Married, new job, honeymoon, beginning of summer and Phish

Yes, lots happening in the world of Kippy and, now, I’m obligated to also include Amanda when speaking of that world. Not that she hasn’t been for the past four and half years of my life. However, we made it official on June 5th up at Peaks Island off the coast of Portland, Maine. If anyone reading this is looking for their own special day location, we highly recommend the Inn on Peaks Island. Oh, and we can’t forget the high regards for our band whose leader, Jason Basiner (aka J Biddy), is a youthful incarnation of a Bruce Springsteen style rocker. A perfect performance to a perfect day that also included a rendition of Ben E. Kings classic ballad – “Stand By Me” – played by yours truly along with my six groomsman and the entire congression in sing-a-long fashion. A video of this epic performance was recorded and I should have a copy shortly (Dan, looking in your direction my friend).

Now that we have returned from our amazing honeymoon in Costa Rica (Pura Vida!), I’m hoping to get cranking on this music blogging stuff. My new job that I start in July will be a key to this happening.

I’m also excited to catch a big arena rock show on Tuesday – Phish. Yes, those of you who either know me personally or who have visited this site before should be aware that I was once an annoying Phishhead that thought they were the only live act in town. I was quite ignorant in those days but thankfully my mind has catapulted into deeper waters. However, I do enjoy a good Phish show. I’ve written about this before but Phish shows aren’t just about music – they’re about community as well. Whether you like or dislike the fans of Phish, there’s no denying that they are passionate and I thrive off of that energy. And since I grew up in high school touring throughout the country and meeting many friends along the way, I welcome the return of the foursome from Vermont. I could, however, do without the punky kids that have infested the scene. This has been an ongoing phenomenon sine probably 1997 or 1998. Some of the older heads may even argue that 1995 or 1996 was the decline in the Phish scene. Some point to the historical Red Rocks show in which a riot occurred in the small town of Morrison, Colorado that eventually led to the band being banned from the venue for an indefinite period of time. Only recently were they invited back.

But I digress. Despite Phish, I’m looking forward to delving into both the local and national indie / alternative touring scene. Since I’ve been out of focus for the past month or so, let me know if you have any local insights on good shows (leave in the comments). And for those of you who have reached out to me by email during this period of my life, I do apologize but I most likely deleted your message unless I recognized your name. Please resend your inquiries and I promise, now with this piece of metal on my finger, I plan on putting my focus back together and concentrating on my second love – music.

Bonus Video – Phish playing their epic bookending rocker, “Tweezer Reprise” (often heard during Red Sox games during a break in play) at Hartford this past week – played back to back during the encore! (HD video quality courtesy of YouTuber HarpuaFSB)