[We would like to thank Kelly Wilson (.net @kellynicu) for providing this recap. -Ed.]

Night one of Phish at Riveria Maya began with a mild yet refreshing mist of rain before the band took the stage at 9:15 to a sea of eager fans. They kicked off with an upbeat “Back On The Train” to get the party started while Kuroda’s purple and blue lights made even the palm trees dance and glow. After an extended jam, Trey, as always, graciously welcomed us before breaking into “Moma Dance,” which included three random samples of the words “three orange whips.”

“Down With Disease” naturally lured Trey into saying “a thousand barefoot children dancing on the beach” before becoming a long, trippy, rather ethereal jam while Mike kept the bassline heavy, as it should be. It flowed seamlessly into a gorgeous and tender “If I Could.” “Everything’s Right” held the crowd’s energy and attention with a rave-like vibe and lights that looked like jellyfish, albeit with a few flubbed lyrics. I only mention the mistakes not to criticize the band but as a reminder that this is live music and mistakes happen.

“Halfway to the Moon” followed, which is admittedly not one of my personal favorites, but it was a solid and tight version. “Stash” hit right on the money with Fishman chiming in on the cowbell at exactly the right moments. “Alaska,” “Destiny Unbound,” and “Ocelot” were all funky and danceable.

“Julius” of course had everyone’s hands in the air before “Sand” got the crowd dancing so hard that they were quite literally kicking up sand. “Life Saving Gun” from Trey and Page’s album, January, is one I have not heard much but is sure was ripping and raucous. For the encore, Mexico got it’s first ever “The Mango Song” which was dedicated to Ellie, a young girl who died tragically and always wanted to hear the song. So although it was bittersweet, those of us who have been begging for that song finally got our Mango. Add that to a blazing "Carini" encore!

Overall, the band was tight and solid, and ready for the next three nights!

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