… why Festival 8 will be one of the greatest Phish experiences of all-time.
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1. Holiday + Festival = Huge Phish
Combining one of the high-holy days of the Phish calendar, with their unparalleled festival tradition, the band has created an unparalleled atmosphere around Indio. The only other holiday festival was Big Cypress, and we all know how that turned out. The merging of two of Phish’s greatest rites has everyone on the edge of their seat, awaiting to see how the Halloween theme is infused throughout the vast playground of dreams. Phish festivals are among the greatest memories of all of our lives, and now, in 2009, we are about to create another weekend that will live with us eternally. No travelling or driving around necessary, no hassle or concern; all Phish, all the time, amidst a gargantuan psychedelic carnival. And the music – festival-sized Phish jams growling from speaker towers built to blow us away – all while having as much space as we’ve ever dreamt of for all of our friends to throw down; forget about it. There’s not a feeling in the world like it. And its about to happen again.
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2. Three Days
Never has a Phish event lasted so long; not Big Cypress, not The Clifford Ball, and not Amy’s Farm. Three days and eight sets equals an unprecedented event in the band’s history. Whereas every festival but Big Cypress has occurred within a tour, Phish and their organization have had months to prepare, rehearse, and conceive of every imaginable detail for this week’s stand-alone event. Each Phish weekend of lore seemed like a flash – a psychedelic dream that ended too soon. But this time, tack on another day – then add the day before the music where everyone sets up camp – and we’ve got ourselves a four-day Phish freak scene! The ability to be in one place with your crew and relax all together, instead of jumping in separate cars and chasing highways all night long is priceless. This laid-back scenario will certainly create endless sessions of carefree chillage, where the only concern will be when the next set starts. For four days we will live a dream.
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3. The Weather
And for those four days, the weather will be divine. While every other festival took place in the unpredictable weather of the northeastern summer, southern California in October couldn’t be more opposite. With day after day of cloudless sunshine, the Palm Springs area is the place people go to guarantee themselves a sunny vacation. This blissful detail cannot be underestimated when reflecting on the camp-wrecking downpour at The Great Went and the 100-degree temperatures at Oswego. With temperatures predicted to range between 90 and 50, and no foreseeable precipitation, both the days and nights in the desert will be delectable.
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4. The Album Mystery
The band has hyped their Halloween mystery more than ever before, making everyone a musical detective over the past month with their own theories and reasoning. The mystery has drawn in the entire community, creating unparalleled excitement and anticipation, and a huge set-up for a prank if you ask me. Campground names have leaked, albums continue to be killed, and everyone is wrapped up in a guessing game – just how Phish wanted it. Known for toying with their fans in more ways than one, this time they have everyone, hook, line and sinker. It will be intriguing to discover how the answer unfolds; and to see if the band uses their first show as a platform for musical allusion and illusion. Instead of “Trick or Treat,” what ever happens in Indio will certainly be a “Trick and a Treat.” And I can’t freakin’ wait to get there!
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5. The Acoustic Set
Breakfast with Phish; glazed eight-shaped donuts, coffee and a fresh California harvest will make this early affair one to remember. Whether up all night or arising for a morning serenade, Phish’s Sunday morning greeting promises to hold more than a few surprises. They have been working on and rehearsing the acoustic set, according to their own website, thus one can believe it will be more than a string of bluegrass songs. Having never done this before, this “full-length” acoustic set will represent new musical ground for the band. An intimate set on a grand scale; the juxtaposition should be interesting. If Phish is ever going to break out the Gamehendge saga again, this could be the time to do it.
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Jam of the Day: Festival Week
“Wolfman’s > Simple” 8.16.97 II
A classic segment from The Great Went.
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DOWNLOAD OF THE DAY:
12.5.97 CSU Convocation Center, Cleveland, OH < Torrent
12.5.97 CSU Convocation Center, Cleveland, OH < Megaup.
While crafting the upcoming audio archive, I found this to be the only show from Fall ’97 not posted on this site. A tremendous first set and an out of the ordinary second set kicked off a memorable midwestern run during the second half of tour. Highlights include “Ghost,” “Jim > My Friend,” Stash,” “Julius,” and “Slave.”
I: Ghost > Wilson, Funky Bitch, Black-Eyed Katy, Sparkle, Runaway Jim > My Friend, My Friend, Ginseng Sullivan, Limb By Limb, Character Zero
II: Stash, Bouncing Around the Room, Julius*> Slave to the Traffic Light* > The Lizards, Loving Cup, Chalk Dust Torture
E: Bold As Love
*Unfinished
Source: Schoeps cmc621 > Sonosax > sv255
Tags: 2009, Festival 8
