The band responsible for the quickest sell-out in Merriweather Post Pavilion's history is back again this weekend — this time for two days instead of one.
Seminal jam band Phish, after reuniting last year, sold out the 17,500-capacity amphitheater in mere minutes. This time around, advance tickets were still available midweek, but both shows were expected to sell out the day of — if not before, according to spokeswoman Audrey Schaefer.
Last year's show was one of the less notable stops on Phish's reunion tour. Some message board commenters even called it one of the band's least inspired shows of the year, despite a few great tunes. This year, expectations are high for a better-than-average show.
Phish's music is almost as progressive as it is improvisational. No two shows are the same, which is part of the reason why the band has such a huge fan base. Some of the group's songs change tempos on a dime, and many have complex instrumental passages.
One note to avid Phish phans: Camping is not allowed on Merriweather grounds. The venue is encouraging concertgoers to seek out one of these campsites:
• Patapsco Valley State Park, 8020 Baltimore National Pike in Ellicott City, 410-461-5005
•Capitol KOA Campground, 768 Cecil Ave. in Millersville, 410-923-2771
•Ramblin' Pines, 801 Hoods Mill Road in Woodbine, 410-795-5161
•Morris Meadows Recreation Farm, 1523 Freeland Road in Freeland, 410-357-4088