I saw the post on the front page today about how it was actually called "the Plaza" not the Veranda (I have always referred to it as the Beer Garden show) and had to post some memories. Not only was it a solid show after the previous night's Tennessee Theater (Knoxville) it was one of those shows that, in my first year of seeing PHiSH (this was my 4th show as they didn't play down South that much back then,) cemented a deepset affection (addiction?) for this different type of JAM and what this band from Vermont was all about. They came out in golf carts, for Christ's sake, and just RIPPED.

I had been to Starwood MANY times prior to this night (Aerosmith/Gn'R, b-52's, Boston, Jimmy Buffett, Elton John, Clapton, Journey, and on and on, even Steely Dan just a month prior!) but nothing prepared me for the show we would see in the beer garden, veranda, plaza, whatever you wanna call it. With very few other lucky phreaks, we caught some serious heat that night.

After the Contact opener, Llama came out to show they were there to fry us good. The tip of the hat to Bill Monroe's uncle Pen and to Nashville's bluegrass/country heritage I thought was very fitting. Stash, Ester>Chalkdust BOOM BOOM BOOM!!

But what really did it for me was when my buddy Shoe (Schumaker) walked over and was kinda drunk during I didn't Know. All of a sudden, he's leaning on me and I gave him some water and some M&M's and in a few moments he was back at it just as Cavern came on. I know, its kinda whack, but I freaked because the words of the song was like the band was looking at me. "Whatever you do, take care of your Shoe!" hahaha

2001 opener was short and sick going into one of those unsung epic Tweezers you wanna hear everytime. Fluff>MFMF was just pure magic. I also remember the Bowie being well played and a great power ending to that set.

Walk Away became a song I listened to over and over after that show. I love the James Gang and hearing PHiSH do that tune just took them over the top for me. Hearing them do Amazing Grace brought chills to my neck as I remember my grandmother, who passed away the Christmas before, and who was from Nashville, singing that to me as a small child.

PHiSH always had a tendency to surprise you and make you feel like you were connected. 118 shows later, they still do.

Phred