(Published in the second edition of The Phish Companion...)

Following my explosive first show at the Forum, I was psyched to see the boys down in So Cal again. Unfortunately this meant a three hour ride from Hollywood to San Diego, but fully loaded with snacks and supplies it wasn't a bad trip at all. Arriving at 6 50 p.m., with the band to go on stage at 7 p.m., I had more than enough time to peruse the great parking lot scene. Security is a complete joke here which made for some fun. This is a great venue; it reminds me of Jones Beach with a lawn and no security.
After what some people called a lackluster opening set in Phoenix, this was certainly not the case as the vibe continued to escalate by the second set. I was preparing for something big. Would it be “YEM”? “Divided Sky”? Nah, how about a version of “Harry Hood” which pretty much tore down the house. Glowsticks were out, and it seemed as if everyone, even the Phishy-virgins (and there were lots) wanted to know where he went when the lights went out.
The band didn't even go off the stage or take any time before going right into the pretty short but electrifying encore. “Bouncing Around the Room” was great and well, bouncy, and of course “Tweezer Reprise” is the best two minutes in rock n’ roll.
Three and a half hours after getting in, I was completely floored by the band and the set. Somehow I crawled into bed around 2 30 Am. and made it to work the next morning.