This past weekend’s three-night Phish run in Albany, NY raised over $4 million for the Divided Sky Residential Recovery Program, the band announced. One hundred percent of all net proceeds from ticket sales, merchandise, and pay-per-view livestreams will support the residential addiction recovery center in Ludlow, VT co-founded by Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio.
The Albany run was merely the kickoff to a $10 million fundraising campaign for Divided Sky. Donations will support “capital improvements, future property acquisition, staff headcount increases, and a scholarship fund to ensure that Divided Sky’s program remains accessible to anyone in need, regardless of their ability to pay.” Though the shows are over, fans can continue to donate directly to the program here.
“It’s hard to put into words how grateful we are to Phish and their fans for this generosity,” Melanie Gulde, Program Director and co-founder of Divided Sky, said. “But this isn’t about words–it’s about action. And because of these concerts, we will be able to help many more people take charge of their lives and to recover from addictions.”
Phish and its fans’ support for Divided Sky was seen throughout the three shows at MVP Arena. On Saturday night, drummer Jon Fishman wore a special variant of his signature mumu with Divided Sky’s logo in place of the iconic donuts. Fishman, Anastasio, bassist Mike Gordon, and keyboardist Page McConnell all later signed the dress, which will be auctioned off as an online fundraiser. Fans raised additional funds for the program during a pre-show reception organized by Phish’s non-profit arm, The Waterwheel Foundation.
The Phish community has been intertwined with the Divided Sky Foundation since its inception when fan donations during Trey’s 2020 The Beacon Jams livestreams provided the seed money to open the facility. With those donations, the Vermont center has served as a refuge for many seeking recovery. The center can house up to 46 guests in a newly-remodeled former hotel, with bucolic views of the nearby Okemo Mountain. Offering a non-clinical program rooted in the 12 Steps, Divided Sky sets itself apart from other treatment centers by “helping guests build life skills and tools to maintain sobriety while staying active and connected with the outdoors and their personal passions.” Nearly a dozen alumni of Divided Sky’s 30-Day Program were at the Albany concerts—many of whom manned information tables for those curious about recovery—while over 300 free tickets were given to professionals who work in recovery or a related mental health field.
Check out a video highlighting the Divided Sky Residential Recovery Program below and donate here. Phish will return to the stage for the band’s annual New Year’s run at Madison Square Garden on December 28th, 29th, 30th, and 31st. Find tickets to the Phish New Year’s run at the Garden here. Revisit our coverage of Albany Night 1 here, Night 2 here, and Night 3 here. Before New Year’s, Trey will take part in SOULSHINE benefitting victims of hurricanes Helene and Milton. Organized by Dave Matthews Band and Warren Haynes, the concert on November 24th at the Garden will feature performances by DMB, Warren Haynes Band, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, and Goose with special guests Trey, Mavis Staples, Robert Randolph, Joe Russo (JRAD), Trombone Shorty, Susan Tedeschi (Tedeschi Trucks Band), and Derek Trucks (Tedeschi Trucks Band), with additional artists due to be announced. Find more details here.
Divided Sky: Recovery Reimagined
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