Heffalumps n Phriends

So here we are. Finally my first post (FTH aka F the Haters). I'll start off by introducing my role in this new found blog. Like so many good things that happen when you're left home alone for an extended period of time, a group of friends got together and had a good time. Ideas were flowing throughout the night, but none was better than the collective notion of starting a blog for our friends, where we could represent our group of friends musical taste, by contributing our unique and individual tastes. This musical blog is not about music superiority, but rather an opposite approach. HNW strives to be a barrier breaker. Distance between friends who are at different areas, not only physically, but in life as well, now have a common ground where they can get together and discuss one of the most fundamental and pure forms of life. Music. This blog was made on the foundation that as friends, we can discuss our love of music, without having to be worried about what others are thinking, because we are all accepted here. The perfect combination of friendship and music, necessities for life.

As we continue on this new found journey, many of us have experienced things in the music world worth sharing. A couple of weeks ago, Randall and I took a trip across the American Midwest. Traveling from Cincinnati, to Indianapolis, to Chicago, up to some random town in Wisconsin (East Troy), and back again to Cincinnati. You could say it was the last hoorah for the wonderful Summer 10 (see Randall's Back To School/RIP Summer 10 post).

Night 1 of the trip consisted of a night out with some good phriends and 1 of 2 Phish concerts seen on the trip. Noblesville (once again FTH aka Undercover Cops, shout out to Saul), just outside of Indianapolis, was home to the first concert. This was my second Phish concert seen, but was really the first, as I wasn't familiar with their songs the first time around. After listening to the first set (as we arrived a little late to the concert, shout out to Raul for getting us there) on recording, its obvious that Phish is one of the best bands right now, and one of the great jam bands of all time. With fluidity and dare I say, perfection, they go throughout a whole concert connecting songs to one another as if the concert is one single song and jam. With an amazing light show, it's obvious why people follow Phish from concert to concert, as it is a fun and memorable night each and every time. Highlights of the first set were Punch You In the Eye, Roggae, Sample In a Jar, and NICU. The second set highlights were Gotta Jibboo into Bathtub Gin, Split Open and Melt, and Harry Hood. And as a perfect way to finish off the night, they expertly covered Hendrix's "Fire." Here's the full Setlist

Night 2 was spent in Chicago (see Randall's HARD Summer Tour @ The Congress, Chicago for more on that). After a great day and night in Chicago, Randall, his old man, and I spent the next afternoon driving to Alpine Valley in East Troy, Wisconsin. With an awe-inspiring surrounding area, and one of the biggest venues in the United States, it is easy to say that Alpine Valley is a place every music fan should enjoy a concert at. With upwards of 50,000 people in attendance, this night will be one I, and Randall will surely agree, will remember for the rest of my life. As if it is possible, it seemed as if Phish was playing even better during our 2nd show than they were when we first saw them in Noblesville. Once again, the sets and jams flowed together as if they were all one, and dancing was quickly pursued. First set highlights were Tube, Suzy Greenberg, Sparkle, Gumbo, and Run Like an Antelope. Second set highlights were Down With Disease (!), Sneakin' Sally Through the Back Alley, Mike's Song, and Weekapaug Groove. Encore was the Bob Dylan cover, "Quinn the Eskimo." Alpine Setlist
As the trip is now over, so is my first blog post. I leave you with images of Phish '10.










-Don Vito