Phish announces three-day charity run for the Divided Sky Foundation in Albany

Phish has announced a series of three performances in aid of the Divided Heaven Foundation will take place on October 25, 26 and 27, 2024 in Albany, NY. MVP ArenaAll proceeds from the three shows will go to “Divided Sky” residential renovation program and its facility in Ludlow, Vermont. The run will be Phish's first trip to Albany since October 2018.

A ticket request period is currently open here until Monday, September 16th at 12:00pm ET. Remaining tickets will go on general sale on Friday, September 20th at 10:00am ET. Travel packages will be available here starting Wednesday, September 11th at 10:00am ET. A limited number of upgrades will be available for a pre-show benefit on Saturday, October 26th.

A limited number of free Gratitude tickets will also be given to rehabilitation professionals in recognition of their work supporting individuals and families struggling with addiction. Anyone who works in rehabilitation or a related mental health field can request Gratitude tickets to the Albany Phish shows here. (Note: Priority will be given based on geographic location, with a focus on New York State and New England.) Additionally, curated experiences may be available for those who wish to make larger philanthropic donations to the Divided Sky Foundation. For more information, email [email protected].

Related: Trey Anastasio reflects on the opening of Divided Sky Residential Recovery Retreat

100% of net proceeds from the sale of all concert tickets and event merchandise will go to the Divided Sky Foundation, a 501c(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to addiction treatment, and the Divided Sky Residential Recovery Program in Ludlow, Vermont. Conceived and founded by Phish's Trey Anastasio and Program Director Melanie GuldeThe Divided Sky Residential Recovery Program gives hope to those struggling with addiction by providing a safe, nurturing environment to begin their recovery. The Divided Sky facility, which can accommodate up to 46 guests, is a newly renovated former hotel with views of nearby Okemo Mountain and offers a non-clinical program based on the 12 steps, emotional sobriety, and mindfulness. The Albany benefit concerts will allow Divided Sky to continue to make its comprehensive Residential Recovery Program affordable to all, with partial scholarships available for those in need.

Originally funded by donations from fans during Anastasio’s 2020 livestream concert series, The Beacon JamsThe Ludlow, Vermont facility, operated by the Divided Sky Foundation, co-founded by Anastasio, is now open and will offer “educational and introspective programs to create a sober and productive foundation for individuals affected by addiction” beginning in fall 2023.

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“It's hard to believe that Beacon Jams have been over three years,” Anastasio wrote in an open letter earlier this year. “I remember the deep gratitude as so many people came together and generously supported the cause of addiction recovery. It was humbling and awe-inspiring. I have those same feelings today as Divided Sky Residential Recovery Retreat is now open. It's been a true odyssey with many twists and turns since the last note of Beacon Jams in November 2020. … We have been so fortunate to work with leaders in the phellowship and sober music community, as well as other qualified professionals who volunteer their time to help us grow our technology and outreach efforts.”

“Not everyone struggling with addiction needs extensive medical intervention,” Anastasio continued at the time, “and even those who do need medical detox often need somewhere to go after that step to continue healing. Divided Sky provides that supportive place where guests can slowly sober up in a community filled with love and hope. … We keep it affordable, provide scholarships for those in need, and make sure no one is turned away because they can't pay. And now we're seeing the results. I regularly hear stories from individuals who have successfully completed the program and believe in our approach. That is so incredibly gratifying. To each and every person who has participated, I want to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. This has been an incredibly rewarding journey that wouldn't be possible without all of you.”

He added: “I want to end with the most important message of all. If you or someone you love is stuck in a cycle of alcoholism or drug addiction that you can't see a way out of and it seems like there is no hope, I promise you that you CAN get off drugs and stop drinking. There is a wonderful life waiting for you and it is available to everyone.”

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While Phish typically announces its performances with much more lead time, fans may remember a similar series of benefit concerts the band played last summer in Saratoga Springs, NY. Broadview Stage at SPAC. This series of two shows, which benefited reconstruction efforts for flood-affected communities in Vermont and elsewhere in the region, featured a surprise guest appearance by guitarist Derek Trucks.

The Divided Sky Foundation benefit concerts at the MVP Arena in Albany, NY, continue a landmark year for Phish. In addition to the release of their 16th studio album EvolveTrey Anastasio, Michael Gordon, Jon FishmanAnd Page McConnell played a highly acclaimed four-day tour in Las Vegas, NV's Bulletembarked on a highly acclaimed summer tour and hosted their 11th festival curated by the band. Mondegreenin Dover, DE.

In addition to the band's return to Mexico for the 2025 edition of Phish: Riviera Maya The three benefit concerts in Albany for the Divided Sky Foundation in late January and early February are the only upcoming dates on the band's touring schedule. Phish had already indicated in its announcement of the 2025 Riviera Maya event that the band would not tour this fall, and has not yet announced its plans for its usual New Year's Eve tour.