Phish definitely in the swim here August 12, 1993 - Grand Rapids Press By Tim Pratt Some might say a Phish show is a mini-Grateful Dead concert. One needed only to walk around the Club Eastbrook parking lot before and after the concert Wednesday to note the similarities - tie-dyed T-shirts, hats and flags everywhere, with would-be vendors hawking everything from jewelry to candy bars, and old Volkswagen buses with awnings to house as many people they can. But while the atmosphere is similar, Phish has carved out enough of its own sound to set it apart from the Dead, creating an entire following by itself. The quirky quartet packed Club Eastbrook with more than 1,500 free-wheeling, dancing fans night. Phish, playing two sets that added up to nearly three full hours of music, was mesmerizing and overwhelmingly brilliant. It was enough that Phish's show was a joy to watch and listen to from start to finish, but the group brought along an enormous lighting system that captured the essence of the music. Don Dorshimer of Belkin Productions said the show, which featured scroll and Altstar lights, was one of the biggest the club has ever hosted. Though the colorful lights were present throughout the performance, it was during the second set that the wide array of hues were out in full force. The opening number was played almost entirely in the dark, with pulsating strobe lights piercing the thick smoke covering the stage. Later, during the jazzy "Esther" (taken from the band's 1989 debut "Junta") the stage was awash in a milky blue that only enhanced the song. But make no mistake - the music was the real reason more than 1,500 fans sang and danced in the sweltering club. Hitting the stage at about 8:30 p.m. (the group rarely has an opening act), Phish delivered both sets consisting of a mixture of old and new material, including a pair of songs guitarist Trey Anastasio said had never been played in concert before. The first tune was especially appealing, as drummer Jon "Tubbs" Fishman played a steel washboard while the other members lent a hand in the dixieland blues number. Other songs featured included "Weigh" and "My Friend, My Friend." Both songs - from Phish's latest album "Rift" - included some humorous vocal arrangements and harmonizing. "My Friend" ended with a jolting and intense scream that seemed to startle almost everyone. Other highlights included "You Enjoy Myself," with its confusing lyrics, the fast-paced "Sparkle," and "Run Like An Antelope." Anastasio kicked out an amazing, extended blues solo during the group's rendition of ZZ Top's "Jesus Just Left Chicago," though Page McConnell's vocals and piano accompaniment were just as jaw-dropping. The group took everyone by surprise in the first encore when all four members asked the audience to be quiet and proceeded to sing a barbershop quartet version of "My Sweet Adeline" - without the use of microphones. It was a compelling and memorable moment, to say the least. Of course, what Phish show would be complete without a few props to spice up the evening? First, huge beach balls were tossed into the audience, and were bounced to and fro throughout the evening. Then it was on to the mini-trampolines, which Anastasio and bassist Mike Gordon jumped on while playing - for about 10 minutes. Finally, Fishman - wearing a dress - took center stage and played a bizarre song, sounding somewhat like Pink Floyd's "Great Gig In The Sky," by blowing into the the nozzle of a vacuum cleaner. No, this was not your ordinary show. It's easy to understand why Phish causes such a stir among concert-goers. The group provides an enjoyable atmosphere with creative versatility and musical talent. Phish combines all sorts of musical genres in its sound, while plugging in its own unique quirks. Each member is multi-talented musically. Three of the four handled the lead vocal chores throughout the concert, yet still had the energy to pump out both rehearsed and improvisational solos. McConnell's keyboard work on the grand piano and Hammond organ was particularly impressive. Don't miss Phish's show next time around. It's a musical smorgasbord that will astound you. Article © 1993 Grand Rapids Press