While the 7th Jammy Awards -- held at the Theatre at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Wednesday -- was not quite the Phish reunion that many had predicted, all four members of that band did join together onstage to accept the Lifetime Achievement Award, which was punctuated by a lengthy speech by bandleader Trey Anastasio. The one-time king of jam guitarists thanked fans for twenty "amazing" years, and for being a part of something truly greater than any one person involved.

Indeed, that musical sense of communalism and giving significance to being "in the moment" was the overt theme of the night. Much more than the awards themselves (one of which -- Download of the Year -- yours truly was nominated for), the Jammy's was really, as producer Pete Shapiro said, "all about the music."

The Jammy's traditionally creates surprising collaborations between artists who have never met before the event, and who are only given a short day-of rehearsal together. This year was no exception as Chevy Chase performed a duet with Keller Williams for a medley that included Carol King's 'Natural Woman' and Lynyrd Skynyrd's 'Sweet Home Alabama.' Rose Hill Drive brought on Matisyahu to cover the Flaming Lips, then invited Mountain's Lesley West and jam diva Grace Potter onstage for a version of 'Mississippi Queen.' Galactic brought out Doug E. Fresh for a segment that included 'La-Di-Da-Di.' The Fab Faux -- a Beatles cover band -- performed 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' augmented by Phish's Anastasio. And, finally, members of the Disco Biscuits, Umphrey's McGee, String Cheese Incident and drummer Joe Russo paid homage to Phish with a mini-set of that band's classic material (including 'Wilson,' 'Maze' and 'Run Like an Antelope').

For many in the audience, it was like Phish tour never ended. Until, of course, the bouncers yelled for everyone to "get the f--- out!" just past 11:30pm. Phish is done, tour is over, but some things never change.