talesfrombrk

[talesfrombrk]

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[talesfrombrk]

phishy business, or how to watch a concert for free

The first thing that you’ll notice at the Phish concert is that you’re probably the youngest one there. I found myself surrounded by an assortment of deadheads, dreadheads, and middle-aged men who looked like they’d just finished up a shift at the local record shop. You know the type. Many held in their hands the largest whipit balloons I had ever seen, purchased from the numerous enterprising vendors with nitrous tanks large enough to supply a dentist's office for weeks.

Let me be completely honest here: I am not a fan of Phish. Before the concert, I found their music to be mediocre at best, a jam band whose music should have perhaps stayed in the garage. What I am a fan of, however, is people, places, and things with a cult following. And if I have to give Phish credit for anything, it’s their fans.

The line into the Greek Theater spanned several blocks. Walking through was a funny experience due to the juxtaposition of the Phishheads and the intrigued Greek life students walking home or to class. I found myself somewhere in between the two groups- dressed in a long skirt and sweater I felt a bit like a kid dressed in hippie cosplay. And the Grateful Dead bucket hat didn't help.

So, what is Phish? By definition, Phish is an “American rock band formed in Burlington, Vermont, in 1983. The band is known for musical improvisation, extended jams, blending of genres, and a dedicated fan base” (Wikipedia).  What they're really known mostly for their live performances. Their fans claim that no two shows are ever the same, as they rely heavily on improvisation in both music and lighting.

The music started to make more sense as I got higher throughout the night. I suppose being able to openly smoke weed is one of the benefits to not being willing to spend $300+ on a general admission ticket, or $500 for the three-day pass, although the people inside didn’t seem like they were having any trouble. My friend and I watched from the parking lot above the theater, where several other groups had set up camp.

The band continued their semi-melodic tunes into the chilly Spring night, waltzing about with their improvisational guitar tunes. While I couldn’t quite make out the performers, the sound was just fine, perhaps even better, from up above.

When the three days of Phish-tivities were finally over, I found myself walking by the Greek Theater on my way home, melancholically missing walking through the block-long lines of the people who I will likely one day join. And when I do, I hope to see people like me walking by; young, curious, well-dressed, and in search of aneurism-inducing quantities of nitrous.

Side story: I went out to a bar the next night and met a man whose word slurring I thought was simply from his incredible inebriation. Turned out he was just from Virginia. But I knew who he was here for.

We talked about the band for a bit, and frankly if I weren’t so inebriated myself I likely would have picked up some interesting tidbits. I told him what I thought about the band (I don’t love them, but I love things with a cult following) and he laughed and said he liked my answer. He was having a great time here in the Bay, he said. All I really remember from the conversation was that he loved Phish.

He bought me a drink later (as a Southern gentleman, he assured me, he had a wife at home). Unfortunately, the bar was cash only and he had none, so I ended up paying for it myself. But all was well, it was closing time anyways. He wandered out into the streets in search of an afterparty at 2 am on a Tuesday. I headed home.

Glossary

Phishheads-  According to Urban Dictionary, a follower of fish; one who hates wilson

Wilson- A song by Phish, described by some as the seed that sprouted the whole thing. Wilson is a song in the overarching saga called “Gamehendge”, which spans about 10 songs. Wilson is a character who embodies corruption, unchecked ambition, and greed.

Jam band- a musical group whose concerts and live albums are characterized by lengthy improvisational jams. Famous jam bands include the Grateful Dead, Blues Traveler, the Dave Mathews Band, Phish, and Santana.

Shakedown-  Shakedown Street is a phrase coined by the Grateful Dead which describes the parking lot of a jam band where vending takes place. Food, alcohol, clothing, jewelry, and tickets are sold in this lively little community area.  

Phish Lot- The Phish take on a Shakedown. The Facebook group describes It as “a connection network of sellers, buyers, and kids who just like to look!” Aww, I feel included :)

Phish.net- your ultimate source for all. things. Phish. There, you can find recaps of pretty much every show.