In light of the recently announced Phish Halloween Festival to take place between October 30 and November 1, 2009, I figured this would a better time than any to take a look back upon the previous seven festivals that have been held by jamband favorites Phish. Starting with The Clifford Ball in 1996 and ending in 2004 with the now infamous Coventry, this series of weekend long music festivals helped Phish gain exposure to fans that they never would have been able to otherwise, and these seven festivals are, at least in some part, responsible for the success of Phish today; though their most dedicated fans had already been following them for over 10 years up to this point.
The Clifford Ball in Plattsburgh, New York
August 16 and 17 of 1996 was the first weekend to host a Phish festival. Some 70,000 people showed up on the site of a former Air Force base, making this the largest rock concert throughout all of the United States in 1996. As the only band at the event (with the exception of a symphony orchestra), Phish played a total of seven sets of music throughout the weekend.
The Great Went in Limestone, Maine
Exactly one year later, on August 16 and 17 of 1997, Phish brought their second festival to the Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, Maine. 75,000 were in attendance for The Great Went, and Phish took the title once again for the largest rock concert in the United States for that year; and once again, Phish was the only band to play the entire event.
Lemonwheel in Limestone, Maine
Nearly a year to the day, August 15 and 16 of 1998 would see the return of Phish to Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, Maine. 60,000 people attended the event, which was the first to showcase other jambands, as well; though not on the main stage while Phish was playing.
Camp Oswego in Volney, New York
The Oswego County Airport in Volney, New York played host to the fourth Phish festival over July 17 and 18, 1999. Once again the festival hosted jambands on the second stage, but only Phish would grace the main stage. Some 65,000 people attended.
Big Cypress at the Big Cypress Indian Reservation in Florida
December 30 and 31 of 1999 saw the largest Phish concert ever with 85,000 people in attendance. Playing a set lasting over seven hours which started at midnight on New Year’s Eve and lasting until sunrise, this was voted the best Phish show ever by numerous fans, sources, and even most of the band members themselves.
It in Limestone, Maine
Phish made their return to the Loring Air Force Base in Limestone, Maine on August 2 and 3, 2003. 60,000 people attended, where Phish even played a set from atop the air traffic control tower at the base.
Coventry in Coventry, Vermont
In August 14 and 15 of 2004, Phish planned their last of seven festivals – this one on a small farm in Coventry, Vermont. While 110,000 fans were expected to attend, only some 20,000 actually made it to the venue on account of rain and floods.
