MARCUS REZAK’S GUMBO BRINGS THE MUSIC OF PHISH’S 1.0 ERA TO HAWAII

Guitarist and vocalist Marcus Rezak brings GUMBO to Hawaii this October for seven performances celebrating the music and improvisational spirit of Phish’s legendary 1.0 era. Spanning Oahu, Maui and the Big Island, the tour combines intricate compositions, deep funk, psychedelic exploration and spontaneous musical interplay with the atmosphere of the Hawaiian Islands.

GUMBO draws inspiration from the sound and adventurous approach of Phish’s formative years, particularly the concerts of the 1990s. Familiar songs and deep cuts become starting points for extended improvisation, unexpected transitions and musical conversations that develop differently each night.

Joining Rezak for the Hawaii tour are Anna Elva on drums, David Barsky on bass and JD Tolstoi on keys.

Rezak’s connection to Phish began with his first show at Chicago’s Rosemont Horizon on October 3, 1999. He went on to attend hundreds of performances while studying Trey Anastasio’s approach to guitar, composition and improvisation. GUMBO brings that longstanding connection to the stage through a project grounded in attentive listening, musical detail and a willingness to follow the moment.

The sound of the era is central to the experience. Rezak’s GUMBO setup features a genuine Paul Languedoc G2 guitar, Mesa Boogie Mark III amplifier, cabinets built to original Languedoc specifications and a pedalboard configuration inspired by Anastasio’s 1990s rig. Together, these elements support the expressive tones, rhythmic textures and dynamic range that define the project.

A Chicago native, Rezak holds a Bachelor of Music from Berklee College of Music and a master’s degree in jazz composition from DePaul University. His extensive touring and recording career includes collaborations with musicians associated with Trey Anastasio Band, Umphrey’s McGee, Frank Zappa, Little Feat and Blues Traveler. He also leads Shred Is Dead, his improvisational project celebrating the music of the Grateful Dead.

For the Hawaii run, GUMBO brings together four musicians with complementary backgrounds and a shared commitment to musical interaction.

Marcus Rezak | Guitar and Vocals
GUMBO’s bandleader combines a deep knowledge of Phish’s music with years of touring, recording and collaborative improvisation.

Anna Elva | Drums
A Bay Area drummer and longtime Rezak collaborator, Elva brings fluid grooves and a responsive approach developed through work with Shred Is Dead, China Dolls, Stu Allen & The Mars Hotel and other projects in the improvisational music community.

David Barsky | Bass
Formerly of Southern California band The Higgs, Barsky contributes a strong rhythmic foundation and a melodic, conversational approach that helps shape the direction of the band’s extended jams.

JD Tolstoi | Keys
The Vermont based keyboardist brings organ, electric piano and a broad palette of keyboard textures, drawing on his background in roots, progressive and improvisational music.

Throughout the tour, the quartet will explore the compositions, patient builds, rhythmic shifts and open improvisation that made Phish’s 1.0 era so distinctive. For longtime Phans, GUMBO offers a connection to a formative chapter of the band’s history. For new listeners, it offers an inviting introduction to music built around discovery and collective creativity.

The tour artwork reflects that spirit, placing GUMBO’s fish logo within a vivid Hawaiian landscape of volcanic peaks, tropical flowers, sea turtles and underwater reef life. Across seven island performances, that imagery sets the scene for evenings of adventurous music and shared celebration.

Blue Dragon Tavern…61-3616 Kawaihae Rd, Kamuela, HI

Thursday, October 15…Doors 5pm…Show 6:30pm

Tickets are $30 in advance…$40 at the door. Purchase tickets here.