On a crisp Burlington night, the eclectic sounds of Phish reverberated through the intimate confines of Nectar’s, marking another chapter in the band’s musical journey. The date, March 23, 1987, etched itself into the annals of Phish lore as the quartet took the stage at one of their hometown venues, delivering a performance that seamlessly blended humor, experimentation, and musical virtuosity.

The first set kicked off with the familiar strains of “Funky Bitch,” setting the stage for an evening that would feature both beloved classics and the unveiling of new gems. “Mike’s Song > Alumni Blues > Letter to Jimmy Page > Alumni Blues” showcased the band’s improvisational prowess, seamlessly weaving together various musical elements.

The real magic unfolded with “You Enjoy Myself > Sparks,” marking the first-known Phish performance of the latter. The intricate layers of “You Enjoy Myself” enveloped the audience, leading into the debut of “Sparks,” a tune that would become synonymous with Phish’s ability to incorporate diverse genres into their repertoire.

The second set opened with the complex and multi-part epic, “Fluffhead,” captivating the audience with its intricate composition and the band’s tight musical interplay. The debut of “Peaches en Regalia” added a touch of Zappa-esque complexity to the set, showcasing Phish’s willingness to explore a wide sonic spectrum.

A surprise came in the form of the first-known Phish performance of “Ride Captain Ride,” a classic rock gem that the band tackled with their signature flair. “Dave’s Energy Guide” and “Corinna” added further depth to the set, highlighting Phish’s ability to seamlessly transition between genres.

The first set ended with the audience grooving to “Why Don’t You Love Me? > Camel Walk, Golgi Apparatus,” creating an infectious energy that lingered in the air. The set concluded with the spiritual vibes of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.”

As comments from the band hinted at a potential third set, the mysteries of that segment remain locked in the vaults. Nonetheless, the known sets were a testament to Phish’s dynamic range and their uncanny ability to captivate audiences with a diverse and evolving musical landscape.

Setlist:
Set 1:

1. Funky Bitch
2. Mike’s Song > Alumni Blues > Letter to Jimmy Page > Alumni Blues
3. You Enjoy Myself > Sparks (First known Phish performance)

Set 2:
4. Fluffhead

5. Peaches en Regalia (First known Phish performance)
6. Ride Captain Ride (First known Phish performance)
7. Dave’s Energy Guide
8. Corinna
9. Why Don’t You Love Me? > Camel Walk
10. Golgi Apparatus
11. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

 In the intimate confines of Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont, Phish embarked on a musical journey that transcended expectations and left an indelible mark on the hearts of all those in attendance. This extraordinary performance showcased the band’s irreverent humor, experimental spirit, and a willingness to explore uncharted musical territories.

The first set opened with the infectious groove of “Funky Bitch,” setting the stage for a night of musical surprises. “Good Times Bad Times” and “Corinna” showcased the band’s prowess in blending classic rock with their signature improvisational flair.

“Golgi Apparatus” and “Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn) > Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley” rounded off the first set with a dynamic mix of musical styles, leaving the audience eagerly anticipating what the second set had in store.

The second set kicked off with an unexpected and somewhat mocking rendition of “Free Bird,” marking the first-known Phish performance of the iconic rock anthem. Ninja Mike took the lead vocals, adding a humorous touch to the performance.

A reggae-influenced and extended version of “Happy Birthday to You” was dedicated to “Sue and Debra,” showcasing Phish’s ability to infuse even traditional songs with their unique style. The long, reggae-inflected version added an element of surprise and delight to the set.

The debut of “Tell Me Something Good” featured an unidentified female lead vocalist, adding a soulful and melodic touch to the evening. The audience was treated to the only known performance of “Freeworld,” with Jim Pollock taking on vocal duties, highlighting the band’s commitment to experimentation.

The set concluded with a sequence of “Possum,” the upbeat and quirky “Wilson,” and a soul-stirring rendition of “Slave to the Traffic Light,” providing a fitting climax to an evening filled with musical exploration.

This show at Goddard College was more than a concert; it was a testament to Phish’s ability to weave together a tapestry of diverse sounds and influences. The first-known Phish performances of “Free Bird,” “Tell Me Something Good,” and “Freeworld” added an extra layer of significance to this memorable night.

Setlist:
Set 1:

1. Funky Bitch
2. Good Times Bad Times
3. Corinna
4. Golgi Apparatus
5. Quinn the Eskimo (The Mighty Quinn) > Sneakin’ Sally Through the Alley

Set 2:
6. Free Bird (First known Phish performance; Ninja Mike on vocals)

7. Happy Birthday to You (Long, reggae-influenced version; dedicated to “Sue and Debra”)
8. Harry Hood
9. Tell Me Something Good (First known Phish performance; unidentified female lead vocalist)
10. Possum
11. Freeworld (First known Phish performance; Jim Pollock on vocals)
12. Wilson

Encore:
13. Slave to the Traffic Light

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