For the first time in almost 2 and a half years, I am going to see Phish. I haven't seen them since Vegas on their last tour before their hiatus. Now, I am not a huge Phish follower like some people I know, I have only seen them 4 times (all on that last tour).
As I have been thinking about this show over the last few days, I have come to realize how much those 4 shows, along with some others around that time have really changed the music I listen to. Change may not be the best word, expanded would probably be a better one. Some time in the late 90's, I had some pressure from a few different friends, mainly Mike and Don to come to see several "jam band" type shows. Mike finally got me to go see Phil and Fiends. I had a blast. I saw a few more Phil shows and then saw the 4 Phish shows. Seeing these shows and having a good time at that convinced me to see more similar shows. Over the years, I have gone to see bands like Gov't Mule, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, The Other Ones, John Butler Trio, and many others (mostly Don-suggested shows). Actually, these "jam band" shows have become more my normal show than anything else. I still go see Dream Theater any time they are in town, but other than that, I don't attend a ton of shows any more that are not "jam band" related.
Due to seeing all these shows, this music has become more and more of what I listen to. It's done a good job of expanding my tastes. Well, hopefully I and everyone else going this evening will have a good show.
