My father was a HUGE Bruce Springsteen fan. HUGE. I grew up listening and dancing to Bruce with my dad. I have always wanted to see Bruce with him, but he died before I was old enough to go.

I am a HUGE fan of Phish. After a long hiatus, by both the band and myself, we were reunited this week. The music is unlike any other. The atmosphere seems from another world. And the experience is unforgettable. Music is a big part of my life. It is a part that has enormous emotions attached to it. It is amazing how music can lift you up, can remind you of the special moments in your life and music can make you cry.

The crying happened on Saturday at the Bonnaroo Music Festival. Bruce played, and sang our song. Thunder Road. I cried like a baby. My dad and I would listen to this song over and over again. He desperately wanted me to learn it on the piano. I really felt like my dad was right there with me, finally able to enjoy a Bruce concert with me. It was amazing.

Sunday night, Phish was to close the festival with an awesome concert. I was walking to the venue, talking to my husband about how happy I had been to see Bruce, how wonderful it was to see and hear all of the songs that my father and I held so dear. How I felt like my dad had been there with me and how awesome that felt.

We went in, then it happened. Bruce came out and played with Phish. Now I know that this may not mean a lot to many of you, but it meant the world to me. My most favorite band in the world playing with my Dad’s favorite. After all I said about how I felt my dad with me, how it made me feel better about loving music as much as I do, after crying like a baby. They were playing TOGETHER and it was fabulous.

I know my Dad is smiling down on me, our generations fusing through music and giving me an experience I thought I could never have. I love him and miss him. And I thank Phish and Bruce for allowing me to have this little piece of my Daddy. Best vacation EVER!

Kate