Get ready for Phish’s Folsom Field debut with 3 unforgettable nights July 3-5! Learn more about what makes this show so special from a pillar in the Colorado music scene and AEG Rocky Mountain President Don Strasburg, the first to promote Phish concerts in Colorado.
Tickets go on sale Friday, February 28 at 10am. @ cubuffs.com
Q: What does Phish mean to Colorado?
Don Strasburg: Colorado was the first area outside the northeast that Phish visited when they started touring. The early beginning created a strong bond. Furthermore Burlington where they originated and Boulder have a similar energy. So it feels as if Colorado sort of adopted Phish and they Colorado .
Q: How does the energy of Colorado’s Phish fans compare to other fans around the country?
Don Strasburg: Colorado is serious about music and the experience. The community knows how to listen. When Phish or any other interpretive artist(s) has an audience that listens it creates a group dynamic which is unbeatable.
Q: What are some early stories about Phish first touring in Colorado?
Don Strasburg: Oh so many. Here is a good one. In 1992 when we first opened the Fox Theatre in Boulder Phish happened to be playing on CU Campus in April at the fieldhouse. We opened a month prior, in March. I was in the bands dressing room talking to their tour manager about something random and suddenly Trey says “are you guys talking about us playing the Fox tomorrow?” I was like , “well um no but sounds great”. He then asked the band and crew if they were interested in doing it and they would split the money evenly between everyone. They voted and bam, I ran out to make posters and handbills to hit the crowd as they left the show. It was super special and in the infancy of the Fox a super big deal.
Q: What has been the most unexpected part of Phish’s musical journey?
Don Strasburg: I think you would have to ask them. I guess being nominated for the rock and roll hall of fame isn’t something anyone would have predicted when they began
Q: Colorado is known for its music scene—what makes Boulder such a unique setting for Phish?
Don Strasburg: Boulder is truly a special place, it is one of the most beautiful places to be. With the youth of the university and the environment, it’s a mecca for creative people who might march to a beat like Phish. It’s also super accessible from Denver and Fort Collins. It is such and amazing environment and I think that energy transmits to creativity.
Q: Why should fans want to go to Folsom Field?
Don Strasburg: Folsom is one the best venues in the world. It’s a classic house, with the backdrop or the flat irons and the early 20th-century design. It has a vibe few venues can match. Add the experience of Boulder and it’s a bucket list experience.
Q: What’s your favorite moment or song from a previous Phish show?
Don Strasburg: Oh so many, I don’t think I could pick one. I’m sure Folsom will put more on that list.
Q: What message or feeling(s) should the fans leave with after the show in Boulder?
Don Strasburg: I hope Joy and an appreciation for these experiences.
Q: What do you find to be a hidden gem in Colorado’s music scene?
Don Strasburg: The hidden gems are all the incredible folks who work tirelessly to make the Colorado live music experience the absolute best in the world. I don’t believe any community can compare the plethora of incredible artists and venues to Colorado. The team that makes them fly are the gems. From Globe hall to Folsom Field , From Telluride to Dillon , From The Mission Ballroom to the Fox theatre, From the Bluebird Theater to Red Rocks , at every corner the spaces to see music shine brightly because of those people.
Tickets go on sale Friday, February 28 at 10am. @ cubuffs.com
