Phishin’ at the Bangor Waterfront

A little rain couldn’t stop Phish fans of all ages from flocking to the Waterfront Pavilion for the first night of Phish’s two-day stand here in Bangor, packing the venue and spilling into the surrounding streets to celebrate the band’s first show in Maine since their Portland date in 2016.

The festivities started early on in the afternoon as vendors and fans anxiously awaited Phish’s return, setting up camp alongside the venue for a community celebration of all things Phish.

Coming off of some incredible shows in North Carolina and Maryland, Eastern Phish fans were itching for a jam session, and the group did not disappoint. It’s no question that Phish knows how to put on a great show. Opening with “46 Days,” guitarist Trey Anastasio got the entire crowd on their feet and dancing. Known for their improvisation and spontaneity, the four combined their musical talents to create a wild set filled with musical experimentation spanning a wide mix of their back catalog.

A mix of the thunderous baseline of “Weekapaug Groove” and some seriously psychedelic jamming in “Limb by Limb” and “Simple,” Phish gave fans of all types exactly what they were looking for. The group had a synergetic relationship their fans, creating an overwhelming sense of community between all of the concertgoers and the members of the band themselves.

Getting almost as lost in the music as the crowd, the four took breaks to laugh and smile, and even poke fun at drummer John Fishman for his “political prowess” as a member of the select board of Lincolnville.

It’s easy to see that the men of Phish love what they do just as much as their fans enjoy watching it all unfold night after night. The jams, in combination with the rain and stunning light displays, made for an unforgettable show and left us all eagerly waiting for them to return for night two.

Phish’s set also included “Back on the Train," “Bathtub Gin,” “The Dogs,” “Waves,” “Mike’s Song,” “Water in the Sky,” ”Julius,” “Down with Disease,” “Play by Play,” “Piper,” “Miss You,” “Llama,” “Meatstick” and a cover of “Loving Cup” by The Rolling Stones.

After the completion of their second Maine show Wednesday evening, the 2019 Phish Summer Tour heads down to play three nights in Camden, New Jersey starting this Friday.