having turned into Tank City. Never a place I want to be. So, we decided to check out The Shakedown by way of the Ho Ci Mhin Trail, now that it was light out. Remember how I told you about us tackling that bad boy last night in the pitch dark? Just hundreds of hippies praying they find the other end!?
Tapestries on Shakedown
Unsure of the real name, it’s a trail/path that goes around the outside of the venue and takes you to the other side. We could have all easily gone THROUGH the venue but where is the fun in that? It was here where my suspicions were confirmed of the danger it presented and again, I was thankful that no one fell down or tripped last night. And then beauty of the scene quickly flooded my mind. Why do I live in a city again?
View of Shakedown from Bridge
Find this shirt for me and I'll pay you $1 Million dollars!
I love a good Shakedown Street. It’s a completely different monster when it inhales a parking lot vs. setting up in the middle of a music festival. Like a traveling circus on acid. This Shakedown consisted mainly of food like hummus wraps, pizza, grilled cheese…your typical hippie grub. There were cops riding horses trampling through the sea of wooks as far as the eye could see. There was beautiful jewelry and lovely handmade clothing. We walked to the other end and not one place had incense to sell me. CAN YOU IMAGINE? I was shocked, to say the least and there we lunched for another hour or so.
Venue prior to rage time!
TTAM's Digs
Tonight we would end up having enough spots for 18 of us to roll together, around and behind us. It was nuts how this night worked out in terms of getting everyone together. A ton of friends had come in from the city to join us and we would all be returning home to wake up at 8 for our nine-to-fives. UGH! We all walked in. I still never had a ticket and never needed one. We walked around and said howdy to Tiny Truck Apartment guy near the tour buses. Our seats were a bit closer for this show and for that I was grateful. The closer the better, IMO. But this was just far enough away
Saratoga Performing Arts Center ~ Saratoga Springs, NY (06.20.10)
Oh man, what a GREAT beginning into the show for Father’s Day. Phish started out playing Brother. The lyrics spouting:
Whoa!whoa!whoa!
Somebody’s jumping in the tub with your brother
Half way through the song, they slow down the chorus and out came a large tin washtub brought to the front middle of the stage. The song continued as one by one, each of the band member’s,to include Chris Kuroda‘s daughter, got into the bathtub 🙂 And then Phish jammed out their song for a few more minutes, the whole while, the children crammed into the tub. Trey then introduced them as each exited the stage, pointing out “One boy, one boy!” HAHA! It was SO CUTE!!! HAPPY FATHER’S DAY TO PHISH and all the other father’s out there!!!!
The vocals were a little shot on both Brother and AC/DC Bag. I don’t expect it to be great but AC/DC Bag lost me to the crowd and friends. I don’t even remember that song being played till I looked at my notes to be honest. They were definitely warming up. Back on the Train brought me and all of us back UP! Trey’s jam during this song finally solidified that the night had begun. It was time to Party! The sun was going down and I took my first of a million trips to the pavilion bathrooms and caught some AMAZING shots with my dinky little camera!
One of my favs shots of the run...
Amazing. Felt so Massive.
Phish @ SPAC ~ Night II
And so I continued to walk around the venue. This being my third show, I was beginning to relax from the high of it all. The music fading into the background as I became glued to the lights. I am completely addicted to Chris Kuroda’s talent. His lights made me wander around the building the entire show on this night. I was becoming much more aware of my surroundings. Not to say I hadn’t been already, but now I was focusing around me on purpose. The two prior articles were purely from a ridiculous memory recall ability I was granted for three days. I normally forget things that happened earlier in the day but because everything was so intense it has been seared into my brain. I never took a single note. As well, I didn’t take any this night either but I did see things in new lights and wanted to explore the venue. Wanted to see what everyone else was seeing. The lights were intoxicating.
Phish @ SPAC ~ Night II
It was still light out during Undermind so I ran around the lawn and the pavilion, saying hi to friends. The song providing a nice background music for our conversations. Certainly didn’t hold the attention of my dancing feet. It was during Cities when the sun finally set and the lights were able to take full hold of our eyes.
Phish @ SPAC ~ Night II
I finally started paying attention again when Trey spoke:
“We’re going to do something that we’re really excited about now that I hope you” enjoy as much as we. Let me just tell you a quick story here!”
And so, Trey proceeds to describe this lovely friend of Phish. During Trey’s first night EVER in Vermont, he went to see Big Joe Burrell and the Unknown Blues Band. And the man on stage, Tony Markellis, was playing bass in that band. They became friends and have been ever since. Tony Markellis played at Trey’s wedding and is also in the Trey Anastasio Band. Back to the front
Tony Markellis joined the stage
And so back to the front it was to see just what this Tony guy was all about. The song was Gotta Jibboo, written by Tony. Phun fact #43: This was the first time ever that Phish has played with Trey and Mike both on guitar. The song was jumpy, a simple pretty tune with minimal lyrics allowing for room to really rage, which they all did.
Tony Markellis joined the stage
See that portal of light? It bugged us out haha
The heavy bass in Roggae was great. Once again. Mike’s sound soaking into my ears on top of the other instruments. The singing was kinda horrible again and I was not really diggin’ it other then the bass. The song comes with some great lyrics though. “If life were easy /and not so fast/ I wouldn’t dream about the past.” Ouch, but the vocals. Ouch! But I didn’t care. The light show that Chris Kuroda put on for us during this song was gorgeous. Each light striking with the hit of each key by Page. Each beam moving with every strum of Trey’s guitar like they were reading each others mind. It was talent at its best.
Phish @ SPAC ~ Night II
Phish @ SPAC ~ Night II
Such a chill first set in my opinion. I was running around a lot, not being held in place by the music. I didn’t mind. It was lovely music, I just wanted my face ripped off as I always do. I wanted to see the lights from every angle and level. Sleep Again was another slow jam with beautiful piano by Page towards the end.
Phish @ SPAC ~ Night II
Phish @ SPAC ~ Night II
Lawn Boy was next. A song that reminds me of a whiskey bar, slightly jazzy mixed with lounge-y vibe through the sound of Mike’s bass and Trey’s strumming. Run Like An Antelope brought the full rage finally IMO. Glow sticks were flying everywhere. You got to be careful not to look up in these type of situations. Balls and balloons were everywhere. I was stuck in place watching the light show. My jaw on the ground more for Chris Kuroda then anything but the music at this point was tight, jamming and gearing up for a ridiculous ending. I could feel it build for minutes until Trey’s guitar just screamed into his fast strumming, Page’s keys were pounding a mile a minute and the bass was thumping all over the stage. It was on-point chaos. Everyone was jumping around, the wind was blowing, the balls and balloons were flying around. It was MASSIVE! And the glowstick war over my shoulder was huge. “You’ve got to run like an antelope, out of control!!” Pretty much what was going on…
Phish @ SPAC ~ Night II
Carini Had a Lumpy Head continued the fire from the ending of the first set with the heady rock strum of Trey’s guitar which he manipulated to space out with Page and Mike at times throughout the song. Transitioning the space jam right into the The Mango Song, Mike’s bass thumped behind the guitar and plunking keys. I don’t remember much but I know I was having a great time.
Phish @ SPAC ~ Night II
Phish @ SPAC ~ Night II
A classic and always a crowd pleaser, and I say this having listened to tons of live Phish shows even though this was only my third live one in person, Wilson just brought it. Everyone loves this song so everyone was singing and screaming the lyrics. Kuroda’s lights were out of control ,as was the band as they were clearly having so much fun. Trey and the members of Phish truly do feed off the energy of their audience. There is nothing more awesome. When I can FEEL that shit coming off the stage and hitting me…that is my version of church. I don’t judge the music. I evaluate how it makes me feel. Music is music is beautiful music. But how it makes me feel is totally different. Everyone was singing, Trey was smiling so wide. A genuinely nice and happy guy. “Can you still have fuuuuuun Wilson?!?!” Trey teased Dixie at the end of Wilson beforeheading right into Drowned. Made me think of all my friends down south who were going to be raging with the band soon enough.
Drowned kept the vibe up considerably as Trey physically bounced throughout the whole song. Page’s key rage on this song was ridiculous and the lights matched tempo. This was one of my favorites of the night just because it was a pure, tight jam. That is what I LOVE from Phish besides Kuroda. Sure, they have cute stories within lyrics and are actually pretty good singers when they want to be, but when they just let loose and fade into their jams….oh man. I fade away with them.
View From Second Level!
View From Second Level!
Jay and I ran up to the second level for a few songs. It was so hard to keep still with this much space to run around and this music lifting me up. I am pretty sure it was during Swept Away that we crept away because we were antsy and it was a slow jam. We got to the bridge and it was just us and the ticket guy. We danced all over it before moving into the second level for a look down. I liked this view. Swept Away is one of those songs that shows you that the band can hold a round, hold a tune, hold a melody. I am thankful they did so. Steep continued the slow vibe into Makisupa Policeman which raged it up with its total reggae-vibe.
Phish @ SPAC ~ Night II
The intro to Piper was interesting as they inserted words from MakisupaPiper, which to me sounded like a round. I didn’t realize what was going on at first so I just bounced around. I snapped the picture below during this whole ball rage being passed around the crowd. There were many more but this shot came out the best. (I really need to stop buying concert tickets and upgrade my camera). The lights strobed and spun out of control on stage and over the audience as Trey just went to town on his jamming. It was all over the place and hard to find a beat to dance to one way to but that is why I loved this guitar player. He really was one of the greatest. Where and when Trey changed things up, the band followed so tightly.
Phish @ SPAC ~ Night II
I ran to the restroom at this point, Piper having kind of lost me. While I was washing my hands I heard it. THE MOST FUN PART OF THE WHOLE NIGHT!!!! THEY WERE PLAYING THE FUUUUUUNK! Also Sprach Zarathustra!! As I came FLYYYING up the stairs, I saw the most amazing things. The video below is clearly taken from someone on the top level. I was standing directly under them on the first as the scene was unfolding. It was the great. The funky version of 2001’s A Space Odyssey was ringing through the rafters and the funk was killing us. The vibe totally changed and people’s dancing shifted into a deeper grind. The glow stick wars were everywhere, the pavilion wars were specifically brutal, blasting up constantly, people barely waiting for the major beats. Balls and balloons were flying everywhere . And finally, Chris Kuroda’s lights. Once again, reading each others mind the band put on a KILLER 2001 rage. I wanted to stand there the entire timewatching it unfold from above but knowing it was my friends favorite song, I had to get back down in that mess to dance with them.
You Enjoy Myself was a great closer to the set. Such an upbeat tune which Trey rips into after a semi-slow start to the build. The colors Kuroda threw at us went from brilliant and bright into chaos of raging reds and purples… the reds and purples enforcing the chaos until Trey would again touch his guitar bringing out the bright colors again.
For the encore, they all re-entered with Page coming to the front of the stage on a Keytar. And then it was into a 5 minute rendition of Edgar Winter’s Frankenstein. The Keytar made an odd synth-y sound and the rocking cover sounded great. Spacey. It was raging rock-n-roll and we were head banging and throwing up our rock fists. Why not. They closed it out with someone everyone knew. I would have loved them to close it out with 2001. And I am happy that didn’t try adding anymore Tweezer Reprise in the mix. Again, they know what they are doing 🙂 And they do it well!
Page raged a Keytar during Encore
Page raged a Keytar during Encore
Page raged a Keytar during Encore
Set 1: Brother, AC/DC Bag >, Back on the Train, Undermind, Cities, Gotta Jibboo, Roggae, Sleep Again, Lawn Boy, Run Like an Antelope
Set 2: Carini >, The Mango Song, Wilson >, Drowned >, Swept Away >, Steep, Makisupa Policeman, Piper >, Also Sprach Zarathustra >, You Enjoy Myself
Almost immediately, we were packed into a car almost heading back to New York for Monday’s workday. These three nights with Phish solidified my mental insertion into Phish Land. Or perhaps I should say, solidified my insertion into the touring world. Just like Jam Cruise, it doesn’t matter who’s playing, get on the damn boat. Am I right?
I only went a few hours in different directions and crossed a few states lines but the tiny little taste I got of what ” going on tour” might entail. Watch out now. I am thinking about becoming a teacher to have my summers off and just go to every festival, every show. I have the energy. I just need the time. The gears working in my brains right now are ridiculous. I sit here and wonder who else I would want to follow so intently as this community follows Phish. What other community of followers would be this fun, dedicated and genuine? Personally, side from the obvious, I can’t think of many more communities like this one touring the world with a raging jam band. I miss Jerry.
Day II: It had been one day and we were now waking up in this gorgeous villa in Hartford, CT to the sound of Boz and Step’s children running through the beautifully lit, large hallways. The birds were literally chirping in my ear and the wind was literally blowing my hair across my face. It smelled like heaven. In that moment, as I happily woke, I was so aware that I was not in New York City. It was blissful. Granted, I was running on three hours of sleep now but nothing could lay me back down. Too much excitement.
Villa de Levy
He was right, Jay was absolutely right. He said that once I got a taste of Phish tour, I wouldn’t want to jump off the wagon. Earlier in the month, he had tried comparing Phish Tour to Jam Cruise. Comparing the community and the vibe. I completely understood, even though I don’t think anyone can truly understand Jam Cruise without experiencing it for one’s self. However, Phish tour was still just a music concert with a severe tailgating vibe to me. But, he was right on many other levels. The community was hardcore, dedicated, forum-posting, set-list guessing, phantasy football type, FANATICS. Following one band all across America and sometimes the world takes dedication. It made me wish the bands I adored would tour and if a community like this would follow.
Music Mammas! xoxo
Josh directing the sidewalk chalk drawn Thank You note
We left the house much later then we planned. But these were the moments I would come to cherish, the before and after travel parties. It was here where we spent time just getting to know our new friends and reconnecting with our old. Driving through the country side knowing that we would be meeting up with more travelers who had come for the same purpose. To have their faces melted by their favorite band. It was always a really big pleasure seeing these Phishheads geek out over things. I knew how they felt. Pretty much, it had taken me one live Phish show (PS: Thank you JESUS For Chris Kuroda) and less than 24 hours to fall for the touring scene and I was already wondering how to do it with MY favorite bands. So, we left Hartford, CT and made the four hour drive to Saratoga Springs, NY. We blasted Jamiroquai almost the entire trip with the windows down and the sunroof open. It was a gorgeous day for a drive to a concert with friends.
I "Heart" Tour Sticker!
The touring world was slowly opening itself up to me and divulging its tiny little nuances that make it an experience. For instance, as we drove, we passed fellow tour goers rocking their Phish stickers and blasting their jam music on the Interstate. Every time we stopped, we were met with more fellow Phish-heads in search of the next bite of music. Caravans forming without even trying. Waves and smiles all along the interstate. Every time we stopped at toll booths, no matter what age, gender or race of the operator, they knew where we were going. “Going to see Phish?,” “Yall going to the Phish show?,” “What? Phish?” Many times we offered to take our booth operator along with us but sadly, and stupidly, they all denied. You can be certain that I would have been the girl jumping out of the booth and into car with strangers if I had been given the opportunity back in my teen years. My parents always had just reason to worry.
Show Karma was once again on our side. When we arrived at the road meant to take us into Saratoga Spa Springs Park, it was backed up to a dead stop for over a mile. There was no way we were having this with Jay in the car. Within a few minutes, a few phone calls, and asking an old runner in the neighborhood for directions, we were entering into the Park through the back way. Flew right on in and right up to Gideon Putnam Spa Resort (GPRS), located on site.
Gideon Putnam Spa Resort
Layout of our Gideon Putnam Hotel room
Pulling up to the GPRS, I was reminded of Colonial Williamsburg, my hometown. Anything with that flare of colonial settlement reminds me of home. Our King bed room would hold four that night. The cuddle puddles would be deep and who knew if more would join the party late night. Another lovely plus to add to our superb touring situation was that Jay was aware that these Phish shows would be taking place before they were announced to the public so he had all his friends book rooms in the hotel prior to announcements. Jay and I ran around the hallways barefoot, finding our other friend’s rooms and getting stuck there for welcoming pre-parties. Our teenage posse was on one floor, our Chicago krewe was on another. More scattered all over the place yet to arrive. Finally, we all stopped playing long enough to realize we had a show to catch. And out the door we went in the highest of spirits.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
To top it all off, located right behind our lovely accommodations was the venue: The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC). Seriously, our hotel spot was crucial as the rest of our friends would have to get back on the highway and head to campgrounds off other exits or travel to other hotels off site once the show was over. I even had one friend taking a $60 taxi back to Albany after Saturday night’s show. The taxi never came and his wife eventually came and got him. Ouch and props to wifey for indulging her man to live his musical dreams! Zegs, Get your lady a pretty ring.
Welcome Hippies....to Saratoga Spa State Park
Bouncy steps like a Phish out of water 🙂
So, as we are walking to the venue, I swear to god these Phishheads were floating, skipping, whatever you wanna call it, but the bounce in their step was evident. Their happiness was seeping into the grounds to the point that the trees were dancing to the songs I JUST KNEW were playing in my friend’s heads. This was going to happen two nights in a row. And the show the night prior, my FIRST Phish show ever, already felt miles away. Phish in Saratoga Springs, NY ~ Night I was about to rage with a whole new perspective from new seats. So Much Anticipation…
Saratoga Performing Arts Center ~ Saratoga Springs, NY (06.19.10)
At this point it’s about 5pm and the show was to start at 7pm. As we leave the hotel and head to the venue, it is evident that there was a wedding in the process of reception. We openly discussed if the wedding party was happy that Phish was in town saturating the grounds of their wedding site. Asking a party member, they confirmed that the Bride and Groom were well aware that Phish was in town. This didn’t surprise me one bit having recently discovered that TONS Of people get married at music festivals. That never occurred to me until this year.
Kid Phriendly
We didn’t really hit up the Shakedown, not before anyway, at least from what I remember. I am still amazed at what I AM remembering as I didn’t take a single note until my fourth show in Camden a week later. Like Jam Cruise, the tour/Phish world had seeped into my brain letting my live music addiction know it could get exponentially worse. Taunting me.
The beautiful venue ~ SPAC!
The Tiny Apartment
And now we split up. Jay and I walking right through backstage and the rest of the crew going through the ridiculously long ticket line into the venue. We entered the side of the venue and headed towards the tour buses, no tickets ever being requested of us to produce. And it’s here we meet Tiny Truck Apartment guy. We come across a the side of one of the tour buses and a side panel had been lifted to reveal a small 3 foot by 3 foot space within the side of the bus. In front of that space was a chair and in the chair was Tiny Truck Apartment guy. We asked him if he was having a good time and what exactly his space was meant for. He said it was his apartment, thus his name. I ran into him numerous times to and from bathroom breaks, his TV always watching a race of some kind, nothing to do with the show. In hindsight, I wondered if he was the bus driver.
Phish @ SPAC ~ Night I (06.19.10)
Phish @ SPAC ~ Night I(06.19.10)
They BLASTED IT OPEN WITH TWEEZER REPRISE AGAIN!!! Yall just have no idea. For those that were there, only you can understand the rage that erupted from the venue. This would make three times in a row now Phish had played this song. They had done the song two times in a row the night prior closing out the Hartford, CT show. Trey knew what they were doing. They KNEW we would explode. Phun Fact #65: This was the first Tweezer Reprise Opener since 11-9-1995, or 482 shows ago. What a great way to start the set. And they kept the energy up as they rolled right into Chalk Dust Torture. UP UP UP!!!
Phish @ SPAC ~ Night I (06.19.10)
The venue was STIFLING hot. Feeling the need for air, Jay and I walked towards the lawn during Suzy Greenberg. Now, the members of Phish are promoters of love over war but as we walked towards the lawn we walked into a GIGANTIC GLOW STICK WAR that was taking place on the west side of the lawn. What is a glowstick war, you ask? Said to have begun as a Phish phenomenon, thousands and thousands of glowsticks are cracked and thrown into the air during prominent parts of certain songs. “This is by far one of the biggest I have seen before,” says Jay. (Again our Show Karma rages!!!)
Susie Greenberg also brought one of my favorite jams of the night with Mike Gordon on his bass and Page McConnell on the piano. Their jam a few minutes into the song was one of the highlights of the night in my opinion, with Trey stummin in some of his signature whine here and there was plain NAAASTY!!! Perhaps it was the war but the place was on fire, light bombs dropping in face, in my mind. Listen to the piano in that video….the music was flawless. And with that, they brought the first set to a close.
Phish @ SPAC ~ Night I (06.19.10)
Phish @ SPAC (06.19.10)
The second set started slow into Rock & Roll but their jam during that song raised us all up from the lows of intermission. The venue was lit back up so quickly. Trey’s guitar wailed and whined through Rock & Roll and it transitioned effortlessly into Saratoga Jam. They brought the SPACE jam! And Chris Kuroda made it appear that a space ship was landing ON MY FACE. Out of control lights and music. Just unruly. It all felt so massive. Free was next and threw me back to the 90’s…raging through highschool, wishing to see these guys LIVE! Trey’s guitar rift we all know so well leading the way. Mike funking it up in middle. His sound was just rocking this whole tour it seemed.
Phish @ SPAC ~ Night I (06.19.10)
Stage was on fire!
It must be mentioned that the location of my seats vs Hartford’s seats was crucial to my enjoyment of the light show Chris Kuroda delivers the audience. I LOVE THE LIGHT SHOWS!!! Being in the front row during yesterday’s show prohibited me from seeing the full light effects that the audience is generally given. This weekend, being in the middle section, about 15 rows back, I was being thrown into mental chaos. This visual art…so great and wild. So on point. I truly can admit that Chris Kuroda has always been my favorite member of PHISH. If I had a better camera, I can only imagine what gorgeous shots I might have gotten. I was so mentally involved in the light show
Phish @ SPAC ~ Night I (06.19.10)
Trey is the man! xoxo
During Halfway To the Moon , we went closer for some pictures. There, not 7 rows back was the bride and groom from earlier…in their own two seated section…on their feet dancing around. She was wearing her veil and holding her bouquet. He was in regular clothes with the biggest smile on his face. I wondered just how much of the bridal party was in here. I imagined that there had to be so so many.
Phish @ SPAC ~ Night I (06.19.10)
Saratoga was one FIRE. Just look below if you don’t believe me. Our friends had all been stubbed down and were now located all over the pavilion dancing their heads off where they found space. Most were with us, rolling 12 people deep in our five seat section that spread to three rows. Prince Caspian and Joy were slower songs that still had people deeply involved in dancing as Trey’s guitar wailed throughout them. I particularly like Mike’s bass behind Trey in PC as well.
Phish @ SPAC ~ Night I (06.19.10)
And Joy, well, the lyrics are stunning. Possibly the greatest wedding vow ever is dropped in that song and I hoped the wedding couple embraced their asses off as Trey sang: “I never thought I could have it so good / You were the song that my soul understood.” And so PHISH sang TO US,
“We want you to be happy, don’t live inside the gloom / We want you to be happy, come step outside your room / We want you to be happy, cause this is your song to. / In time we’ll weather this storm inside together / You’ll see the change when the sun shines through.”
Phish @ SPAC ~ Night I (06.19.10)
Davie Bowie brought some funky rage. Mike’s bass , yet again slamming me in the face during this song. The obscure fly off jazzy rages are always fun. My friends were dancing around me with the biggest grins. Magic. The lights were SICK!!! I really just LOVED the lights. With it’s slow start, they capped off the second set with Show of Life. Wonderful wonderful lyrics on top of a semi slow rock ballad.
Trey ~ I love you!
They closed off the night with Squirming Coil and Character Zero. Mike’s bass was so deep and sexy and the song is always an uplifting rage. Trey raging and the keys on fire. And thennnnnnnnn Tweezer Reprise to end the show. Yet again blowing the entire place up like a supernova. History in Phishland has been made with that four song run and it was fun to know I’d been part of it. People will be like: “Remember that time when they closed with it twice and opened closed the following nights show!“
Set 1: Tweezer Reprise, Chalkdust Torture, Funky Bitch, Runaway Jim, Yamar, Sample In a Jar, Axilla 2, Fluffhead, Bathtub Gin, Suzie Greenberg
Set 2: Rock and Roll>, Free, Backwards Down the Number Line, Halfway to the Moon>, Prince Caspian>, Joy, David Bowie, Show of Life
Encore: Squirming Coil, Character Zero, Tweezer Reprise
End of Night I ~ A Fully raged SPAC, all cleaned up
After the show, we all stuck around for about 20 minutes again, saying our goodbyes and gathering the troops would would remain to rage into the wees hours with us. Jay mentioned a path that ran around the venue that people called The Ho Ci Mhin trail. He thought it might be fun to walk through on our way to the Shakedown. This path ended up being pitch dark, a shotty ledge with a shotty rope and just ever so dangerous for even sober folks. It was shocking and wonderful that no none got hurt.
Golf anyone?
We hung in The Shakedown for what seemed like hours. We ate hummus wraps and pizza. We stocked up on goodies for tomorrow night’s show and gifts for friends/family. And then we walked back to our hotel. This time, through the venue. As you can see in the picture above, the venue was already spotless by 2am. They had giant blower trucks, similar to street cleanser blowing the trash into a pile. As well, men on foot were using hand held blowers to rally the remaining bits of garbage. It blew my mind as I had (and always do) complained about the amount of trash that was left behind after the show. People, pick up your waste, use the damn trashcan. It’s not hard. Anyway, so then we totally got lost finding out hotel but it was so much fun.
3am Golf Anyone?
As we approached our green, the final adventure of the night revealed itself to us. The golf green behind the hotel was ragin so we took a look. “Well, last year we asked for the clubs and they wouldn’t lend them to us so this year we brought our own.” Said golfer guy #1. I turned and they even had a little light attached to a tiny flag spotlighting the hole. Ah, I love imagination and spunk. All the guys attempted to shoot the hole a few times while I spun in circles on the green. Egging me to try, I grabbed the silly club and birdied the hole in two shots. Yes Sir! Golf is boring as hell, but it doesn’t mean I can’t play it. I am from Williamsburg, Virginia after all.
After 20 minutes it was over. The night was done. What a great night of music, dancing and bonding. Day three began in 8 hours 🙂
Pulling up to the GPRS, I was reminded of Colonial Williamsburg, my hometown. Anything with that flare of colonial settlement reminds me of home. Our King bed room would hold four that night. The cuddle puddles would be deep and who knew if more would join the party late night. Jay and I ran around the hallways barefoot, finding our other friend’s rooms and getting stuck there for welcoming pre-parties. Our teenage posse was on one floor, our Chicago krewe was on another. More scattered all over the place yet to arrive. Finally, we all stopped playing long enough to realize we had a show to catch. And out the door we went in the highest of spirits.
What can I possibly say? And how do I say it? Many times, music is a feeling to us.; something that can’t be expressed in words. I try on so many levels, but still feel as though many times I fail in my own wanting to express these massive musical adventures. And THIS was MASSIVE on day one. But by day four…This was EPIC.
Phish @ Hartford, CT
Phish is a band that has been worshiped and written about by the cult masses for years. A band whose name many times doesn’t ring a bell to your average passer-by yet has a cult following in the tens of thousands. A band who has outsold the likes of Madonna, Elton John and Jay-Z in ticket sales numerous years over. A band whose entire studio album collection I own, to include hundreds of live shows spanning almost two decades. However, until this past weekend, I HAD NEVER SEEN THEM LIVE! Being as dedicated to live music and wonderful musicians as I am; being that this is considered THE “IT” GROUP to follow in the Jamband community…having never been, well, this fact was considered to be straight up blasphemy amongst my fellow music tribe.
Phish @ Hartford, CT
I will flat out tell you that I boycotted Phish for many years. I have always been and will always be a Deadhead first and foremost. Where as Phish‘s touring phenomenon is my generations equivalent to the Grateful Dead tours, Trey Anastasio IS NOT Jerry Garcia and thus, nothing would fill the void. Also, and more importantly, I boycotted Phish for the reason that everyone DID consider them the “IT” group. Because I saw how people fell under the SPELL of Phish, swearing they were the end all/be all of the Jamband world. And so I didn’t go to their shows. Instead, I choose to apply my time and money to the hundreds of other bands being left in Phish‘s dust.
Comcast Theater @ Hartford, CT (06/22/10)
Righteous! Much Love Jay!
So, I have this buddy, we shall call him Jay. He is a total Phish head, by way of the Grateful Dead. He spends thousands of dollars on Phish tickets every year for his friends and for himself. Enough for every venue, every show, for whoever might need them, and always great seats. He does this with the greatest intentions of sharing his tickets, stubbing his crew down and working it so that all his friends can be together for the show, grooving together as he bops all over the venue. He offered to treat me to my first Phish show, swearing to me that I would continue on to as many shows as I could after the taste I got in Hartford. This was his world, a world that I was ready to allow myself to enter and already found slightly intoxicating just by the movement that occurs when it’s PHISH TOUR time and those ticket lotteries occur. And it was about to be introduced to me in a pretty sick way.
They each have their own tour bus. No Biggie.
We climbed into the car around 2:30pm Friday afternoon and arrived at the Comcast Theater in Hartford, CT around 5:30pm. This is where the beauty of my Phish experience truly begins. As we are driving through the toll booths, Jen asks the gentlemen if he is going to the show. “Phish?” he says. Jay leans over and tells him to jump in the car with us and that we had a ticket it for him if he just jumped in. I could read the pain on his face. And with that, Jen asks how much. Without missing a beat, the kid goes, “No charge.” “Excuse me?/What/Huh?,” we all say. “You’re good,” he says and we pull away in mid thank yous. We were MIRACLED at the toll booth. And it just got better and better.
The car fit nicely!
Stompin grounds for the evening
With Jay’s All Access laminate, we were able to drive through the masses, past VIP parking and parked it right backstage next to the tour buses. I knew immediately that with this laminate, things were going to get a little rowdy. We chatted up the guard and walked right into the venue through its side you see above. None of us ever being asked to produce our tickets. It was lovely. I snapped pictures and we wandered around the venue checking out the layout, running into other friends along the way. We checked out our seats (Section 200, Row U, Seat 241). I was so excited. I knew that I wasn’t going to be able to rage front row like I normally did but I knew I would be able to see Trey. See his smiling face and his bouncing, vibing, cute, happy self all over the stage and that made me so happy. After combing around the lawn and seeing how far the stage looked from there, I was so very grateful for Jay. We ran into our teenage posse who had been taking pictures on the stage and then we then took off for the lot parties.
The RAGE Stage! Comcast Theater, Hardtford, CT
Checkin out the lawn...cant see stage! Yuck!
As we stumbled upon the parking lots, the scene appeared no different then a musical festival mixed with a Jimmy Buffet concert, full of tailgaters and hippies as far as the eyes could see. Once there, we decided to hit The Shakedown, a rogue section of the Jamband scene that pops up in places surrounding shows/music festivals where folks vend their wares. Definitely a wook-filled vibe in spots but just like all things in life, it was easy to look past the grimy and the dirty to see the beauty in the environment I was walking through. We met some friends at the end of the Shakedown and made plans to meet up inside.
Trey Anastasio @ Hartford, CT
Page McConnell @ Hartford, CT
The show was slated to start at 8:00pm and so we walked back to find our seats and get the party started. At this point, I still hadn’t used my ticket. Jay takes me by the hand and we walk right into the venue, no questions asked. My ticket was never taken out of my pocket. For this venue, we held down five seats in Section 200, a few rows back from the front, towards middle left aisle. I was in the isle as PHISH walked on stage. A security guard leans over to a guy near me and says, “Teach her the rules right now.” Apparently, I had to stay within a certain line so as to be out in the isle…fire hazards and what not. Duh! And that rule was so broken so fast but not by me because within SECONDS of the music starting, Jay once again grabbed my hand and led me to the front row, left side…PAGE side. There it was, I was up front for FEE! And there I stood/danced/smiled all night.
Phish @ Hartford, CT
Trey and Mike @ Hartford, CT
A perfect view of the band. To be standing in the front row at my very first Phish concert was a little overwhelming. I was not expecting anything so great. I figured I would be out in the lawn like most other big shows I attend or in the seats stuck behind some big dudes. I had been assured of our wonderful seating prior to the show but being 5 foot nothing, I am always weary as no one truly knows how little I can see. But I knew going into this trip that things would be above average. It’s just the way things work out. And I was blissfully happy because the energy in that place was hitting me like a freight train. If you think I was happy, magnify it by 1 million and stick that energy into all the people around me who KNEW what they were in store for. The people who built up what was around me and what I was feeling and becoming apart of. Everyone was SOOOOOO happy. Fee was great. A cute song about a weasel named Fee who gets his nipple cut off. Sure, why not!
Thanks Chris!
Chris Kurodas lights ~ EXCELLENT!
I was pleasantly surprised to hear how lovely Page was right in front of my face. Happy to hear the piano a little louder then the other instruments. This song had such great piano amongst the chaos of the story. First song in and I was silently questioning why I had boycotted them for so long. The energy in the pavilion was sick. Everyone was singing, jumping up and down, blowing up balloons and raging in the isles. Sure, this happens at tons of shows where the fans are ridiculously fanatic but this was different. This was extremely more intense.
Thank you Chris Kuroda!
They jammed out during Rift but I wanted more during that song to be honest. A guy a few rows back screamed, “This is my first Phish SHOOOW!!” Of course, I scream back, “ME TOOOO!!” There was a big commotion of hugs and high fives between our groups and I fell in love with our community all over again. He smiled and ended up finding me later during intermission for more hugs. Now, you tell me what other show is like that…on this MASS a scale.
Trey and Mike @ Hartford, CT
With it’s gorgeous melodic intro, Summer of 69 got the venue swaying with its lyrics reminding us that it’s SUMMER and IT’S TOUR TIME!!!
“Glad to find anytime alone / and it’s summer once again / The days are full / but they’re not our own / Remember our life back then.”
And with Mike Gordon‘s bass reentering after the chorus, they ALMOST got me crying. Such a pretty song and SUCH a loving vibe blasting through the venue at that moment. It truly is an experience that so many people just will never attempt nor understand.
Backstage @ Phish, Hartford, CT
In case you didnt know...
During Cavern (the last song of the first set), it was time to rage the bathroom. Jay grabbed my hand and led me backstage. The walls were covered with large pictures of bands that have left their mark on the venue and in the music world. Phun Fact #123: A few days prior, they erected the below photo of Phish, so aptly located next to what was Trey’s dressing room for the evening. Speaking with Trey the previous night, he had been VERY excited and happy about this honor.
Phish on All Star Wall Backstage @ Comcast Theater, Hartford, CT
Unlimited waters was a FABULOUS plus!
While walking backstage, I was shocked at how quiet it was. The band’s dressing rooms were lined up in a row, littered with hippie blankets and children’s toys. Smelling of incense and just shockingly quiet. All these toys but no kids. I knew they had to have an entourage of children and wives and whatnot. That threw me off. Wonder where their rage room was?
Mikes Sound Room
I walked past a little room with a TV screen and what appeared to be a sound board. I would find out later on in the tour in Camden just what this room was meant for. You will have to read that article because I got to hang out with Mike, the sound guy, for a few minutes and it was pretty rad.
Heading back to our seats, we met up with a few more friends. The second set was by far the best set. I was amazed at how well I just flowed into the concert, knowing more of their music then I thought I would as I had listened to them so much in high school. I was thrown back 10 years, when CDs were all the rage. I was actually introduced to Phish when a friend made me a mixed tape and put Bouncing Round the Room and Billy Breaths on it.
Like an alien space ship from SPAAAAAAAAAAAACE!!!
Our teenage posse had joined us, rocking their laminates with the biggest grins and raging with us instead of at their usual soundboard spot. Issac, wide-eyed and holding a tee-shirt, tells us how he ran into Fishman backstage and how Fishman proceeded to proclaim that he “doesn’t LIKE tee-shirts” and gave it to Issac. It was a dope pencil drawing of Jerry’s head, hair blowing across his face due to an unforseen wind. It really was a cool shirt. The following day, Issac was rockin’ that shirt. Damn right, Issac!
Unreal. Beautiful lights by Chris Kuroda!
Trey = Light & Love
When the music started, our front row spot had doubled. How was this possible? Didn’t people own these seats? Were they raging the lawn with their friends? But throughout tour, this is how it went. No matter how many people we brought to our spot, there was always enough room. You always get what you need. Later, I would be told that normally…generally…things like that never happen. Many times, the guards are pushy, constantly asking for your tickets, shuffling people along. But we were lovely music mamas in boas, not drinking, clearly having a GREAT time, staying out of the isle and behaving. I mean, I felt like I was at the Brooklyn Bowl at times. Not like I had 14,000 people behind me raging. I was surrounded by all my best ones, missing those who were not able to be there, and thinking about those who were still spread all over the venue.
Amazing Sauce!
Reba brought the spacey, obscure jam that I so adore from Phish. Like rouge jazz insertions throughout parts of the song, while other parts are fast and solidly melodic. Yet, other sections were rocky and all sections were raging.
Kuroda is Obviously my fav member of Phish! Yes!
And Mike Gordon‘s bass really hit home with me during Cavern. I have been hooked on listening to him ever since. I LOVE Mike Gordon! I LOVE his sound. Whoever does sound for him during this tour is making him sound perfect. He has stood out to me during the entire run. And during Tweezer, ugh, that bass line. Thwacking me across my dome. Phun Fact #72: It is best to always make sure you surrounding security guard is well taken care of. See if they need water, anything really, as it’s best to be on their good side. Diplomacy and politics run in all facets of life including front row at giant venues. By doing so, we were able to take some great pictures with Trey behind us as well as go to the middle for some great shots!
Trey Anastasio @ Hartford, CT
Theme From the Bottom might have been one of my favorite songs of the night for nostalgic reasons. Everyone singing with the band was fun to watch. Glow sticks had made their way from the wars on the lawn behind us up to the front and all sizes of balls had made their way to the stage area. Harry Hood brought another 15 minute jam session. I loved Trey’s guitar in Stealing Time From the Faulty Plan. So, so funky. “Got a blank space where my mind should be,” sang Trey, one of my friend’s favorite lines. The lyrics for Phish songs are great and that was definitely a great line 🙂 And as the guitar just rock-n-wailed, Fishman thumped the drums and the cymbals in perfect time. They are so tight, that even on a horrible night, they can’t be truly bad.
Trey rages! @ Hartford, CT
The best part of this show came at the end, during the encore. Phish played a groovy Tweezer Reprise. Aside from what was about to happen at the end of this song, Trey’s energy is so ridiculously evident in the video below. He was having SO MUCH FUN on that stage that I was loosing my mind. Sure, I loved the music, but as much Live music as I watch, I rarely see the guitar artist I adore bug out and just rage physically. That is what I LOVE to see…when the artist is as much into their music as we are. When their music takes them over, lifting them our of their chairs, off their feet, into the air or sprawling on the floor. Skerik is a prime example of the crazy I like to see in my artists from time to time. I was flipping OUT and it was as much Trey’s energy as the music or the atmosphere. And then right as they finished Tweezer Reprise, Trey jumps back to the microphone and excitedly shouts”,
“You know what! We’re having such a great time. We’ve only got a couple minutes before they kick us off this stage. And we played Tweezer in Hersey Park but we never did Tweezer Reprise. So, we’re going to play it again. THIS IS FOR HERSEY PARK!!!”
Front row ragers!
And RIGHT BACK into another Tweezer Reprise…clearly this was not planned as Mike took a moment to look around and then fall back into round two….and then the place erupted. And by God, if Trey’s energy and the energy in that supernova that was the Comcast Center hadn’t reached it’s boiling point…right at that moment, the eruption shook me to the CORE! I mean, just pure ultimate joy was radiating out of these people floating around me screaming their excitement. Intense is the only word I can think of. Trey was bouncing all over the speakers, the venue was lit on fire. This video will show you everything you need to know! It sounds amazing and looks even better…Definitely hit PLAY!
Set List I: Intro, Fee>, Rift, Wolfman’s Brother, Summer Of ’89, Foam, Possum, Moma Dance>, Julius, Reba, Cavern
Set List II: Intro, Halley’s Comet>, Light>, Billy Breathes, Tweezer>, Theme From The Bottom>, Harry Hood>, Wading in the Velvet Sea, Stealing Time From The Faulty Plan
When the music was over, it was over for good but like a festival, I LOVED knowing that I would be able to do this all over again tomorrow night. Yet, like a concert, I was also happy that the possibility of sleeping in and not having to run to make early music was a nice positive that I immediately picked up on as plus for touring with a band. For a while, we just sat in our chairs chatting over the double Reprise we were just thrown. That was so ridiculous. The power of the people in the pavilion and rolling up the lawn…I could taste it. There were glow sticks everywhere, in piles.
We were staying with a gorgeous family I had met only weeks earlier at Mountain Jam. They lived in Hartford and supplied about eight/ten of us with beds for the night in their lovely villa.
Das Villa! Thank you Levys!
Waking up to the sun filled rooms and the breezy walkways, I was SO excited to think that we would be piling back into a car, and taking off for another state! Another night of Phish and another night of the biggest party you can go to that isn’t on a boat. I can see why my parents kept me from touring with The Dead and Phish back in high school. It was a raging party and they knew once I got a taste….I’d never come back!
Musical Musings of a Tiny Rager 