SYRACUSE -- It's a sold out show for Phish at the War Memorial. Nearly 7,000 seats sold out in a matter of minutes months ago. For fans like Alli Schweizer who made the trip from Saratoga Springs for her 60th show, this is a lifestyle. "Anything from jazz to country, or rock. This is an exceptional band. As far as entertainment goes, the whole scene is a lot more than music. It's a culture," says Schweizer.
The 26-year-old band went on hiatus in 2004. This is their first tour since reuniting earlier this year. With a band like Phish, it's not only about what's going on inside the show, but also what's going on outside in the parking lot. Thousands follow the band from concert to concert, some even make a living off of it, and when they come to a city like Syracuse, they say the business is good.
Kristen Williams is a food vendor who makes a living at as many Phish concert parking lots as possible. "A lot are great and Phish is an amazing band to do this for, because they know we're coming. And they come out and let the community know we're on the way," says Kristen.
It's not just the vendors, Phish fans say more sold out shows like Sunday's mean more money for downtown businesses. Colin Schweizer, of Saratoga Springs, says, "We went to Dinosaur Barbeque today, to try and support local business and to get some good food, and experience the local cuisine and culture."
