secondtube Posted April 27, 2004 Report Share Posted April 27, 2004 http://timesargus.com/Local/Story/82722.html Conventry awaits Phish concert decision April 26, 2004 ASSOCIATED PRESS COVENTRY - Town officials say they're ready to play host this August to as many as 70,000 young people if promoters win state and federal permits to hold a Phish concert in town. "We know it's going to be an inconvenience," said Selectboard Chairman Mike Marcotte, who owns the Jimmy Kwik convenience store. "But it'll be a great help for Orleans County to bring the economic benefit." The Burlington-born jam band has held six weekend festivals, drawing crowds of between 50,000 and 70,000. The Newport State Airport in Coventry is one of three finalist locations for the 2004 show. "They need to come back to Vermont," said Zach Casey, a surveyor measuring for new paving at the airport last week. "It's a weekend of camping and great music, I'll definitely be here, and Vermont could use the dough absolutely," said the 27-year-old from Waterbury, who has seen six Phish concerts. The festival presents a rare opportunity for Vermont's rural heritage and its popular culture to spend a weekend together. If the Coventry site wins state and federal permits, adjoining farmers will create a 350-acre campground by planting grass this year instead of corn. Some neighbors are opposed, but many people around town say the concert, tentatively set for Aug. 14 and 15, will be an economic windfall. Coventry is a farm town, population 1,014, with one gas station and one diner. Three streets form the village's triangular green, with a cannon and a statue honoring Civil War veterans. Phish is a four-piece improvisational rock band, inheritor of the devoted fan base of the Grateful Dead, and a marquee draw capable of selling out such venues as Madison Square Garden. Six times Phish has presented two-day festivals in New York and Maine, with names such as The Clifford Ball and The Great Went. In addition to three sets of the band's music each day, the event includes theater, arts celebrations and a giant party. Some fans arrive days early and remain days after. The local economic impact has been estimated at up to $20 million. "I'm sure there'll be a lot of people stopping here," said Kathy LeBlanc, owner of Martha's Diner on Vermont Route 14. The eatery seats about 40 and normally opens at 5 a.m. If the festival comes, she said, "I'm going to be open 24 hours a day." Have fun guys, i know you will!!! Steve (i like that fact its NOT at Limestone) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blane Posted April 28, 2004 Report Share Posted April 28, 2004 hell, if this goes down I might actually fly back for it. I've got a plane ticket that expires in September and I might have to put it to good use. Hope there's a confirmation one way or the other very soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Northern Wish Posted April 28, 2004 Report Share Posted April 28, 2004 That is hilarious! I worked with Zach while I was in the US. I guess I should have stayed.... I'd be there mapping the place with him. Good times Mr Casey! Sean Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fuckholes Posted April 28, 2004 Report Share Posted April 28, 2004 Holy shit..... Gleeson was telling me some of the shit they pulled off last time they played thier home town and hot danm the shit gave me an instant errection. Would love too be at this event. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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