Phix’s Phinal Shows

Nationally acclaimed and Boulder, CO-based Phish tribute band, Phix, will be performing their final weekend of shows August 3, 4 and 5 in their home state of Colorado. On Friday, August 3 the band will perform its last Colorado Front Range show at Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom in Denver and on Saturday and Sunday, August 4 and 5, they will play their final shows anywhere at State Bridge Lodge in Bond, CO.

Phix started back in the late summer of 2001 while the immensely popular band Phish was on an indefinite hiatus from performing. After an overwhelming initial response, Phix hit the road and soon had criss-crossed the country several times over, gaining new fans at every stop. Phish returned at the end of 2002 and then retired permanently in August of 2004 after performing their final weekend of shows in their home state of Vermont – a mud-soaked event they called “Coventry.” Through consistent national touring Phix kept gaining momentum even after Phish came back from their hiatus, and even more so after they broke up for good in ’04. Now, after almost 500 shows in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and taking the band “as far as it could go,” they are pleased to celebrate the music one more time at the aptly named “Covertry.”

State Bridge is a special place that many Coloradans hold dear to their heart. Located between Vail and Steamboat Springs, on the banks of the Colorado River, State Bridge Lodge is an outdoor paradise that sadly fell victim to arson on June 2 of this year. The 100+ year-old lodge, restaurant, office and stage were all destroyed and the summer calendar of events quickly got whittled down to a couple of major events, including Covertry. The shows will be held at the site of the old lodge with all necessary equipment being brought in. Luckily, the historic cabins and newer yurts were not damaged and of course there is plenty of free camping within walking distance of the site. The future of State Bridge is still in limbo, and this could be the last summer to enjoy what it has to offer, so everyone who knows the magic of State Bridge Lodge is encouraged to come out and show their support for this special place at what could be one of the last events held there.

In addition to hearing three sets from Phix each day at Covertry, fellow Colorado band Shakedown Street (Grateful Dead tribute) will be performing two sets on Sunday (between the Phix sets) and there will be another special guest performing on Saturday as well. Other activities that can be enjoyed at State Bridge include rafting, swimming, fishing and a myriad of other outdoor pastimes. There will be food and drink vendors available all weekend as well.

Fans will be pleasantly surprised by how versatile Phix has become in working with Phish’s repertoire over the years. Often incorporating songs that Phish had long put to rest, Phix’s setlists read like a who’s-who in celebrated Phish songs. By adding their own personalities to the composed material, Phix maintains an inherent mischievousness in each show by never playing any song the same way twice. To increase the authenticity of the live experience, Phix always traveled with an “intelligent” lighting rig and designer to add a fascinating visual element to their shows – a touch that was very much appreciated by fans.

Not only has the band raised eyebrows with Phish’s fans, they’ve also inspired curiosity with Phish’s members. At least two members of Phish have come to see Phix when they’ve been out on the road performing. Mike Gordon (twice) and Page McConnell, Phish’s bassist and keyboardist, respectively, have both come to check out Phix and have expressed their approval. Phix has also held several benefits for the Mockingbird Foundation, a charitable organization that was founded, and is run by, devoted Phish fans.

Phix Web site: www.phixband.com
Cervante’s Masterpiece Ballroom (tix available): http://cervantes.baselineticketing.com
State Bridge Lodge (tix available): www.statebridge.com