I traveled down from Cleveland, Ohio with my brother for a much-needed weekend adventure, and man, I was not prepared for the night that unfolded. This show ended up being my 44th Phish concert, and somehow the band still found a way to surprise me. To make it even more special, I finally got my very first “Old Home Place”—a song I’d been chasing for years—which immediately elevated the night into unforgettable territory.

From the opening notes of Back on the Train, the band wasted no time locking into a groove. Cities kept that funky momentum going, setting the tone for a first set that balanced energy and flow beautifully. Sample in a Jar and Theme From the Bottom reminded everyone of Phish’s ability to deliver familiar classics with fresh vitality. Then came the highlight for me—The Old Home Place—a perfect breather with rootsy charm, made all the more meaningful as a personal first. The set closed strong with a raucous one-two punch of Bathtub Gin and Runaway Jim, both stretched just enough to let Trey dig in while the rest of the band pushed and pulled the jams with their usual telepathy.
S2 was a journey. Sigma Oasis set the mood with its expansive optimism, leading seamlessly into a roaring Down with Disease that hit liftoff mode early. The segue into Life Saving Gun and then Pillow Jets showed how easily Phish blends the new material into their live tapestry—fresh songs that already feel road-tested and natural. Mountains in the Mist was a gorgeous, emotional breather that had the entire crowd hushed, before Blaze On reignited the fire with its joyous sing-along energy. The Ghost closer sealed the set with a deep, murky groove that had everyone dancing with abandon, reminding us once again why this band is unmatched when it comes to improvisation.

For the encore, Phish went straight to the soul. Shine a Light was pure catharsis, sending waves of gratitude through the room, and then they wrapped the night with Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S., a high-energy exclamation point that had the whole crowd shouting in unison: “This is what space smells like!”

Walking out, I couldn’t help but feel blown away. After 44 shows, Phish somehow managed to give me a “first,” deliver both deep jams and heartfelt ballads, and remind me why I keep coming back. It was a night full of surprises, connection, and pure joy—everything you hope for when you set out on a Phish adventure.