For the fourth consecutive year, Madison locals, Armchair Boogie, hosted the best Halloween party in town. On Friday, the 26th, the stage was set. The entire setup, including props and costumes, was masterfully crafted by Schnitzel Bear Studios. The band brought some of their friends to The Majestic Theatre on King Street for an unforgettable night filled with thrills and excitement. Wurk kicked things off with an electrifying opening set, with each member sporting a unique costume. Following them, Henhouse Prowlers took the stage dressed in matching alligator costumes, building the anticipation for the main event. Both openers did an excellent job of warming up the crowd for what the Boogie Boys had in store.
Armchair Boogie made their entrance in style, donning freshly made swamp-themed costumes. Whether portraying a deep-sea creature or an alligator hunter, each band member looked the part. The show opened with swamp-inspired tunes, featuring classics from their early days and fresh new covers. A highlight of the night was their rendition of “Born on the Bayou,” which fit seamlessly with the evening’s theme. Midway through the set, Ben from Henhouse Prowlers joined them on stage for a jam session featuring “Goin’ Down the Road,” a song often associated with the Grateful Dead. The dual banjo performance was a treat for the audience.
The band then transitioned to a selection of Armchair Boogie originals. Fan favorite “All My Friends” perfectly encapsulated the joy of being surrounded by friends at The Majestic. The set concluded with a standout performance of the Smash Mouth classic “I’m a Believer,” evoking imagery straight from Shrek’s swamp. However, the night wasn’t over yet. The band returned for a two-song encore, delivering an energetic “Amos Moses” and finishing with a monumental rendition of “Livin’.” It was the perfect end to an incredible Halloween celebration.
Armchair Boogie is truly a sight to behold. Whether performing in costume or not, their shows are always a blast, and they only continue to improve with time. It has been an honor to witness their journey over the years, and I hold deep affection for them as brothers. I highly recommend their music to anyone reading this. Armchair Boogie tours nationwide, so be on the lookout for a show near you. With plenty of studio tracks to choose from, you're bound to find some new favorites. Do yourself a favor and check them out as soon as you can.
