I have learned and experienced the power that music has on people over the years. Those like me who live for live music, outdoor festivals, and good company along the way are drawn to one-another. We met Matt and Nancy three years ago at The North East Kingdom Music Festival, where we learned they drove all the way from IN to see the band Toubab Krewe (like they will do again in a few short weeks). The “gentle camping” section of the festival made us neighbors and we bonded that weekend.
Three years later, through the power of facebook, and the collective spirit of Phish and Toubab Krewe; we are reunited. From the moment we entered their home we were welcomed like family. Cold Fat Tire was poured immediately and great conversation ensued over the course of our amazing fish dinner. We picked right up where we left off a few years back and had a nice family meal in their spacious home.
With some of Nancy’s yummy lemon squares in tow, we hopped in Matt’s truck for the show. Dark thunderheads were in the big Indiana sky and the air was thick with 93 degree heat and humidity. With all the gabbing and enjoying a real home, we made it with perfect timing for the show. Our seats were in our classic back corner section and we settled in for a rollicking night.
The first set was packed solid with many favorites, and it was a great one for Matt to see as his first show. The Moma Dance, Ocelot, a telling Water in the sky, and the Fluffhead finale were the highlights for me. Phish, despite playing many of the same songs 4+ times through this tour, still delivers powerful high energy jams and tight jamming. The more the show got on, the more intense the lightning got outside. Lightning shot upward from the clouds, spider-webbing into the huge sky above us; it was definitely the most impressive display I have ever witnessed.
Right around set break the thunder became louder, the lightning more frequent, and the downpour ensued. Page came on to the stage and made the announcement that all the people in the lawn (15K) should go to their cars until 11pm when they would come back on. Thankfully our seats were under the last bit of cover Deer Creek could provide, and the trees to our right blocked most of the rain.
After the rain delay the band came back in full force and rocked us with a great long jamming second set. Drowned was a nice treat from the vault, and 2001 once again rode us through the storm (see video from PA show). They finished on a high note with Possum, and gave us another rare treat with Sleeping Monkey as an encore.
Getting out of the venue was surprisingly difficult and as thousands squeezed through the one exit at the top of the lawn, the sky opened up and unleashed an unparalleled fury of pelting rain on us poor saps standing below. We happily jumped in the truck and took our soaked hides back to the comfort of dry clothes and beds.
We finished off the night with a nightcap and regaled some tales of our wild night to Nancy. The next morning after a great breakfast we hit the road to Milwaukee Wisconsin for our last 2 shows of this tour. Thanks to Nancy and Matt one more time; it really made our trip being with yall!
Below is a video from the first night of the Alpine Valley WI show. It shows the intro. to Maze (some of my fav. lights) and the best glowstick war of the tour!
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