So great to be back at the home of Phish for so many Midwesterners, myself included (it’s as near a home venue for this South Dakotan as I’ve ever had and the site of my first shows in 2004). Indeed, the geographical extent of the market served by Alpine’s 40,000 capacity amphitheater brings a lively mix of regional audiences all points south, west, and east, contributing to a celebratory atmosphere of arrival. We made it! Clear your mind!

Trey seemed intent on demonstrating his lead chops through tight, major key bliss and rock. The first three quarters stayed within the fairly standard awesome range, which Moma’s departure a lone but noted exception. Starting with Ghost, which struck me as maybe being too late to deliver, shifted the dynamic decidedly to darker and minor key exploration, which bled seemlessly into my first encounter with The Howling, a serene Simple, and to my ears the song of the night in David Bowie. The latter never really found it’s place in 3.0 amidst the reinvention of so many other old guard deep cuts, but this version is attacking, undeterred, and transcendent. We’ll always ask for More Lizards, and in the encore slot? Thanks much!

I expect some different layers to emerge as the weekend continues. Regardless, we’ll get our asses handed. It’s Alpine. It’s what happens here.