Oregon State University is gearing up to host the 2024 Phish Studies Conference in Corvallis, OR on May 17th–19th with keynote speaker Benjy Eisen, co-author of Deal and co-host of the Undermine podcast.

Hosted once before in 2019, the Phish Studies Conference brings together fans and scholars from around the country and a range of disciplines presenting the latest research in the emerging field of Phish Studies, which encourages the application of multi-disciplinary scholarly approaches to Phish’s music, fan culture, and social impact. The conference’s first year drew over 200 attendees, with more than 50 research presentations. A Phish Studies symposium was also held at New York University in 2020 with a performance by NYU alum Karina Rykman.

“With a second conference, I foresee us going much deeper and exploring new horizons of Phish scholarship,” said Dr. Christina L. Allaback, assistant professor of Theatre at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg and Program Committee member.

“We’re thrilled that Mr. Eisen will deliver the 2024 Phish Studies Conference keynote address,” added Dr. Stephanie Jenkins, associate professor of Philosophy at OSU and Conference Program Committee Chair. “As a live music journalist, writer, and chronicler, he brings unique experience and wisdom to Phish scholarship.”

Eisen himself expressed excitement for the conference, describing how he first fell in love with Phish during his first semester of college. “[For] the following four years they were an inseparable part of my college experience. Heading to OSU for an academic conference on the band feels full circle or, perhaps, full donut.”

OSU also announced that Phish Studies Conference committee members will be available for office hours at PhanArt on December 30th from 1–6 p.m. at Hill Country BBQ in NYC during Phish’s MSG run. Due to popular demand, the deadline for proposals for presentations, art, and performances has been extended to January 15th, 2024.

Fans are encouraged to attend PhanArt office hours to discuss their proposal ideas. “PhanArt is an event with such great energy,” said Dr. Jake Cohen, musicologist and Program Committee member. “We’re so excited to share our enthusiasm for the conference and help phans turn their ideas into Phish Studies proposals.”

The Call for Presentations, Art, and Performances, as well as information about conference sponsorship opportunities, are available here.