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Spontaneous Phish Tour is coming to a close
So I was only going to go to the Greek and Telluride. Then Robin said, ‘How about Deer Creek?’ So we went. And Johnny said, ‘How about Alpine Valley?’ So we went. And Dana said, ‘I’m writing to convince you to come to Jones Beach.’ So I came to Jones Beach. This is the eve of the last show and oh my what a summer adventure this was.
Summer 2010 is the 15th anniversary of my first (almost full- minus Jones Beach and Memphis…) full Summer Phish tour. In said summer of 95, I had been handed a fresh degree, had decided to switch coasts and move to Oregon, knew I loved a band that made me dance like a crazy girl and was wide eyed to opening the door to adventure, knocking loudly at my chamber door. My heart pounded night after night as new thoughts, friends, worlds opened up to me. I was aware of how good life was then. I lived in the moment without even trying, some nights having tickets in the 15th row, some having lawn in a galaxy far away. But I danced and smiled and loved my choice to go.Strangely, now 15 years later, I’m having the same experience. Older, yes, wiser, I think so. Same spirit in a body that’s finding it’s movement again. I’ve recently left Oregon to pursue my film career in LA. I’ve separated myself from people and things I love because leaving is hopefully smarter than staying. But the music and adventure… going without knowing I was supposed to go. No plans, no agenda, just playing it by ear and letting it happen. I had to let my summer take me away, and this summer, my mind took me on a walk across the country. New places to explore (and some old ones- but this time I had better seats), old and new people to meet, new songs to interpret and understand, new dance moves that are making me stronger every night. I’m finding myself again. I missed myself and now here I am, doing what makes me feel better than almost anything else.Tonight I had seats in the rafters. I’ve been spoiled in recent years to get up closer than I ever was brave enough to go (since Summer 95!) and got to watch the boys smile and dance and play and bob and work their magic. The seats up so high gave me a perspective that I needed. A reality check of how many of us there are out there loving Phish right now. Of how beautiful it is to watch the moon rise, or the lights spell out Phish’s name in a giant rainbow, or how miraculous that the fans seem to breathe in unison. Tonight I dodged ticket police, I stood in the aisle and surrendered my booty for the goodness of my life being saved by rock and roll. We shared in the final Weekapaug Groove of the summer and will remember to sleep diagonal in my bed tonight. I know why I’m not crazy for doing spontaneous Phish tour. We all have to do what makes us happy. Phish shows are my happiest place. So I go.Leap and the net will appear, they say.Go dance for us, cause we have to stay.But Kelly, you’re not 16 any more.And financially, can you afford it? You’re sure?Why do you have to go night after night?Why can’t Berkeley and Telluride be alright?Chasing the unicorns, dancing a dream,Skipping through airports, friends on the team.Phishbelly strikes, overwhelming energyanticipates musicaian and crowd pleasing synergyFinding my voice and my smile as I movethrough space time continuum, finding my groove.The years have combined, split open and meltand I’m happier now than I remember I’ve felt.Three cheers for the rhythm and rock of the band,The music they make and precision, demand,I’m proud I love Phish and have grown up at shows,and I’m psyched that ‘to go’ was the decision I chose.Happy One more night of Summer Tour, everybody.Really, SO GLAD COVENTRY WAS NOT THE END.Yahoo Summer 1995, I mean 2010.I hope to see you again soon.