10/22 (correct date), Santa Barbara Bowl.

We spent the day hanging at the beach. It was a perfect southern California day, sun was shining, water was glistening slow breeze was blowing. After a bit of an off night 10/21, perhaps Phish spent the day outside and took advantage of the lovely day because they came out and played their best show of the tour to date. We arrived early and ended up in a great spot in the third row. 
Soul Shakedown was a perfect opener given the history of the Santa Barbara Bowl, Bob Marley and the official Phish picture posted of Trey looking at Marley from night one. The wedge is always and enjoyable number and Undermind hit the spot. Tasty Jesus, the start of the water theme with a well executed ASIHTOS and strong close with Melt and Walls of the Cave. I think Walls is a great set closer - Trey added some extra mustard to the end of the song and left the stage with a shit eating grin on his face. This was easily the best first set of the tour and one of the best first sets of the year. The boys were locked in and feeling IT.
Drowned to open the second set continued the water theme. It hadn't been played in nearly a year, also during the world series however this time Page didn't bother announcing the score of the game. While the start was a bit rough, the jam was tasty. Theme is one of my favorite slower songs, contains one of my favorite lines in all of phish lines (keep what's important and know who's your friend) and served as a perfect wet landing spot for drowned. The next set was a silky smooth Steam -> Waves-> 20Y Later -> Mule. Really enjoyed that part of the show. Finally got the 2001, short and sweet. I wish they would take their time in the build up and blow this song out again like in years past however its always fun to hear and get down to. The closing Mikes, Jim (out of nowhere) and Paug with teases completed a great set. I have really been enjoying the multiple song encores with different choices and this was no different. 
Santa Barbara was a fun run, beautiful venue and really neat town. I hope they come back and Trey remembers it next time. The tour is finally picking up some "steam". Looking forward to my hometown run.

Location: Santa Barbara, CA, USA

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