Photo Credit: Jake Silco

Trey Anastasio has shared a personal update on the Divided Sky Foundation and its Ludlow, Vt., Residential Recovery Retreat. Phish’s lead guitarist wrote at length, reflecting on the timeline and steps taken to open a treatment facility while providing context on the vital efforts and fundraising initiatives that assisted in making a fully equipped space sustainable for clients seeking proper healing and recuperation from addiction. 

Anastasio began his message by connecting charitable concerts past and financial support garnered through the Beacon Jams in making the Divided Sky Foundation Residential Recovery Retreat possible, “It’s hard to believe the Beacon Jams were over three years ago. I remember the deep feelings of gratitude when so many people came together and generously supported the cause of addiction recovery. It was humbling and awe inspiring. I have the same feelings today, as the Divided Sky Residential Recovery Retreat has now opened.”

He continued, “It’s been a true odyssey, with many twists and turns since the last note of the Beacon Jams in November of 2020. We purchased a 46-bed former hotel and weight loss retreat center in Ludlow, Vt., with a breathtaking view of the Okemo Valley. We assembled a ground of like-minded professionals to run the center. We remodeled the facility, and the doors opened last Fall.”

Reflecting with gratitude, he added, “We have been so blessed to collaborate with leaders of the Phellowship and sober music community, and other skilled professionals who are volunteering their time to help build out our technology and community outreach. Anastasio reminisced on a tour experience and said, “On my recent Classic TAB tour I had the good fortune to visit The Retreat in Wayzata, MN, and its founder John Curtiss. The Retreat has helped over 31,000 people get sober, and is the inspiration for Divided Sky. Both are non-medical programs based on abstinence and the 12-steps. Study after study has shown this is the best way to get and stay sober.”

Hitting the heart of the undertaking, Anastasio said, “Not everyone struggling with addiction needs a full-scale medical intervention. And even those who do require a medical detox often need somewhere to go after that step, to continue to heal. Divided Sky provides that supportive place where guests can ease into sobriety surrounded by a community filled with love and hope.” 

Before concluding his message, he added, “We are keeping it affordable, with scholarships available for those in need, and making sure no on is turned away because of their inability to pay. And now we’re seeing the results. I’m regularly hearing stories from individuals who have successfully gone through the program and believe in our approach. This is so incredibly gratifying.”

“To each and every person who has been part of this, I want to say the most sincere THANK YOU from the deepest recesses of my heart. This has been an incredibly rewarding journey, none of which would be possible without all of you,” Anastasio finished. 

Anastasio outlined his message alongside information to win a pair of front-row tickets for his show with the Boston Pops at Tanglewood on June 29. Enter now.