This was my first show since Coventry, so it was a long journey to get here. In the time between 8/15/04 and 4/15/23 I became a parent of two, spiraled downward into drugs and alcohol, reached a painful bottom, got clean and sober, and slowly learned to live a good life. I was wary to go to a show after getting sober in 2014 because I strongly associated Phish with partying. The pandemic didn't help matters. When the Seattle shows were announced, a sober friend of mine and I decided to drive up from Portland and his teenage daughter tagged along.

I was really excited to return to an environment that brought me so much joy in my youth and I didn't have any expectations for what the band would play. I was just happy to be there. It probably skews my opinion of the show, but whatever. For me, it was a perfect night. I liked that they leaned heavily on older material because I'm not as familiar with their newer songs. Wolfman's -> Izabella was a treat (my last Izabella was 11/22/97!) and I really enjoyed the Chalk Dust closer. I felt like I floated through the second set, and I was thrilled to catch my first Ruby Waves. Circus is one of my favorite covers and my friends and I were smiling through the Harry closer. I loved the encore, probably ideal for someone's first show in 19 years. It gave me a chance to engage in some peaceful reflection and love where I was at that moment before S.A.N.T.O.S sent us out with a bang.

I walked out feeling like the show was perfect in every way. It wasn't the best Phish concert I've attended, and I wouldn't rank it in my top ten either. But that's something I appreciate about going to a show now that I've grown up--I don't feel like I'm chasing anything. I could be there, be present, and be beyond grateful for it. I definitely won't have such a long wait for my next show