The Secret’s Out: Phish Captivates On Night Two Of Mondegreen Festival

Phish‘s second night at the Mondegreen Festival in Dover, Delaware, showcased the band’s mastery in balancing intricate musicality, playful improvisation and plenty of surprises. The music was a whirlwind of emotions and sounds that kept the audience on their toes throughout the night.

The festival grounds themselves were an integral part of the experience. Mondegreen offers festival-goers a once-in-a-lifetime immersive journey featuring a dizzying array of interactive art installations and performances that transformed The Woodlands into a vibrant, otherworldly landscape. The blend of music, art and community made Mondegreen more than just a festival — it was a holistic celebration of creativity and connection.

Throwing out an audible, the band opted to kick things off with an obscure opener in “Bouncing Around the Room,” setting a lighthearted tone before diving into an unfinished “Kill Devil Falls.” A tight and precise rendition of “Peaches en Regalia” showcased the band’s ability to pay homage to Frank Zappa while making the instrumental piece their own. “Free” kicked the energy up a few notches, and “Divided Sky” provided a moment for the crowd to breathe, with “Divided Sky” offering one of those quintessential Phish moments of pure, soaring bliss. The funk-laden “Tube” brought everyone back to earth, and “Mountains in the Mist” added a reflective, almost meditative quality to the set. The first set closed with a strong trio: “Reba,” a vibrant “Twist” and an energetic “Character Zero” that had the crowd roaring.

Read on after The Skinny for the rest of the recap and more.

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After a rousing first set, it was the second set where the band truly shone, delivering a fluid and exploratory sequence that showcased their improvisational prowess. “My Friend, My Friend” was eerie and intense, particularly with the “Moby Dick” teases, before dissolving into “No Men In No Man’s Land.” The transition into “Ruby Waves” was seamless, and the following jam was one of the night’s many peaks — Phish at their exploratory best. The “Pillow Jets” -> “Your Pet Cat” -> “Ruby Waves” sandwich was a delightful surprise, combining the band’s trademark humor and musical dexterity. “Ghost” and the return to “No Men In No Man’s Land” kept the momentum going before a triumphant “Fluffhead” capped off the set, leaving the audience buzzing.

The encore added to the night’s magic, with “Harry Hood” providing a euphoric moment. The tease about a potential secret set added a layer of excitement as Trey Anastasio told “that one guy over there in the white shirt” that they sometimes do a secret set at these festivals and not to go back to the campground after the encore. “First Tube” brought the encore to a close, but the night wasn’t over yet.

The “secret set” in the second encore was more than just a bonus — it was a transformative experience. The band played behind a ribboned screen with mesmerizing projections, creating an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere. The visual of the camcorder viewfinder as the jam ended was a fitting conclusion, adding a nostalgic and cinematic touch to the night.

Overall, the second night at Mondegreen was a testament to Phish’s enduring creativity and their unique ability to create a communal experience. The festival grounds, with their myriad of attractions, further enhanced the vibe, making this more than just a concert—it was a full-fledged celebration of music, art, and the Phish community. Night two may be in the books, but there’s plenty left on the table, and Phish is just starting to settle into the second half of the four-night run.

Photos by Stu Kelly

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Phish’s Mondegreen festival continues through Sunday. Livestreams for the entire Summer Tour 2024 are available via LivePhish.com.

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