NYS Music 20​18

Tag: Phish

  • The First Hurrah: Phish Begins Four Night Run at The Garden

    Phish returned to the “World’s Most Famous Arena,” Madison Square Garden for the 57th time in their career on Friday, opening the first of four nights with a high energy, well-rounded show featuring songs which spanned their entire career.

    Many fans were wondering whether or not they would see the return of any of Halloween 18’s Kasvot Vaxt songs, and those questions were answered immediately with a show opening, grooved out “We Are Come to Outlive Our Brains.” The crowd erupted as the band took no time stretching their jam muscles with a creeping psychedelic build before returning to the final refrain. The short but sweet “Martian Monster” that followed got the crowd going with some fast-paced space funk that propelled the entire crowd into another dimension for a brief moment as the illuminated arena swirled with color from every direction.

    phish the garden

    The band kept the energy up in the stratosphere with standard, but rocking versions of “Axilla,” “Free” and “The Wedge,” which had everyone in the crowd feeling the feeling they forgot. The less frequented crowd favorite “Meat” followed and included a patient, extended jam which allowed the groove to breathe as the band dropped the tempo and showcased just how well they are able to bounce ideas off one another. “Ghost” followed, and though it was a relatively short version, the band took no time getting to an intense peak before segueing beautifully into the Phishgrass classic “Sparkle.” Next came a beautiful “If I Could,” the first ever played at MSG, and the second version in three shows despite how rare the song normally is.

    “Maze” came next and was arguably the highlight of the set with knife-cutting tension and locked-in interplay between Trey and Page, as each played their respective solos with a little more gusto than typically seen. The set ended on an extremely high note with a rocking “Walls of the Cave” which featured multiple peaks from Trey as they sent the elated crowd to set break.

    phish the garden

    Set two didn’t have the greatest flow of the second sets this year, however what the set lacked in sequence they made up for with putting a little extra on every song they played. “Set Your Soul Free” opened the set, and featured the longest extended jamming of the night. The rocking TAB-turned-Phish tune oozed with psychedelia as it went through multiple movements and featured each band member strutting their stuff. CK5 put a little extra into the light show as the inside of the garden became an enormous kaleidoscope and brought the feeling of ecstasy to the next level. As the jam came down they transitioned seamlessly into the Billy Breathes combo of rarities “Swept Away” and “Steep” that featured delicate playing all around.

    “The Final Hurrah,” the second Kasvot Vaxt song of the night came next, to the crowd’s delight, and featured a bit more mustard than the debut version as the combination of lights and thrashing sound squeezed the arena. The band took a bit of time deciding what to play next when they finally landed on “Fuego.” This “Fuego” was anything but ordinary and felt like the gift that kept on giving as the band peaked the song multiple times. Every time it felt like it was going to end, Trey turned it up a notch and ripped through another glorious solo. “Shade” came next for a much needed cool down before an always welcome and crunchy “Bathtub Gin” picked the energy back up. The set ended on a classic, tension-filled “Possum” which featured peak after peak to end the set on a very high note.

    Thankfully, the end wasn’t the road, however, as the band came out with a two-song classic throwback encore. A standard “Bouncing Around the Room” led to a patient, building “Slave to the Traffic Light” which saw some fiery playing from Trey and left everyone going home wanting more. Phish will return to the Madison Square Garden for the second night of the run tonight, and it’s anyone’s guess as to what tricks they have up their sleeves.

    Phish, Madison Square Garden, December 28, 2018

    Set 1: We Are Come to Outlive Our Brains, Martian Monster, Axilla > Free, The Wedge, Meat, Ghost > Sparkle, If I Could, Maze, Walls of the Cave

    Set 2: Set Your Soul Free > Swept Away > Steep, The Final Hurrah, Fuego > Shade > Bathtub Gin > Possum

    Encore: Bouncing Around the Room, Slave to the Traffic Light

    Trey teased The Little Drummer Boy in Bathtub Gin. Possum included a Long Tall Glasses tease from Page.

    phish the gardenphish the garden

    phish the garden

  • Best Of NYS 2018: New Bands On The Block

    Its that time of the year again. We have been blessed with so much great music throughout 2018 and it will be impossible to cover it all. Stay tuned throughout the next few days as we delve into some of the best bands, albums, festivals and towns in New York State – and beyond. These picks have been curated from our wonderful staff to expose you the vast talent of musicians that pass you on the streets and dwell in your neighbouring towns. Each day will introduce new music for you to listen to, but for now – the good stuff – THE BANDS.

    Best Under the Radar band from New York

    Witty Tarbox

    The Buffalo=bred indie-surf ensemble will celebrate their two year anniversary on New Year’s Day. Their first EP The Adventures Of Schmitty: Issue #1 V. Rare puts an edgy twist on Upstate’s jam-band culture. Listening to “Schmitty & Bags” will open up an electrified rabbit hole, riddled with screaming guitar, thunderous toms and over-the-bar groves. Witty Tarbox is multifaceted, dumping all your musical inspiration into a blender where none of the flavors get lost. Instead, they have their own layered place in the mix, complemented by unorthodox instrumentation. Crack one open and find out for yourself.

    Escaper

    After discovering Brooklyn’s Escaper, you will be gridlocked centerstage wondering: What the hell just happened? Escaper released their second studio-album this year, Edge Detection, that detonates musical genres and resonates through the shrapnel. They are the explosion – a mess of sounds that shouldn’t fit together, but they do. It’s exhilarating. Ironically, there’s no escaping. From smooth jazz-saxophone to a vortex of organ, arena-rock guitar and metal-esque drum fills, Escaper delivers. Edge Detection captures their free-form performances and jam roots that make you almost-obligated to the live experience. Escaper has only been around for a few years, but have shared the stage with John Fishman (Phish), Galactic and Aqueous and are taking New York State by storm.

    Best Under The Radar Bands: Discovery

    Cold Lazarus: Reggae-infused intellifunk jam rock – Jamestown, NY – Est. 2017

    The Goodnight Darlings: Indie-pop rock – New York, NY

    Dirty Blanket: Dirty string-slingin’ bluegrass – Finger Lakes Region

    Groovestick: Powerhouse funk trio – Albany, NY

    Intent To Sell: Hip-Hop/Rock – Buffalo, NY

    Rootbrew: World-beat infused americana – Rosendale, NY

    Mike Powell (& The Black River): Renegade-Folk Songwriter – West Carthage, NY

    Space Bacon: Jamtronica rock quartet – Brooklyn, NY

    Wuriliday: Soul-funk goodness – Albany, NY – Est.  2017

    Best Band EVERYONE Should Be Listening To

    Phish

    Like them, or not, Phish remains a staple in the world of jam-band music. It is expected that they swept the competition for Best Of. It’s the simple fact that: they have done it before. From books, boxsets and fanclubs, the sea of Phish is endless. Start swimming.

    For you newbies, swing on over to your local Ben & Jerry’s and pick up a pint of “Phish Food,” and indulge. Again: it’s been done before (hint hint). Go to LivePhish.com and listen to every live performance with a click. Your marshmallow-fudge covered lips will grin when you realize who that cutting-edge band got the idea from or when you recognize that solo-lick, jamming in your parents basement.

    “The intention that this band is so great at, is to stop thinking,” said Mike Gordon. It is the reason Phish was, and still is, the example in jam-band culture. They remain at the top because they are captivating and, in-truth, one could argue that it is you, the Phans, who are propelling their motion. “When we feel a surge, we surge, it happens all the time. Thunder will happen or lightning and I’ll hear the crowd go Wahhhh. Then we just ramp up,” said Trey Anastasio.

    Phish is set out to do another New Year’s Eve run at Madison Square Garden starting on December 28. Phish made their debut at Madison Square Garden in 1994. The four-day run sold out, expectedly so, and will mark 60 Phish performances at The Garden as we break into 2019.  Catch more details on Today’s (Monday) SiriusXM ‘Ask Trey’ on Phish Radio, Channel 29.

    Best Live Cover or Tribute Performance

    Pink Talking Fish

    Founder and bassist, Eric Gould came up with the idea of a fusion tribute to three of his most beloved bands: Pink Floyd, The Talking Heads and Phish. The intent is to “heighten people’s passion for music by creating something fresh.”  Collectively, the musicians of Pink Talking Fish are equally inspired by these crossroads, as are their fans.

    “If you enjoy the adventure of music, this is its epitome” said Gould. Pink Talking Fish embarks on a musical journey filled with rhythms you already know and love.

    In their rendition of Phish’s “Makisupa Policeman,” PTF incorporates Pink Floyd’s “Brain Damage” without straying from Phish’s Reggae feel. The band is further driven by the concept of setlists. Gould has always been intrigued by the construction of sets and how they influence the audience. Setlists are “musical candy to read on paper. And people are salivating over it.”


    Setlist: Speak To Me, Breathe, Down With Disease, On The Run, Thank You For Sending Me An Angel, Time, Mike’s Song, *Great Gig In The Sky, Weekapaug Grove, ^Money, ^*Take Me To The River, ^*Us & Them,  ^*Any Colour You Like, Ghost, Down With Disease Reprise, Once In A Lifetime, Brain Damage, Eclipse

    Encore: 18 ^*Julius
    * w/ Elise Testone on Vocals, ^ w/ Matt Wayne on Sax

  • Photo Gallery: Phish dresses up as Kasvot Växt, Faceplants Las Vegas into Rock

    Phish fans got a trick, and a treat on Halloween. For their Halloween show, Phish didn’t cover a classic rock album like fans hoped, but instead did something far scarier – they performed brand new music as Kasvot Växt to a sold out MGM Garden Grand Arena in Las Vegas, NV.

    kazvot vaxtCombining their 2013 (Wingsuit) and 2014 (Chilling Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House) costumes, Phish created something completely different, brand new and unique, to say the least – they invented a band, backstory and full album to cover, performing as Kasvot Växt, a Scandinavian prog rock outfit dressed all in white and bringing an incredibly fresh sound to Phish’s legacy of Halloween runs.

    kasvot vaxtWearing all white suits on an all white stage and playing all white instruments, Phish performed i rokk, which when combined with Kasvot Växt translates as ‘Faceplant into rock.’ All 10 songs were brand new Phish, or Kasvot Växt, depending on how you look at it.

    What was most amazing about the show is the level of secrecy that kept this set so under wraps that no one knew what would really happen until the first notes of the set. Performing a new album has been done before in 2013 with Wingsuit, and again in 2014 in Las Vegas with Chilling Thrilling, but combining those two efforts and writing 10 songs in a prog rock/metal-ish style AND the Kazvot Växt persona to go along with it is a level up, even for Phish.

    Setlist via Phish.net

    Set 1: Buried Alive > Ghost > Crazy Sometimes > Free, More, Halley’s Comet > Ocelot > Theme From the Bottom > First Tube

    Set 2: Turtle in the Clouds[1], Stray Dog[1], Everything is Hollow[1], We Are Come to Outlive Our Brains[1], Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.[1], The Final Hurrah[1], Play by Play[1], Death Don’t Hurt Very Long[1], Cool Amber and Mercury[1], Passing Through[1]

    Set 3: Set Your Soul Free > Tweezer > A Song I Heard the Ocean Sing > Backwards Down the Number Line > Meatstick, Bug > Run Like an Antelope

    Encore: Loving Cup > Tweezer Reprise

    [1] Debut.

  • Phish Break a Record and Kick off Fall Tour in Albany

    Two nights into their Fall Tour kick off, Phish is already breaking records to make up for their harsh Curveball fallout. Ousting Billy Joel with all time attendance at Times Union Center, a brand-new, celebratory banner welcomed the deep grooves and thoughtfully selected set lists to come from the Albany double-header.

    Moma Dancin’ their way back into the NY state capital after nine lingering years, a delicious take on the The Story of the Ghost tune got the packed party underway as Kuroda quickly proved his light show came to steal part of the opening show. “Tube” followed next as phans waited to see what territories the experimental track would wander into. It’s foundation was uprooted in its entirety and before you could predict it, the quartet threw you right back into familiar grounds. While all four members rode the high-energy wave of the tour opener, Page kicked it into high gear, grabbing the reigns throughout the course of the jam and foreshadowing his exuberant and demanding presence throughout the night.

    “Theme From the Bottom” emerged to ignite smiles as the crowd recited lyrics near and dear to their hearts. “Keep what’s important and know who’s your friend,” chimed throughout the TUCenter and hit home for many of the North Easterners who suppressed low spirits following the demise of Curveball. At its pinnacle of a capella entertainment, a quick segue picked the crowd up and placed them a the light-hearted “Free.” Kuroda offered up some tricks and treats with new patterns and Pac-Man looking motion lights. The rigs swirled above like rolling waves, at times mesmerizing the sold-out dance party over the action on stage.

    Short and to the point, “Halley’s Comet” made a fleeting appearance before finding its way into summer tour favorite “Everything’s Right.” Gordon took the opportunity to bask in the glory of psychedelia among his moments in the spotlight, bold slaps and bassy vocals. An appropriate rendition of the Talking Heads’ “Cities” rang through the pulsating downtown venue, making locals pretty happy that Albany’s the city they’ve found themselves living in. A heavy hitting “Walls of the Cave” closed out an exemplary start to fall tour to an approving arena.

    Appealing to the October chill in the air and Halloween peaking around the corner, “Ghost” corralled the crowd for set two before leading into pleasantly welcomed Big Boat number, “No Man in No Man’s Land.” The duo opened up the set with high energy that continued with “Piper.” Wandering down a evil tunnel, a gritty “Twenty Years Later” welcomed three rounds of raging applause and earnest praise. The metal leaning performance conjured devil horns proudly raised in the stagnant, smoky air. After a brief “Show of Life” interlude, Phish came out guns blazin’ again with a classic “2001” -> “Character Zero” close to the set, the latter a frequent set closer in Albany going back to 1997. A favored “Harry Hood” encore sealed the deal on a wild fall tour opener, notching a high-bar for Wednesday night’s gig to follow.

    Setlist via Phish.net
    Set 1: The Moma Dance, Tube, Theme From the Bottom > Free, Army of One, Halley’s Comet > Everything’s Right -> Cities > Walls of the Cave

    Set 2: Ghost > No Men In No Man’s Land > Piper > Twenty Years Later > Show of Life > Also Sprach Zarathustra > Character Zero

    Encore: Harry Hood

    Night 2 offered up a second helping of Phish, with fans filling into the arena earlier this evening due to the on and off wind and rain that peppered downtown Albany. The first set opened with “Crowd Control,” which was hardly an issue at the Times Union Center this run, as compared to past Phish shows where maneuvering around the sold out crowd can be harrowing.

    The first set was the highlight of the night, with a 16-minute version of “Chalkdust Torture” leading the way for Jam of the Run honors in the same spot where “Tube” shone the night before. “Wolfman’s Brother,” “Steam,” and a set closing “Bathtub Gin” each took a lengthy spin, with energetic numbers found in between with “Scent of a Mule,” “NICU,” and “Gumbo.” Throw in a few minutes of Jon Fishman on the electrolux vacuum for “I Didn’t Know” and you have a throwback to the “Bathtub Gin” jam on 9/8/00 where Fishman led us in an ambient vacuum-laden jam.

    Set 2 kicked off with the new “Set Your Soul Free,” which has already found its place as a set opening jam vehicle in only five appearances. A rusty “Birds of a Feather” followed, along with the misplaced “Mercury,” which has its moments in the middle improv section but otherwise fell flat as the set tried to pick up steam. It did just that with a 11-minute “Light” but “The Wedge” failed to capitalize on that energy, and by the time “Wading in the Velvet Sea” started, not even “Wilson”->”Slave to the Traffic Light” could find the initial energy from the set’s beginning.

    As always, “Julius” got the crowd up and dancing for the encore, and then Trey took a moment to remark that these shows in Albany were like hometown shows, and with that, the band threw in “Rocky Top,” a song of home-sweet-home, to close it out.

    Phish heads to Hampton, Nashville, Chicago and Las Vegas for the rest of their tour. Stay tuned to NYSMusic for updates!

    Setlist via Phish.net
    Set 1: Crowd Control, Chalk Dust Torture, All of These Dreams > Wolfman’s Brother > Scent of a Mule, NICU > Gumbo, Steam > I Didn’t Know, Bathtub Gin

    Set 2: Set Your Soul Free > Birds of a Feather, Mercury > Light, The Wedge, Wading in the Velvet Sea, Wilson > Slave to the Traffic Light

    Encore: Julius > Rocky Top

  • Phallbany: Get Phishy in Albany as Fall Tour Kicks Off!

    A 48-hour, tie dye wave will splash over downtown Albany just in time for Phish’s back-to-back opening Fall Tour gigs. The famed jam quartet’s October 16 and 17 shows will appropriately notch their 16th and 17th shows ever played in the state capital of ‘Phallbany’ and the buzzing city is chock-full of opportunities to celebrate the mid-week shakedown while quickly exploring historic and artistic surroundings. NYS Music is here to give you the rundown on all things Phish, including helpful navigation tips and how to make your mid-week visit to Albany as smooth as possible.

    No strangers to the Times Union Center, some notable moments have come out of their many meetings with the 28-year old Albany venue. Over the years, Phish entertained crowds in some cozier quarters just around the corner at the Palace Theatre.

    With Albany’s extensive history of Phish, we went to IHOZ – the International House of ZZYZX and looked up some stats from all past shows in NY’s capital, aside from Pauly’s Hotel in 1989 where there is no known setlist.

    October 16th marks the first ever Tuesday show. In the last five shows there have been four debuts: Windora Bug and Mellow Mood (2000) and Golden Age and Tomorrow’s Song (2009). Given the frequency of songs below, “You Enjoy Myself” is quite a safe bet, as are “Bouncing Around the Room” and “Guyute,” and while “Jam” isn’t a song, that much is guaranteed over the two nights.

    Phish has yet to play “Divided Sky” in Albany, and we have yet to have a proper “Mike’s” -> “I Am Hydrogen” > “Weekapaug Groove,” with the H2 never showing up in the Capital District.

    Most commonly played since 1992, “You Enjoy Myself” holds the heavyweight title with a total of seven plays, while “Bouncing Around the Room,” “Guyute” and “Jam” come in second at five plays. “Also Sprach Zarathustra,” “Chalk Dust Torture,” “Ghost,” “Good Times Bad Times,” “Harry Hood,” “Maze,” “NICU,” “Possum,” “Prince Caspian,” “Sparkle,” and “Stash” tie at four performances each.

    Tuesday, October 16:

    Pre Shows: If you’re looking to get the party started early, join The Deadbeats around the corner from the venue at town-favorite gastropub, City Beer Hall. They’ll get you bouncin’ round the room from 5PM-8PM before Phish takes over.

    10/16 Afterparty:  Dynamic Albany outfit Wurliday will host a Phunk Night at Parish Public House, just one block away from the show! The Phish after party will be hosted by Albany’s own Wurliday, featuring Natalie Cressman (Trey Anastasio Band), Chris Bullock (Snarky Puppy),Beau Sasser (Kung Fu), Adrian Tramontano (Kung Fu), Chris DeAngelis (Kung Fu), Justin Henricks (Wurliday) and Ilana J. Morris (Wurliday).

    Wednesday October 17:

    Phish Pre-Show Yoga Jam: Phans are generally all about the love and light, which means many of them crossover as yogis. Two of Albany’s newest ventures, Lark Street Yoga and Lark Hall are teaming up with Heartspace Yoga and Healing Arts for a for two hour, donation based yoga event. “Sharin’ in the Groove” proceeds will benefit the Waterwheel Foundation and the phun vinyasa class will be set to live phish tunes and taught by John Smrtic, E-YRT, JD from Heartspace. When sacred movement, jammin’ music, elevated intention, and connection to the spirit through breath comes together in ceremony and celebration, the potential exists to step into the groove. Book your spot from 12:30AM-1:30PM for $25 and check out Albany’s latest phan-friendly yoga studio and music hall.

    Peakin’ at the Knick:  Acting as the mullet of Wednesday’s activities, PEAK Builders Network will keep business in the front of the mind and partying safely tucked in the back. The conference filled with networking and mutual love of music will take place at the Hampton Inn, five guest speakers will share stories of their personal business and career empires and what goals they’re working towards next. The interactive conference encourages attendees to join the conversation and bounce YOUR ideas around the room with like-minded business professionals. Goodie bags, light snacks and a free drink await your 1PM arrival.

    Pre Show: Starting at 5pm, the Left Ear trio keeps the second day momentum rolling for a jazzy pre-show get down at City Beer Hall.

    Post show: Funky Albany ensemble Hartley’s Encore will bring it on back to City Beer Hall for a night sponsored by Fiddlehead Brewing Company while Pearl Street Pub hosts Tweed, Desolation Angels and McZwang for $10.

    Phish Food: Albany is buzzing with local restaurants at your disposal, spanning all types of cuisine, diets and cravings. For a morning wake up call and your AM fix of coffee and donuts, stumble over to Cider Belly Doughnuts for some of the most delicious and creative flavors imaginable.

    If you believe Herbivores ate well cause their food didn’t ever run, then you might want to check out Berben and Wolff’s and Healthy on Lark, both serving up tasty vegan meals to the public on Lark Street. For the carnivores ready for a meatstick and a beer to help wash it down after, look no further than Albany Pump Station, a brewery that boasts hearty meals and tasty craft beers. The Hollow and Ama Cocina each have a wide array of American and Mexican fare respectively, adding to the downtown Albany hustle and bustle with their energetic atmospheres and love for live music.

    Honorable mentions go to Steuben Street Cafe, with grab-n-go, delicious smoothies and sandwiches just down the road from the venue. For classic late-night, greasy grub, Pizzeria Sapienza usually stays open for a quick slice while crowds are flooding out of the arena.

    Parking tips: Don’t be a slave to the traffic light and be sure to consider your parking game plan beforehand. Aside from fighting for competitive street parking, garages are sprinkled throughout downtown Albany with fluctuating event pricing. If you’re lucky enough to snag a spot, there’s a parking garage attached to TUCenter with entrances on both Market Street and Beaver Street for a price. Throughout the downtown blocks you’ll stumble across Riverfront Garage, Green-Hudson Garage and Osborne Street Garage that are all reasonable parking options for the weekend. And of course, Albany has Uber and Lyft for access to downtown from your hotel.

    In its most natural habitat, Albany is thriving in its own glimmer of a golden age with up and coming professionals, passing artists and growing businesses. Add phans funneling down Pearl Street into the TUC like quicksand and we’ve got quite the mid-week renaissance to look forward to in six short days. The countdown continues…

  • Holly Bowling Lets It Grow in Cohoes

    Holly Bowling stopped in for a show at Cohoes Music Hall this Sunday, September 16. Bowling, hailing from San Francisco, is well known for her solo piano transcription of the infamous 36 minute version of “Tweezer” that Phish played in Tahoe, NV in 2013. She started touring as a solo act soon after, captivating unsuspecting audiences with her soulful renditions of Phish classics. She soon expanded her act to include a vast number of Grateful Dead tunes, which can be heard on her studio release Better Left Unsung.

    Holly Bowling Cohoes

    Bowling opened up the Sunday show with “It’s Ice,” an incredibly intricate Phish composition which she plays with ease. This segued into “McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters,” which featured a “China Cat Sunflower” tease in the section that is typically reserved for McConnell’s solo. Bowling was able to open up this piece as well as any multi-instrumental band could, showing her ingenuity in experimentation, even as a solo artist. She delighted the crowd when the end of “It’s Ice” emerged from deep within the depths of “McGrupp.” After this, she paused to acknowledge her gratitude for her presence here, and explained her love for the building, which was the sight where the name of her band, Ghost Light, was conjured.

    The first set continued with the Grateful Dead’s “Lost Sailor” which transitioned into Phish’s “Roggae,” which was played and finished in its entirety. This was followed by a beautiful version of the Dead’s “Mountains of the Moon,” which drifted effortlessly into “Saint of Circumstance,” completing the “Lost Sailor” for any familiar Dead fans.

    Holly Bowling Cohoes

    After a short break, Bowling came back for a nearly continuous second set. A soaring version of “Bird Song” opened the set, which flew beautifully into the first complete part of “Weather Report Suite,” including the prelude. This naturally blossomed into an uplifting rendition of “Let It Grow,” really bringing the energy up in the room.

    Bowling seamlessly transitioned from this Dead heavy set into Phish’s “A Song I Heard the Ocean Sing,” which then flowed into a fun version of “Sand.” This was followed by Led Zeppelin’s “No Quarter,” which proved to be just as powerful of a song when played by one woman on a grand piano, as it is with four of the greatest rock and roll musicians of all time. Bowling then brought back the Dead by gliding into an impassioned version of “Morning Dew.” After a brief pause, Bowling closed out the set with “Swept Away,” a Phish rarity that is welcome to any diehard fan, and which fits perfectly with Bowling’s style as it reflects her ability to maintain the emotional integrity of the songs that she transcribes. To top it all off, this shifted seamlessly back into the end of “Let it Grow,” which truly completed the second set.

    Holly Bowling Cohoes

    Upon leaving the stage, Bowling came back for an encore. “Slave to the Traffic Light” proved to be a perfect fit, with a warm, uplifting jam that would have left Page himself smiling from ear to ear. Not only was this classic composition executed with perfection, but it also included a “Let it Grow” tease, making it a unique reflection of the performance from that night.

    Following this performance in Cohoes, Holly Bowling will be returning to Albany on November 14 at Jupiter Hall with her band Ghost Light.

    Set 1: It’s Ice > McGrupp and the Watchful Hosemasters > It’s Ice*, Lost Sailor > Roggae, Mountains of the Moon > Saint of Circumstance
    Set 2: Bird Song > Weather Report Suite Prelude, Weather Report Suite Part 1 > Let It Grow > A Song I Heard the Ocean Sing > Sand > No Quarter > Morning Dew, Swept Away > Let It Grow
    Encore: Slave**

    *w/ China Cat tease
    **w/ Let It Grow tease

  • Experience Phish: Riviera Maya this February for a luxurious, tropical concert vacation

    Time to start stocking up on sunscreen and swimsuits. Phish will be returning to Mexico this February for their Riviera Maya concert vacation. With a variety of packages to choose from, family and friends alike can enjoy Mexico’s Caribbean coastline while immersing themselves in cultural foods, tequila tastings, and  classic Phish performances. The four-night, all-inclusive event will be taking place February 21-23 on the gorgeous clear beaches of Barcelo Maya where fans can also be shuttled in from five other select hotel resorts.

    The activities for anyone attending are seemingly endless with each resort boasting a variety of quality restaurants, upbeat bars, and lounging by the beach or pool. Off-site adventures are just as plentiful with exploring the nearby town of Tulum, magnificent barrier reefs, and breathtaking views. After long days of soaking in the sun, concertgoers will be entertained by authentic Fire Dancers, Mayan Warriors, and be catered to with complimentary drinks as they are led to the main stage on the beach for an electrifying set of Phish music.

    As the unforgettable weekend concludes, you will also have an opportunity to purchase One-of-a-kind custom event merchandise. That being said, Revenge of the Return of Phish: Riviera Maya will truly be a spectacle for all attendees as well as an exotic vacation.

    For more information on Phish: Riviera Maya in February 2019, visit the event website here.

  • Cohoes Music Hall hosts Holly Bowling on Sunday September 16

    Holly Bowling returns to the Capital District on Sunday, September 16 at Cohoes Music Hall, bringing her classical interpretations from the catalogs of the Grateful Dead and Phish with her. Bowling has twice performed in Albany at the Massry Center for the Arts, as well as at The Whisper Dome in Schenectady, most recently last October. With Phish just one month away in the state capital, Bowling will find a familiar audience once again in one of the oldest venues in the state. Check out what we said of her performance at The Whisper Dome in March of 2017 and get your tickets to this special night of music.

    After studying piano performance at SF State University, Bowling has turned her agile mind and interpretive prowess to the works of Phish on 2015’s Distillation Of A Dream album and the Grateful Dead focused Better Left Unsung (2016, The Royal Potato Family). Her compelling playing and unerring ability to successfully collaborate with other musicians in an impressive array of styles has brought her to the attention of Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Gov’t Mule’s Warren Haynes, and other luminaries who’ve asked Bowling to perform with them. Already a rising star on the festival circuit, Bowling currently tours as a member of Ghost Light with Tom Hamilton, Steve Lyons, Raina Mullen and Scotty Zwang. Texture, nuance, and a gift for dexterous high-wire improvisation are the hallmarks of San Francisco-based classically trained pianist Holly Bowling.

  • Catch Phunk Night after Phish in Albany on October 16

    Funk Night becomes Phunk Night on October 16 when Wurliday and NYS Music host a Phish After-Party at Parish Public House in Albany, just one block away from the Times Union Center and right after Phish wraps up Night 1 of their Fall Tour.

    Phunk Night features Natalie Cressman (Trey Anastasio Band), Chris Bullock (Snarky Puppy), Beau Sasser (Kung Fu), Adrian Tramontano (Kung Fu), Chris DeAngelis (Kung Fu), Justin Henricks (Wurliday), and Ilana Morris (Wurliday). Tickets are on sale now and this event will sell out. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 day of show. More info and tickets can be found here.

    phunk night phish albany

  • The Silver Linings of Curveball

    It’s been just over a week since Curveball was cancelled. Rarely does a festival get cancelled so close to showtime, and this one came down to the wire, with the plug pulled just as Phish was about to start Soundcheck at 4:00 pm on August 16. Thousands were already on site, and tens of thousands en route to the southern tip of Seneca Lake for Phish’s semi-annual music festival, held for the third, and perhaps the final time, at Watkins Glen International. Sadly, due to circumstances beyond the band’s control, Curveball was cancelled. Despite the shock, sadness & disappointment that flooded the festival grounds, what came next was a very humbling and incredible experience.

    Silver Linings Curveball

    The pre-show excitement that built while preparing for a Phish festival has the joy of feeling like a kid at Christmastime, with surprises in store for all. Ahead of Curveball, fans counted down the days, dreamt up setlists, and stayed on top of the tour leading up to the climatic festival, hoping to get something on their wishlist, if not everything.

    When the news broke, fans stood around just stunned. Those who made it into the venue wandered back to their campsites, a point at which the comradery that is felt among Phish fans came into focus. Deciding to make the best of the circumstances, Curveball’s temporary inhabitants banded together and sought out group therapy as they dove into the Kübler-Ross stages of grief, or postponed them, if not for a single night. New friends were made as they always are, Phish memories were discussed and fans commiserated about “what could have been.”Silver Linings Curveball

    Fans still wanted to boogie and Kenneth Horgan, Production Manager for The Loop Tent, onsite working for Phish Inc. and JEMP records, made that possible. Horgan used his equipment to set up a live stream of the Joe Russo’s Almost Dead show from Red Rocks, where JRAD paid homage to Phish by weaving teases of “Wilson” into “Slipknot” during the second set. While JRAD was streaming from The Loop Tent, next door, The Skinny Pancake turned into a hotspot for hangouts. A mini wiffle ball game took shape, impromptu acoustic music was played, and there was an invasion of dancing mimes.

    Curveball’s cancellation impacted many people, but the 14 surrounding counties that had been ravaged by heavy rains and flooding for almost a week leading up to the event left many people displaced from their homes and in need of supplies. Many vendors were onsite ready to supply food and drink to 60,000 people over the course of the weekend, and Silo Food Truck, Copper Horse Coffee and the Finger Lakes Cider House banded together to feed as many people as they could with their unused inventory, donating 50% of proceeds to the Lodi Flood Relief fund. With the added kick of Schuyler country losing millions in tax revenue, donation stations were set up in the surrounding counties and many Phish fans donated their unused food and supplies to help the flood victims in the area. Phish has announced that they will be selling Curveball merchandise online, including the Curveball Nalgene bottle that was intended for the WaterWheel/Reverb water program. Ticket holders get first dibs, and all proceeds for Curveball merchandise will go directly into relief funds.

    Silver Linings Curveball

    Curveball will go down in music history as the Phish festival that never was, but memories were made despite the unfortunate circumstances. The weekend was a check for fans, who by and large made the best of their weekends and spent time with friends, creating lasting memories, even if the soundtrack was not close to expectations.

    Fans can now look forward to the stream of Phish this weekend, with the code on the back of the Curveball wristband redeemable for the webcast of all three shows at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO beginning August 31, 2018. Couch Tour ticket time is 9:30pm EST.

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