Trey Anastasio performed a special, intimate acoustic set on Saturday at the annual Imagine Gala hosted by The Retreat, a nonprofit organization dedicated to addiction recovery, at the Metropolitan Ballroom in Golden Valley, MN.
At the heart of the gala was The Retreat’s mission: “To improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities affected by alcohol and drug dependency by providing affordable, effective educational services grounded in the Twelve Step principles of Alcoholics Anonymous.” This mission has guided The Retreat for the past 26 years, and its unique community-based approach has helped over 32,000 guests find hope and healing through both residential and non-residential services.
Trey Anastasio, whose own journey through recovery has been well documented, gave a moving keynote address with personal anecdotes and reflections on the power of community in overcoming addiction. Anastasio’s connection to the cause runs deep—his own Divided Sky Residential Recovery Program in Vermont serves as a sanctuary for those seeking meaningful recovery, much like The Retreat has for over two decades.
Related: Phish Announces Three-Night Divided Sky Foundation Benefit Run In Albany
The night reached a crescendo when Anastasio picked up his guitar for a solo acoustic performance. His setlist, per phish.net, included poignant selections such as “Love Is What We Are”, “Summer of ’89”, and “Back on the Train”. Songs like “Everything’s Right” and “A Life Beyond The Dream” carried a message of hope, while fan favorites like “Brian and Robert” and “Strange Design” added raw, emotional depth to his performance.
A portion of the funds raised at Imagine 2024 went directly to The Retreat Guest Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to individuals seeking recovery services. These funds also support the Building Community project, an initiative that will expand community, wellness, and program spaces at The Retreat’s Men’s Center. The Retreat’s ability to carry out its vital mission is made possible by the generosity of over 4,000 donors and volunteers, whose dedication has allowed the organization to offer more than $7 million in financial assistance since its inception.
The gala was also a chance to recognize the tireless contributions of those who have dedicated themselves to supporting the cause, including Michael Daub and Elizabeth Birkland Daub, who received the prestigious George Mann “Spirit of Community” award.
Check out photos and videos of Trey’s appearance at the gala below.
Setlist: Trey Anastasio | Metropolitan Ballroom | Golden Valley, MN | 10/12/2024
Set: Love Is What We Are [1], Summer of ’89[1], Brian and Robert[1], Rise/Come Together[1], Back on the Train[1], Strange Design[1], Water in the Sky[1], Everything’s Right[1], A Life Beyond The Dream[1], More[1]
[1] Trey solo acoustic.
Notes:
Trey gave the keynote speech and performed at The Retreat’s annual Imagine Gala. This set was solo acoustic and the setlist is unconfirmed.