John Paluska

John Paluska, Phish's manager, shares the wild logistics of organizing the Big Cypress festival, detailing the monumental task of creating a temporary city for 75,000 fans. Promoter Dave Worland discusses the chaos of traffic jams and law enforcement challenges. Visual designer Lars Fisk and artist Russ Bennett describe their creative contributions, highlighting the festival's unique atmosphere fused with art and nature. Together, they unveil the joys and hurdles of throwing a cultural phenomenon on Seminole land, while fans endured a surreal experience during the New Year's event.

Join Tom Marshall, Phish's lyricist, who shares his VIP experience at the Big Cypress festival, and Lars Fisk, the sculptor behind the event's stunning visuals. John Paluska, the manager, recounts the unique challenges of the midnight gag while Michael Collori, a Wired senior editor, navigates the crowd during a seven-hour show. Dive into the chaos of hot dog props, the playful cheesecake chant, and reflect on the unforgettable community spirit that made this night truly legendary.

Trey Anastasio, the iconic guitarist of Phish, shares engaging stories about the band's history and the monumental planning behind the Big Cypress festival. John Paluska, the former manager, discusses Phish's anti-commercialism stance and unique festival approach. Promoter Dave Worland dives into the logistical challenges faced while organizing these legendary events. Together, they explore the incredible commitment to artistic integrity, the vibrant fan culture, and the remarkable experiences that defined Phish's journey into independent music festivals.