Looking to take your Phish knowledge to the next level? Tired of conversing with people who haven’t read the book to the extent you have? Well, higher education awaits in the fall term of Phish Studies 101. The three-week series of online lectures will connect fans with scholars to discuss the band’s music, culture, and legacy.

While previous Phish Studies conferences have been geared toward other academics, the new leisurely class-style series is tailored to the normal fan looking to expand their Phish expertise. The webinars will occur Wednesday, October 9th, 16th, and 23rd from 8 to 9:30 p.m. ET.

Lecture one, “Phish and Mental Health”, will bring in Dr. David Rosen to present his research on psychedelic-assisted therapy and Dr. Leah Taylor will discuss her findings on the positive mental health effects of dancing and embodiment. Throughout the three weeks, students will study the song “Ghost” in guided listening sessions led by music scholars, beginning in week one with a 1.0 version to be announced.

In week two, “Show Ratings and phish.net“, Utah State University applied economics professor Dr. Paul Jakus will discuss the rating system with phish.net board member and “show ratings guru” Reed Meschefske. The “Ghost” listening sessions will continue with a version from the 3.0 era. Finally, Phish Studies 101 will culminate with “Legal Aspects of Space at Phish Shows”. Led by Lakehead University associate professor and lawyer Daniel W. Dylan and Dr. Liz Yeager, the discussion will examine “legal philosophies and social norms regarding audience spaces at shows.” The “Ghost” listening series will wrap with a recent version of the longtime jam vehicle.

Related: Stanford University Expands Grateful Dead Curriculum With New Course Taught By David Gans

“We believe that understanding Phish and its culture enriches not just academic knowledge, but also the experience of the band’s loyal followers,” presenters the Phish Studies Association wrote on the event page. “Dive into our work, share your insights, and be part of a movement that celebrates and analyzes the incredible phenomena created through participation with Phish.”

Registration for Phish 101 is open here for a fee of $20 per class or $50 for all three classes. The seminars will be recorded for paid registrants to watch at their leisure. Each lecture will also have an opportunity for a Q&A with student attendees and the visiting scholars.

 

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