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Phish to Play Wrigley On Yom Kippur?

That may pose a conflict for a couple band members

by
Marc Tracy
March 04, 2010
Glide
Phish. From our left: McConnell, Anastasio, Gordon, and Fishman.Glide
Glide
Phish. From our left: McConnell, Anastasio, Gordon, and Fishman.Glide

Wrigley Field, legendary ballpark of the Chicago Cubs, got the go-ahead to host two rock concerts on September 17 and 18 despite the fact that Yom Kippur begins at sundown on the 17th, and nearby synagogues were concerned about the parking situation. Brief aside: Yom Kippur is really early this year!

But that’s not the real story. The real story is who’s playing these gigs. One of the rumored bands is the Dave Matthews Band. And the other? Well, Dr. Watson, let’s figure this out:

• Dave Matthews Band is managed by Red Light.

• The jam band Phish is also managed by Red Light.

• Last time Dave Matthews Band played a ballpark, it was last spring, it was Fenway Park in Boston, and the following night, Phish played it.

• There have long been rumors on obscure message boards that only crazy people like me read that Phish is playing Wrigley this summer.

So, it’s probably Phish (better book my plane tickets). And therein lies the problem! Two of Phish’s four members—its rhythm section, ironically enough—are Jews: drummer Jon Fishman (hence the band name) and bassist Mike Gordon.

Fellas! Do I need to remind you about Sandy Koufax sitting out the World Series?

UPDATE: I didn’t read closely enough! The September 18 concert will reportedly being after sundown! As if further proof were needed that the folks playing the concert have other things to do during Yom Kippur … .

Below: Phish performs “Avenu Malkenu.” Yes, I’m serious.

Marc Tracy is a staff writer at The New Republic, and was previously a staff writer at Tablet. He tweets @marcatracy.