Second Installment of Phish Studies Conference to Return in May 2024

Photo Credit: Jeff Kravitz

On May 17-19, 2024, the Phish Studies Conference will occur at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Ore. The forthcoming academic event will feature keynote speakers, NYT Best-Selling author, artist manager, and co-host of the “Undermine” podcast, Benji Eisen, who will deliver the address to the gathered attendees this spring. 

“I first fell in love with Phish during my first semester of college, and for the following four years, they were an inseparable part of my college experience,” offered Eisen via press release. “Heading to OSU for an academic conference on the band feels full circle or, perhaps, full donut.”

The second installment of the Phish Studies Conference intends to exhibit fresh contributions to the emerging field of Phish Studies, encouraging multi-disciplinary scholarly approaches to Phish’s music, fan culture, social impact and enduring acclaim. 

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

Notably, the inaugural conference occurred in 2019, attracting nearly 200 fans and scholars and presenting more than 50 scholars presented research. The 2024 return will bring in scholars from across the country who are exploring the boundaries of Phish research.

“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.

The Call for Presentations, Art, and Performances and information about conference sponsorship opportunities can be found on the conference website, phishstudies.net.