I called my Cuz Michael to see if he would be interested in road trippin' to Chicago with me and my Indy Brother Charlie. Michael and I are only 4 years apart and had always been close. Since our childhood we had many experiences together. He is the one who really turned me on to the Grateful Dead, among others.

In recent years, our lives took us different paths, so we didn't get the chance to hang out much, but when we did we made it a point to let each other know that everything was all good. So getting back to my story; he accepted, which would be our 1st trip/show experience together in a while. Friday the 23rd I picked Mike up in the West side of Cincinnati, and we headed toward Indianapolis to pick up our friend Charlie. We arrived later that evening and crashed at his place for a few hours before our departure.

We woke with the usual ritual and lazily motivated into travel mode. I had wanted to introduce my cuz and Charlie for a while, and this was the perfect opportunity. The trip was mellow: great music, even better conversation. Everything was clicking. After having a couple Pints at some sports bar we proceeded to enter the lot. It was a hazy, dreary day and the lot reflected that. 

My cousin needed a ticket so we went off on the search. Wandering around lot with my cuz was like old times. Just taking in everything with our mission in mind; no hurry. Before long we had the extra and met back up with our bro. We ran into some kids we know and were made aware of some Clean liq. that was at hand. I hadn't been puddled in almost 6 years, but I felt the occasion was right to experience it again. My bro from kent state kicked me 2 drops for my birthday and we were show bound.

It didn't take long once we were inside for the L to start kickin' in. Right before they opened with "Come on Baby let's go downtown," I looked at michael and kyle and could tell they were feelin' me. We were all huddled on the first level up, outside of some press boxes and behind the first row of seats, so we didn't have much room. Good ole' charlie; he was the sober one among us and guided us to a clear dancing spot just beyond the curtain entrance. Charlie had reasoned with the security gentleman that allowed us to dance free of drama all night long. The first set was energized from the start and spun us into set break.

During the break, we assembled in an open corner in the hall. There, under the florescent glow, I realized how spun I really was. Just then Charlie raises his voice saying, "Hey everyone." I knew immediately what he was about to do. I reached for him to cup his mouth, but to no avail! "Hey everybody, it's my kid's birthday here. We should sing happy birthday to him!" In my state of mind, the last thing I wanted was to we the center of attention. So about 60-70 kids proceeded to sing happy birthday to me at set break. I was flattered and moved by the gesture, yet spun non the less. Anyways back to the point.

As set break grew to a close, charlie was off to get stubs for us. Two of us had stubs on the 1st level and the other two on the 2nd. so Charlie was there again to save us from worry, so we could all boogie together. Getting back to my dance spot, I ran into another bro of mine. some of his kids were up in one of the press boxes. He motioned me up, and with a quick climb I joined them. One of his bro's birthday was the same as mine, so that bro kicked me down some more L. As if I needed it!!! Needless to say, I was in for the ride. 

The second set proved to be even more energized. The whole place was rockin', not a person in the house was still. Then came the Piper that I thought would never end. Circling and spinning out of control. The energy was amazing and we were all perceptive to it. I thought surely that would be the end of the set, then they came back with Character Zero. 

Well, after the encore (which I can't remember right now), I exited into the hallway and collapsed against the wall, panting. I felt like I truly poured all that I had out that night. One of the memorable things about the show was the Brother that was guarding the entrance. He was an older, African American gentleman, who I am not sure had ever seen such a thing before. 

Periodically during the show, he would peek his head in and check us all out. I could sense that he was truly there in the experience. He could see what was going on. We were all giving thanks and praises to be alive and expressing life to the utmost. I could see in his eyes that he was touched by the genuine soul and spirit of the Phish experience. Music is universal!!!

We walked the lot after the show in a daze. We had all poured out so much energy and emotion. It was a wonderful feeling. Like if you have ever sweated all the frustration, illusion, attachment out; you feel like you're in a dream state, and your feet barely touch the ground - you just glide. After telling our kids "see Ya," we ended the night at a headie chicago bar, vibing off the experience we just had.

Thanks to Charlie, we got to a rest stop safely and finished the drive the next day. We had breakfast at charlies parents' house, still hazy from the night before, and headed back to the Nati'.

I vibed off the energy of that show for quiet a while. That was to be my last Phish show before the break. I couldn't have spent it any better way. The people I had around me I love so much, and that is what truly made this experience. 

Back in October of 2001 my cousin passed away. I am so thankful that I got to experience that show with him. It was as if not a day had passed since our youth, and we were happy as KIDS again. No expectations, no worries, just free to do as we wished. To Michael, I love you brother, until we meet in the next life.....and to all, thank you for reading my experience. Everything happens for a reason kids.......let life take you on its ride and enjoy what ever may come.

MANY BLESSINGS- 

- DHARMABUM923