The latter part of 2017 brought the most major change to my life in a super compacted period of time. Some highlights: Marital separation leading to divorce, moving my office & staff after 8 years at the previous location, a new building including sizable construction project, the Thomas Fire, the Montecito debris flow, a stunted 2018 economic start, and a promise.
A promise to self to be true to my callings. A major truth of mine: music is one of my spiritual gateways, and the band Phish is my ultimate church. 2018 was a year to behold. My business partner Sean and made a decision to see as much Phish as possible, along with other amazing music to fill in the gaps. We hugely succeeded!
Together we experienced Phish 23 times in 2018 (would’ve been 26 had Curveball not been canceled), their bassist Mike Gordon twice, and their guitarist Trey Anastasio solo acoustic, along with a couple Phish cover bands. I saw live music more than 90 nights throughout 2018.
Creating a top 25 shows of 2018 list is a symbol of my transitional winning year. The year I reclaimed so much, and made a decision to here-forth live my life as I want and need. No excuses.
A HUGE SHOUTOUT TO MY PHAMILY (L to R): SCOTTY, SEAN-0, KINGER, JOHN-BOY, KZ, JT (me), SAMPSON
TOP 25 SHOWS OF 2018
Beatles Love - August 29, 2018 @ The Mirage, Las Vegas
Phish - October 31, 2018 @ MGM Grand Arena, Las Vegas
Phish - September 2, 2018 @ Dick’s Sporting Goods Arena, CO
Phish - December 31, 2018 @ Madison Square Garden, NYC
David Byrne - August 24, 2018 @ Santa Barbara Bowl, SB
Jack Johnson - March 18, 2018 @ Santa Barbara Bowl, SB
Phish - December 29, 2018 @ Madison Square Garden, NYC
Mike Gordon - February 27, 2018 @ The Teragram Ballroom, LA
Neil Young & The Promise of the Real - June 21, 2018 @ Lobero Theatre, SB
Dead and Company - July 7, 2018 @ Dodgers Stadium, LA
A Perfect Circle - April 17, 2018 @ The Arlington Theatre, SB
Which One’s Pink? - April 21, 2018 @ SOhO, SB
Portugal the Man - April 21, 2018 @ Santa Barbara Bowl, SB
Phish - November 2, 2018 @ MGM Grand Arena, Las Vegas
Pink Talking Fish - December 30, 2018 @ Gramercy Theatre, NYC
LCD Soundsystem - May 3, 2018 @ Santa Barbara Bowl, SB
Bon Iver - August 8, 2018 @ Santa Barbara Bowl, SB
Phish - November 1, 2018 @ MGM Grand Arena, Las Vegas
Phish - August 31, 2018 @ Dick’s Sporting Goods Arena, CO
Trey Anastasio - December 5, 2018 @ Granada Theatre, SB
Oingo Boingo Dance Party - October 13, 2018 @ The Canyon, Agoura Hills
ALO - May 4, 2018 @ SOhO, SB
Alt-J - April 16, 2018 @ Santa Barbara Bowl, SB
Zach Gill - August 13, 2018 @ THE SANDBOX, SB
Jim Gaffigan - October 6, 2018 @ Santa Barbara Bowl, SB
Here’s to much more live music in 2019! Already I’ve got a trip planned to see Phish in Mexico at end of February, and more summer dates to confirm soon…