“Never miss a Sunday show.” This has long been word of the wise from many Phish fans when it comes to experiencing a run of shows. On top of that, the date 12/30 has always been a legendary night for the band. Walking into Madison Square Garden that Sunday night I expected to hear an entertaining show and hoped for some longer extended jams. After all, the opening two nights had overall solid set lists, but there was definitely room for more experimental jamming and improvisation.

It's the age old debate (Or at least one that’s been fretted over for about the last 10 years or so): “Couch Touring” Vs. the “In Person” experience.

I have been privy to those who claim couch touring is not a valid way to see a performance; In fact, I’ve heard people say that those who have streamed shows in the comfort of their homes can’t really count that as officially “seeing the shows”. In other words, if I’d been to 30 shows, but 15 were on couch tour, I’ve technically only seen 15 shows.

Sometimes we don't realize just how good we have it these days.  High Definition video has given us unparalled clarity, especially when it comes to live concert recordings.  In recent years Phish have embraced current technology and have given fans not only super clean live web streams of their shows, but also crisp high-def DVD recordings such as recent releases Alpine Valley 2010 and Live at Utica.

At the end of December, Phish returns to Madison Square Garden in New York, New York for a four-show New Year's Run to close out 2012, and for the first time, the webcasts are available on iOS platforms, so you can enjoy the shows on your iPad, iPhone or Apple TV via AirPlay.

Tomorrow, Thursday, December 6, Trey will join Neil Young & Crazy Horse at a special benefit concert at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, NJ.Trey, a New Jersey native, will perform a solo acoustic set at the concert. Proceeds from the evening will go to the American Red Cross Hurricane Sandy relief effort.

Phish's new 2-DVD set, Star Lake 98, is in stock now at Phish Dry Goods, and pre-orders have begun shipping. This is the last week to pre-order. On December 11, 2012, Phish will release "Star Lake 98", recorded live on August 11, 1998. Phish Dry Goods is giving away tickets to Phish's sold out Madison Square Garden run.

Summer Camp Music Festival has just announced the Trey Anastasio Band will perform 2 full sets at next year's festival.  This is just the first announcement of what is likely to be yet another stellar Summer Camp Festival.

New Year's Eve with Phish at Madison Square Garden has become it's own cult holiday in the Big Apple, as are the notorious after-parties. The jamband bliss will rage long after the ball has dropped this year, when Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk and the Jennifer Hartswick Band host a post-Phish afterparty just a few blocks up from MSG at Stage 48.

Two Phish related charities – Phish’s own WaterWheel Foundation and The Mimi Fishman Foundation have teamed together once again with an on-line fundraiser with 100% of the proceeds helping victims of Hurricane Sandy.The organizations are now accepting bids on several Phish New Years ticket packages.  The shows – which take place on 4 consecutive evenings at the end of December – sold out quickly.  Phish fans now have the opportunity to score tickets while at the same time helping to support Hurricane Sandy relief efforts.The auction can be found at the Mimi Fishman Foundation website – spec

On December 11, 2012, Phish will release "Star Lake 98", a brand new 2-DVD set recorded live on August 11, 1998 at Star Lake Amphitheatre in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania.