PhanPhest Enterprises

The History of PhanPhest

Phanphest Entertainment started out as a backyard tradition in late 2002 as Phan Phest 1.0. An intimate group of friends from the Gathering of the Vibes message boards were encouraged to gather on one acre of property for a barbeque, some keg beer, and some great music. Attendees were invited to camp out overnight on the property. Everyone had a phantastic time, and the feedback encouraged the group of friends to do it again six months later but this time with two days of music.


Phan Phest 1.5 was held in May of 2003. Featuring two bands on both days as well as many other acts, the backyard party maxed out the little acre with 62 tents. A larger, extended group of friends gathered for the event and were pleased with the results. But, it was made perfectly clear that the event had to move.


Some dear friends helped make Phan Phest 2.0 happen in October of 2003. The dream of a three day music festival had become a reality, so the event was moved to a 2 acre property. 13 bands played over the course of 3 days on a stage that the original group of friends had constructed together. Drawing from regional and local talent, "2.0" became the new prototype for what Phan Phest was to become. In a more rural setting, the 200+ attendees said the biggest improvement would be to have more bands!!


May 2004 was the turning point for Phanphest Entertainment. The next-door neighbor also allowed the use of her 2 acres making the new location a total of 4 acres. A second stage was constructed, and the weekend saw 22 bands, over 550 attendees and again a completely maxed out property. Even the town brought down some fines - it was clear that the group of friends gathering had become a full fledged music festival celebrating some of the finest regional and local talent. It was time to register as a legitimate business. With a maxed out property, and the need to seek out the best possible festival location, Phanphest Entertainment was forced to turn indoors until it could find an ideal location.


At first, Phanphest started throwing indoor festivals. Over time we have grown to the point where we producing a weekly show at the Saint in Asbury Park, NJ. By collaborating and producing shows at the Stone Pony, The Saint, The Donegal Saloon and various venues in the area we have been able to attract a huge following. Always at the forefront was the demand for another outdoor music festival. Crowds clearly love the indoor events, but a suitable location needed to be found for the festival. After several years of searching, it was clear to Phanphest Entertainment that with the draw that Some Kind of Jam had at Kempton Recreation Center - Kempton, PA, it would be the ideal location to serve as the venue for Phan Phest 4.0.


Now, a year later, Phanphest Entertainment is proud to have been invited back to share great tunes, good vibes and fond memories as we have shared in years past in Kempton. Phan Phest 5.0 held at the end of August 2009 brought together excellent tunes and an enduring family vibe that proves our scene is strong and growing. Be kind, respect one another, and most importantly, have fun!