REFLECTING ON MAGNABALL
We are a year removed from the heart of Magnaball, and just over 20 years from the Clifford Ball. Similar to many of you, I'm sure, both of these events were transcendent weekends and times for me - so much more than just the incredible music and environment and people. Eye-opening, reaffiriming, and freeing. Intentionally or not, Phish created a model in Plattsburgh. And somehow they, and we, manage to keep improving on it.
I was thrilled to be asked to write a long form piece on Magnaball for The Phish Companion, 3rd Edition. I'm sharing a couple of excerpts here in hopes of triggering everyone's feelings and memories, and of course to encourage you to purchase your own copy of the book if you haven't done so already. With comprehensive coverage of all of Phish's 30+ years, in-depth dives on many shows and events, the best collection of Phish photography yet published in one place, and much more, it is a downright bargain at $39, with a significant portion of that purchase price directly supporting grants for music education for children. If you have the book, check out the essay starting on page 720 - I'd love to see how our experiences matched up, or differed.
Enough of the (quite literally) shameless plug, though. What are your favorite memories and takeaways from Magnaball, one year out?
Pick up a copy while supplies last at phishcompanion.com. And please make sure to let your friends and fellow fans if you are already enjoying yours.
Comments
my biggest takeaway from Magnaball is to never, never miss a Phish festival, as doing so is the equivalent of knowingly missing phishtory in the making. here's to remembering those past and wishing for many more to come!!
My 30th birthday was the Monday after Magnaball, and the weekend was spent with the love of my life and one of my best friends. It was a magical experience in many ways, just as Super Ball was, and I cannot wait for the next one!
Magnaball was incredible. Thanks @johnnyd great writeup of Magnaball in the new Phish Companion.
Fake Narc Reads the Book.
I remember the joy of being part of a wonderphul community. I remember riding the Pherris Wheel with my son during the greatest Bathtub Gin ever. I remember the celebration that was just walking around and seeing so many smiling, happy people. I remember the sun breaking out of the clouds during Divided Sky (at least it seemed that way...). I remember phinally waking up aphter Antelope. Listen to ....the silent trees. I remember incredible jam aphter jam and a truly inspiring Tweezer Pants. I remember just saying "Caspian!" to someone Sunday morning and getting back - "and we still have one more day". Drive-In, phireworks, phriends, revealing artwork. How do you top that?....with the next phestival, that's how. Best band ever. And hands down, best phans ever.
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