June 20, 2026 or if you are American and prefer numerical dates, 6/20/2026. A lovely pattern by any means. It also happened to be my sister’s birthday, so my morning was quite full in celebration of all things her. Just before noon, I received the email. You know, the email that said I was approved to provide photography coverage for Trey Anastasio at the one and only Kleinhans Music Hall. Maybe not a big deal for everyone, but it was a big deal to me.
Not only was this a privilege, it was also a hefty responsibility. Contracts had to be signed, agreements had to be made, and it was a new venue for me to shoot in; plus, I have been looking forward to photographing Trey since before I purchased my first interchangeable lens camera. I had never covered a show at Kleinhans before, so I did not know what to expect. Why would I bring the largest lens I own, my almost five-pounder that I use for birding, to cover an acoustic guitar performance? My usual photography kit is designed around shooting in low light and up close. This show had the high beams on and put me in the back of the hall, under the balcony. I had contemplated bringing that lens, but I chose wrong.
Fortunately, I was not alone. There were two other photographers, and as it happens, the in-house photographer for Kleinhans was kind enough to share his lens with me for a moment. This is a big deal, when that lens cost as much as a used car and you only get 10 minutes to take all your shots. Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart.
“Free,” the song Trey chose to start the show with, was exactly how I felt. Flooded with memories and emotions of past shows while deliberately photographing the current, trying to trust in my timing, while continuously preparing for the next shot. “Back on the Train” came on and all I could do was photograph, dance, and smile. Having history with a song is truly beautiful.
And just like that, my coverage was over. After those two songs I packed up, locked my camera gear away, and was escorted back into the auditorium to enjoy the remainder of the show. I had a physical ticket with my name on it, and that felt special in this digital age.
I have seen Phish perform more times than I can count on my hands and toes, but this was my first time seeing Trey perform acoustically, and I hope that I never forget it.
The venue was perfect for the performance, Kleinhans is renowned for its acoustics. With the room so quiet, the intimacy of the show was lifted. Each crowd participant became a small part of the show. The rhythmic clapping in “Stash” echoed louder than the music playing. The chants during “Wilson” felt ethereal, yet physically grounding.
Trey was accompanied by his longtime collaborator Jeff Tanski. During some friendly banter with the crowd, Trey revealed that not only was Jeff from the Buffalo area, but the last time Jeff was on that stage he was in fact receiving a diploma. Small worlds make for good stories.
No set break was had and people seemed restless. Trey entertained with banter between songs, seeming more at home on stage than most people do in their own living rooms. The stripped down, intimate show was a display of how raw and beautiful his musical catalog truly is. The fans of this genre are not used to having to sit in one place for over two hours, but those who did were rewarded with a show that I hope they never forget.
Setlist via Phish.net
Trey Anastasio – Kleinhans Music Hall, Buffalo, NY – Saturday, June 20, 2026
Set: Free [1], Back on the Train[1], When the Words Go Away[1], Water in the Sky[1], Strange Design[1], Stash [2], My Friend, My Friend[2], Wolfman’s Brother[2], Divided Sky[2], Wilson[2] > Fluffhead[2], Dirt[2], Light[2], Shade[2], Snowflakes in the Sand[1], Buffalo Bill[1], Cavern[1], Sleep[1], Maze[1], Steam[1], Reba [3], First Tube[2], Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.[2]
Encore: Possum[2], The Squirming Coil[2], What’s the Use?[2], Sand[2] > Tweezer Reprise[2]
[1] Trey solo acoustic.
[2] Trey acoustic and Jeff Tanski on piano.
[3] Trey acoustic and Jeff Tanski on piano. No whistling.
Free through Strange Design and Snowflakes in the Sand through Steam were performed by Trey solo acoustic. All other songs from this performance featured Trey on acoustic guitar and Jeff Tanski on piano. Reba did not contain whistling.
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