Phish: Coming to a town near you October 27, 1989 - Bard College Observer (v8 n96) by Seth Hollander Poughkeepsie in fact! Phish, "Junta," apparently available only at Phish shows. Cassette only c. 80 minutes. With the surprising success of the (awful) New Bohemians, and the buzz over Dharma Bums and New Potato Caboose, it seems neo-hippy bands are trendy. Hence Phish, from Vermont (neo-Hippy state/home of Ben & Jerry's), coming to the Chance - fresh on the heels of a rave review of RELIX (The Deadhead magazine), and loved to a (quite laudably) irrational extent by my neighbor, Jasmine, who lent me the tape. So, Phish a guitar/keyboards/bass/drums combo, should like Camper Van Beethoven covering Steely Dan, or Steely Dan covering early Pink Floyd. (Got you attention, huh?) This is a band for Deadheads, fusion fans, and other light-hearted druggies. The music is often reminiscent of Up On the Sun-era Meat Puppets. A few songs are very reggae-influenced and all of it is (hippy) danceable. If you like Shooky Bones or the other local bands of that kind, you'll like these guys. If you like New Order-type groups, or hard core, or heavy metal then probably this won't appeal to you. Speaking of Shooky Bones: they're opening the Chance show! If you go, be sure not to miss their set. Not only are they worth the effort, but a strong contingent of highly demonstrative fans will certainly, well, increase their "chances" (ouch.) The Phish cassette will be available at the show, as will be the sight of the band members while jumping on the trampolines (well, not the drummer or the keyboardist). This is the truth, if Jasmine is to be believed. Apparently, all show long they do that.. look, man, trails.. I think the Chance show will be the best choice for a great Hippy (rhymes with..) Halloween. Editors note regarding Phish show: There will be a costume party at the Chance during the show. The person with the best costume will win a year's pass to the Chance, and even if you don't win, you will receive a drink ticket if you wear a costume, enabling you to drink for free -- if, of course, you are of legal age. © 1989 Bard College,