Neo-Hippie Shuffle, Free-Form Dance All The Rage

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Death and taxes are a given. So too, it seems, are sold-out Phish concerts.

At Phish shows, people are exposed to two experiences. The first is the crowded parking lot, where thousands mingle to compare notes of what the band played at last night’s show, find friends and shop at the unconventional open car-trunk market to buy such wares as dresses, jewelry and food. And though large signs were posted warning, “No vending in the parking lot — city ordinance,” capitalism thrived even as police on horseback and on bicycles patrolled the area.

The second part is, of course, the concert. And the popular touring act provided yet another sweet set of songs Sunday at the GTE Virginia Beach Amphitheater. This Vermont quartet is so popular and true to grass-roots causes that Ben and Jerry’s even named an ice cream flavor after them.

When it’s showtime, it’s time for the neo-hippie shuffle, a free-form dance. Fans immediately sprang to their feet for the opening jazz rock piece “Punch You in the Eye.” On “Bathtub Gin,” guitarist-vocalist Trey Anastasio and company went on and on, giving new meaning to extended improvisation. They certainly proved their merits as outstanding musicians, and they kept a sea of sweaty fans grooving on their feet.

The quartet then explored in great detail the tones of art-rock on “Lizards.” Anastasio’s melodic lead guitar solo was especially good on this long version.

Throughout the night, Phish mixed styles, giving the crowd a lot to hang onto. The funky keyboards played by Page McConnell on “Black-eyed Katie” bled into the rocking “Moma Dance” and then back into “Katie.” The tempo then hit warp speed on “Birds of a Feather” as drummer Jon Fishman let it fly on his high-hat with Anastasio soaring on another guitar solo. If there was a musical highlight, this was it.

The variety continued with the demented, nightmarish sound of “Ester” slowing things down with its unusual collage of styles. The summit of Phish’s vocal work was reached with the dynamic harmonies of all four members on “Mountain.”

After a brief intermission, Phish returned with the catchy “AC-DC Bag,” and like the rest of the songs, spun into a diverted jam session — their trademark. Visually this performance was a marked improvement over recent area performances thanks to a creative light show. If you were a fan of old Phish material, this night had added meaning.

For those unfortunate souls stuck in the parking lot without a ticket, there is still hope. The group will be back at the Hampton Coliseum for two shows on Nov. 20 and 21.