I Think That I'll Know What I Haven't Known Yet

If time were only part of the equation . . .


In exactly one week, I'll be on my way to the Susquehanna Bank Center. I'll be a few hours from seeing Phish play live for the first time.

I was one of the ones who missed last time around -- not because I was too young, or unaware, but just because it seemed like those guys would keep rolling forever. And besides, I had just gotten married, or was moving apartments, or was at a new job. There was always a reason that it was just inconvenient enough to not go.

And then came the hiatus. No big deal. Bands stop touring all the time. When they came back, it was par for the course. I ignored the rumors and the grapevine. And then came the announcement. Coventry. I couldn't go. I simply couldn't. It wasn't inconvenient anymore, it was downright impossible. My twins were 4 months old and every spare second away from work was needed just to stay afloat.

So, this is a resurrection of opportunity. This time, I won't let it twist around that way.

I love Phish. I listen to their albums. I collect bootlegs. I am quite familiar with their catalog of songs, their history and tradition. But I've never been to the traveling groove that is the live Phish experience.

And so, I don't understand yet. But I am about to. Seven thin days lined up between me and Phish. That's almost transparent. I can almost see it . . .

So, as I sign off with the song I hope they open with, just for me: Open thread time. Your advice to the longtime Phish fan and total noob?