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"Minutes with Mimi"
by David Shulman & Mimi Fishman

It's nice to be back with the "Minutes" after a one month hiatus. This month features part 2 of an interview with Mimi regarding her charity work for The American Glaucoma Society. Part 1 is included below as well. I hope you enjoy learning more about Mimi's thoughtful ambitions, and if you find yourself able, I hope you will consider helping out in your own way, whether it be through the auction detailed below, or through a direct contribution to The American Glaucoma Society. (Address and phone info below)

David Shulman (DS) "I'm not sure how widespread this is, but you currently have Glaucoma, which you have managed to have under control with surgery followed by drops. Can you share with me some of your thoughts?"

Mimi "I was 18 and was having headaches. I was in school and figured it was from studying too much. After a visit to the eye doctor, I was told I had it, but it was too late to stop the process. I had 2 surgeries that year as well. I lost the sight in my right eye while I was still in my 20's. It had me down for years especially since it was my "better" eye. I am always worried about it and hoping it doesn't change and get worse. It was quite an adjustment. I hear many stories from others, including babies that are born with it. However, it is currently under control. The important thing is to get tested, so it can be detected as early as possible."

DS: "You are lucky enough to be a patient of one of the nation's leading eye doctors who is based in St. Louis. How did you first get hooked up with him?"

Mimi: "I was sent by my ophthalmologist to Alan Kolker who is based in St. Louis. He is internationally known for his work with Glaucoma and has performed 2 surgeries on me and was able to stop the Glaucoma in my left eye. I come into St. Louis every 3-4 months for follow-up visits as well."

DS: "One of the highlight shows of the year for some people is your Birthday party benefit. What gave you the idea to put on these shows?"

Mimi: "They were giving me parties for my birthday and I felt guilty about it. I thought we should make them more than just a party, and decided to turn them into benefits. I have been lucky enough to find many people to volunteer to help. I have realized that fans don't just have to party, but they can be part of something they can feel proud of. They really love being a valuable resource. I have found bands to be very excited to be participate as well. I am already hearing from several for next years show...maybe show(s)."

DS: "What are a few of your fondest memories from your past B-Day shows?"

Mimi: "Having Michael Ray play that was fun. We danced on the stage together...he is a very sweet person. Jon showing up is always a treat. Just getting to meet everyone is wonderful. I think of all the bands that have helped like Aquarium Rescue Unit and moe. Then there was the time during the ARU show, Oteil said he had a new religion called "Mimi-ism" and he got on his knees on the stage and bowed to me. I was so embarrassed so I tried to pull him up, but he's a big guy, so it was difficult. So here was this master of the bass guitar bowing to me."

DS: "Can you give us a hint as to what might be coming up next year?"

Mimi: "January is National Glaucoma awareness month, so it would be nice to do something then. There are some things in the plans, but nothing definite enough to talk about yet. I hope to do multiple shows during the next year."

DS: "You had the opportunity to meet Kirby Puckett (retired professional baseball player) this last summer (who also has Glaucoma). What did meeting him mean to you?"

Mimi: "That he is trying like I am to educate the public about awareness of Glaucoma and that you can continue after you have it. The day I met him was a few hours before the Riverport Phish show, so it made my day that much more special."

DS: "How can the fans of Jambands.com help with your cause?"

Mimi: "By learning about Glaucoma and making people aware that it can happen to anyone at any age. Of course their support at my benefit shows are always welcome, as it's all for a wonderful cause."

DS: "What are some of your thoughts concerning future shows. Who would you like to see play?"

Mimi: "There is a Burlington band that Jon likes called Viperhouse. It would nice to have them play. I personally haven't heard String Cheese Incident, but I have heard a lot of good things about them, so I would like to have them play. I would also like to have Ominous Seapods again. They played at the Red Rocks benefit show. All this of course depends on their schedules."

DS: "What other plans do you have for raising money?"

Mimi: "The on-line auction on this site is going to be exciting. I have done raffles before, and it's always fun to see how fans react to the items available. I am excited to see what Phish will donate for the first auction."

DS: "Phish was kind enough to label their fall '96 show in St. Louis as a benefit for The American Glaucoma Society. In fact you presented a check for $5,000 on stage to the Society prior to the show. Can you share with us your memories of that evening?"

Mimi: "My first memory is that I have never spoken to 19,000 people before, but once I started talking I became comfortable. It made me more comfortable once I realized how many of the fans knew who I was. Actually, Jon (Fishman) helped cure me of being in front of a crowd, by getting me up on stage to play the vacuum years ago. I feel like I can get in front of a crowd and do just about anything after the vacuum experience."

DS: "How did it feel to have a set played which Trey announced was"brought to you by the letter M" which was of course was a reference to "M" for Mimi?"

Mimi: "That was very flattering. Actually he also said the M was for Mike (Gordon) as well. I also remember talking to John Popper (Blues Traveler) quite a bit during the show, back stage. He is so nice, a very nice person and for that evening he was 'Mr. Mustard', (Phish performed Mean Mr. Mustard while he entered the stage). I also remember it being a wonderful show but then again I get that feeling often. I was at Albany this year (Nov 25) and it amazes me that they still seem to get better and better each year. To me they're still kids."

DS: "You have had the privilege to address Schools (Entertainment course) concerning Phish. Can you share with us some of these experiences?"

Mimi: "2 colleges and 1 high school had me speak to classes. I told the kids to follow their dreams like Jon did. I also told them if they weren't sure what to do, to take a year off, but to make sure to go back and finish school. I think the parents wanted to kill me after even hinting their kids should possibly take some time off school. What's the worst that can happen if someone follows their dreams? That it won't work out? And what's so bad about that. If you don't try you don't know. They can always do something else."

DS: "Whether it be at one of your benefits or during a Phish show, you find yourself surrounded by fans who are interested in meeting you. What are some of your fondest memories?"

Mimi: "Oh, that's fun. I always feel at home where ever I go because of them. They always ask for a hug which is really nice. I get thanked often for raising Jon, which was quite the experience (this will be covered in a later issue). They thank me for letting Jon be a drummer. I guess my fondest memory is how everyone is so nice. It seems like one big family when I meet the fans they always want me to stay and dance with them during the show."

DS: "As will be mentioned at the end of this interview, we (Jambands.com) will be running an auction of some collectible items to support The American Glaucoma Society. One of the items to be auctioned is the poster from the Visionfest Benefit show that was held at Red Rocks a few summers ago. Can you share a little history concerning the poster?"

Mimi: "Yeah, Bob Masse did the poster, which was very impressive. He made me a mermaid he also made me 30 years younger and 30 pounds lighter! Merl Saunders, is also featured in the poster (his Rainforest band headlined the show). I felt very honored to be on a poster, done by a famous poster artist (Masse has done some Grateful Dead work. He even collaborated on the recent GD Terrapin Station poster)."

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Auction to benefit The American Glaucoma Society

At this point we are still putting together the final details on the auction.

The items that at this point that will be available include an autographed copy of "The Phish Book", an autographed Phish T-shirt, 2 autographed Phish CD's, and 2 autographed "Visionfest" posters. The rules of the auction will be available shortly. Our early thoughts are to introduce the items with a minimum bid and allow 2 weeks for anyone who wants to supply us with a "blind bid". We will then post the current high bid, and allow an additional week for subsequent "blind bids". The winner of the item will be notified shortly after and will be asked to send a check or money order made out directly to The American Glaucoma Society. Once again, the exact items as well as the final rules will be available at Jamband.com in the next few weeks.

In the mean time, here is the info concerning the American Glaucoma Society:

The American Glaucoma Society
P.O. Box 193940
San Francisco, CA 94119
Voice: 415-561-8587
Fax: 415-561-8575

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NOTE: Below is some in-depth information from Brandon Berry, the promoter of Mimi's birthday shows since 1994, about the history of her parties. Enjoy!!

High Peaks Productions

Brandon N. Berry
Impresario
PO Box 655
Syracuse, NY 13210
(315)471-2300
highpks@aol.com

For those who may be unaware of the history of Mimi Fishman's birthday party, here is a brief timeline of the past 4 1/2 years.

The annual event was started in April 1994 in Syracuse, NY by a local band named the Sons of Papaya. SOP (called one of the best new bands of 1994 by Relix Magazine) recognized Mrs. Fishman's birthday at a small club that year, and every year after that, the show has grown exponentially in popularity as well as in the talent that has played it.

Show Dates and Guests:
April 1994-Sons of Papaya at East LA, Syracuse, NY
April 1995-Sons of Papaya with Jon Fishman, East LA, Syracuse, NY
April 1996-Jamie Notarthomas, nebraska, moe., Aquarium Rescue Unit, and Jon Fishman, Styeen's Rhythm Palace, Syracuse, NY
April 1997-Buckminster Fuller, Ominous Seapods, and Michael Ray (formerly of Sun Ra and Kool and the Gang), Syracuse, NY
July 1997-Merle Saunders, David Grisman, Gov't Mule, and Ominous Seapods, Red Rocks Amphitheater, Morrison, CO

The last 3 shows have all been benefits for the American Glaucoma Society. 1999 will prove to be the best one yet. Stay tuned to Jambands.com for more information as it is available.

Thank you for your time,
Brandon N. Berry highpks@aol.com