A Phish concert in Boise? Not since ’99. But the ‘awesome’ next best thing is coming

In the latter 1990s, Boise was a Phish lure.

During a four-year span, the planet’s biggest neo-hippie jam band played Idaho’s capital city twice: 1995 and 1999.

Then the bong water ran dry. Phish went on a two-year hiatus in 2000, fully disbanded in 2004, then reunited in 2008 — limiting its tour schedules. The massively popular group, which will livestream all 26 dates of its 2022 summer trek, has no incentive to play a secondary market like Boise.

But at least fans here will get another taste.

Trey Anastasio Band, fronted by Phish vocalist and guitarist Trey Anastasio, is coming Tuesday, Sept. 27. The concert will happen at the 2,200-capacity Revolution Concert House and Event Center, 4983 N. Glenwood St., in Garden City.

Tickets become available to the public at 10 a.m. Friday at Ticketmaster for $49.50 general admission and $99.50 upstairs VIP. Prior to that, there’s a fan club presale starting Tuesday.

There will be no opening act. The concert is estimated to last as long as four — four? — hours with an intermission, according to organizers.

If you’re a casual fan, perhaps you are foolish enough to wonder the same thing a naive poster did in Reddit’s Phish forum 10 months ago. (Before getting spanked for asking.)

Does Trey Anastasio Band play mostly Phish?

Absolutely not. But, stylistically, similarities abound. Anastasio, 57, unleashes his sound. That Trey vibe. And he’s an incredibly gifted improvisational player, not to mention a talented composer.

If you love closing your eyes, dancing and losing yourself in a Phish jam, a TAB concert should be a definite consideration. Even if you probably will not find phatty burritos sold in the Revolution Center parking lot.

“Some of my favorite songs Phish plays at their shows started as TAB songs,” one Redditor posted.

“I’ve never left a TAB show disappointed,” explained another.

“Just go, they’re awesome,” said one more.

Sometimes, as one commenter noted, it pays to venture into the unknown: “You should go either way, it will be worth it. TAB shows are FUUUUUN. It’s a different animal. TAB is all about getting people moving. Very bass-driven and groove-oriented songs.”

Or you can heed the advice of a buzz-killing purist: “Take or leave TAB. I don’t go out of my way. All live music is either A) Phish. Or B) Not Phish. And TAB is Not Phish.”

Formed in 1983 in Burlington, Vermont, Phish has grown into one of the largest touring acts in the world. Over the years, each band member has branched into solo or side projects.

TAB’s roots go back to 1998. Anastasio’s “other” band started as a trio before metamorphosing into its current form — an eight-piece. TAB has a horn section, too, rather than operating as a traditional rock quartet like Phish.

Either way, TAB draws significant crowds. The group sold out Colorado’s famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre in May, warming up fans on an otherwise frigid evening outdoors.

Also coming

Are Trey Anastasio’s guitar solos not loud enough for you?

The Revolution Concert House just announced a heavy metal show, too.

Trivium, Between the Buried and Me, and White Chapel will perform on Sunday, Oct. 2.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at Ticketmaster for $35 general admission, $75 upstairs VIP.

Music will start at 7:30 p.m.