Yesterday, Trey Anastasio performed at The Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The solo acoustic show highlighted many raw and intimate takes on Phish’s and Anastasio’s solo discographies. Additionally, during the encore, Anastasio welcomed a 7-year-old fan to sing “Bug” sharing an unprecedentedly wholesome atmosphere in the 1,900-seat venue.

Anastasio started the single-set performance with “Blaze On” before steadily moving forward with an unhurried rendition of “Water In The Sky.” Anastasio then casually addressed the crowd and spoke about Phish’s New Year’s Big Cypress ’99 festival in the Florida Everglades. He continued with “Prince Caspian” and the classic instrumental “The Inlaw Josie Wales.”

Following the instrumental track, Anastasio reminisced on his time in Vermont as he was inspired by the lush natural beauty surrounding the amphitheater. He spoke of his time in New York City during the lockdown when he would play his guitar in his living room while dreaming of moments outdoors, surrounded by fans and nature like the one he was experiencing then and there. He continued to reflect–though now musically–with “Brian And Robert” and “Theme From the Bottom.” Fans sang with him on the latter much to his delight. He then played “Back on the Train” and a classic Farmhouse single “Everything’s Right” on which the virtuoso improvised over guitar loops. He then played the romantic and beloved “Waste” then “Snowflakes in the Sand” which was dedicated to a peacefully sleeping young audience member.

Anastasio continued with a pairing of “Limb By Limb” which melded into “Ghost” and continued with the improvisation of loops with “Heavy Things.” The serene venue allowed Anastasio to have a deep connection with the Grand Rapids citizens and he welcomed them to add vocals on “Bouncing Around The Room” before rolling out more tender tracks like “Mountains In The Mist” and “If I Could.” Anastasio then closed out the set with some more rocking and fan-favorite Phish songs including “Possum,” “Twist,” “Chalk Dust Torture” and finally, “Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.”

After coming out for the encore and retaking his seat Anastasio noticed a young fan with a sign that read “Can I sing Bug with u.” After checking with the girl’s mother he welcomed the 7-year-old on stage. After the introduction to the track, the young fan, whose name is Jovi Crusen, encouraged by the audience and a warm expression from Anastasio started singing the lyrics to the Farmhouse treasure. She handled the lead vocals all on her own and inspired applause and cheers as she and Anastasio flowed through the classic song, the audience joined her on the hook shouting “Bug!/ It Doesn’t Matter.” After the wholesome track, Anastasio said, “That was incredible, Jovi. You’re so good. So good. You’re amazing. She’s amazing. So good. Wow! I don’t know what to do after that. Wow. Thank you.”

Anastasio then continued the jubilant encore with “A Life Beyond The Dream,” which lead into “Wilson.” He closed the show with a pairing of “Rise/Come Together” into “The Lizards.”

Anastasio will perform another solo acoustic concert at Kresge Auditorium in Interlochen, Mich. tonight.

What a fan-caught video of Jovi Crusen and Anastasio below:

Trey Anastasio
The Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater – Grand Rapids, Mich.
June 20, 2022

Set I: Blaze On[1], Water in the Sky[1], Prince Caspian[1], The Inlaw Josie Wales[1], Brian and Robert[1], Theme From the Bottom[1], Back on the Train[1], Everything’s Right[1], Waste[1], Snowflakes in the Sand[1], Limb By Limb[1] > Ghost[1] > Heavy Things[1], Bouncing Around the Room[1], Mountains in the Mist[1], If I Could[1], Possum[1], Twist[1], Chalk Dust Torture[1], Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.[1]

Enc.: Bug[2], A Life Beyond The Dream[1] > Wilson[1], Rise/Come Together[1] > The Lizards[1]

Notes:

  • [1] Trey solo acoustic.
  • [2] Trey on acoustic guitar; with Jovie on vocals.
  • This entire show was performed by Trey solo acoustic with the exception of Bug (Trey brought Jovie, a girl who had been holding up a “Can I sing Bug with u” sign, from the audience on stage to sing the song).

Setlist via Phish.net