Storm leaves ocean of Phish fans soggy July 22, 2003 - Indianapolis Star By David Lindquist click on thumbnail for larger image With the threat of more bad weather headed their way, Phish fans used Monday afternoon's sunny conditions to relax, dry out and exchange war stories about the day's earlier storm. Thousands of the rock band's faithful have gathered in Hamilton County to attend concerts Monday through Wednesday at Verizon Wireless Music Center. The amphitheater ranks among venues most closely identified with the Vermont-based band, which took a break from live performances in 2001 and 2002. "Nothing to do but drink a beer and fall asleep in your chair six times," said Jason Wilson as he awaited the opening-night show by playing chess and lounging at Sleepybear Campground. A crack of pre-dawn thunder, however, ushered in a less-idyllic scene at the private campsite located south of the concert facility. Wilson, a 28-year-old who traveled from Chicago, said his tent tipped from side to side during the booming thunderstorm. After the accommodations of Scott Ellis and Elizabeth Ray were trashed, the Lexington, Ky., couple utilized a backup tent they had stowed in their car. Wisconsin natives Tony Dobson and Jackie Henrichs arrived at Sleepybear at 4 a.m. "She wanted to set up the tent right away," Dobson said. "The downpour started right after we finished. We got lucky." Independent camps such as Sleepybear have dotted the surrounding countryside for years. The campsites become mini-villages during Phish concerts, with campers selling everything from vegetarian omelets to jewelry to clothes. Some of the campsites have their own concerts. The music center itself established "official" camping in the late-1990s. The venue has booked more than 1,000 camping reservations for incoming Phish fans. Tents are spread across five lots, each named in honor of the band: "Antelope," for popular song "Run Like an Antelope"; "Trey," for vocalist-guitarist Trey Anastasio; "Page," for keyboard player Page McConnell; "Fishman," for drummer Jon Fishman; and "Gordon," for bass player Mike Gordon. The amphitheater charges $75 per car for four nights, with the fee decreasing to $45 for a single-night stay. Each lot offers first-aid and security staffs, plus restrooms, showers and ice vendors. In case of inclement weather, common sense applies to the performances, as well as the overnight guests, according to Verizon Wireless Music Center spokesman Andy Wilson. "For any show, we're looking at the weather radar, and we'll do whatever we need to do to make sure people are safe," he said. The three-night stand is expected to draw nearly 75,000 fans. Tickets remain available for the concerts scheduled tonight and Wednesday night. Article Copyright © 2003 Indianapolis Star