We made it to the show with enough time to grab a drink and settle in.
I found a worthy recipient for my extra ticket on the walk in.
I handed her the extra lawn tick I had and kept walking, glancing back just long enough to watch her eyes light up. As I was walking away, she chased me down and gave me a hug. I love good karma.
I've only been to 16 or so shows so my ability to compare this show is somewhat limited.
I know what I witnessed.
The first set was thoroughly enjoyable in every way. I was in the 7th row with a clear view of the band's interaction with each other and the crowd.
They were a unit. One entity. Everyone smiling and joking. I was so fortunate to hear some of my favorite Phish tunes. Tela, Wedge...etc

Honestly I wouldn't have picked DWD as a song I wanted them to open the second set with. I've seen my share and loved them all, but was hoping for something unique. In retrospect, however, I wouldn't have wanted to hear anything else.
Around the 9 or 10 minute mark, something happened. The music took on a life of it's own organically. It flowed naturally into this ambient jam/groove just kept cycling and evolving.
It sounded like so many things.
I was in a trance and completely unaware there were other people around me. My eyes were closed and the music moved through me.
When that happens, it is one of the most beautiful sensations.
I recall hearing Coltrane's 'Love Supreme' at some part of the jam but wasn't sure if the band was playing it consciously or, even more brilliant, unconsciously and it was just another part of the landscape they were painting with the music.
There were so many times at other shows where they sounded disjointed or Trey abruptly ended a jam before it had a chance to get off the ground. Friday night in Clarkston, that didn't happen.
The band played as one unit, complimenting each other, building something that took on a life of it's own.

I will never forget that Down With Disease as long as I live.

The David Bowie that followed the excellent version of Fluffhead would take a separate review as it was equally historical.
I'll just say it ranks as my favorite version to date with some incredible guitar work from Trey.

I can only hope that the other two shows I'm able to attend this summer are half as good as this second set.