Goose returned for an epic round two at the legendary Warfield Theatre in San Francisco, CA on April 28, 2023, complete with Phil Lesh as a special guest in the presidential suite overlooking the stage. The band knocked this performance out of the park at this well known and culturally significant venue in the Union Square neighborhood by doing what they do every night: create fresh, exploratory, and creative jams.
Tonight's event began with multi-instrumentalist Peter Anspach mentioning how great it is to be back in this legendary venue. There was a certain magic in the air, which was only heightened by Goose diving into "California Magic." "Turbulence & The Night Rays," originally by Goose's predecessor Vasudo, followed. Guitarist Rick Mitarotonda heated up the room with his soulful vocals. An upbeat jam proceeded, and Mitarotonda showed off his new impressive guitar. Anspach took his turn on vocals during "Elizabeth." This eighteen minute version dialed up the intensity early with a racing beat lead by drummer Ben Atkind and percussionist Jeff Arevalo. This came to a peak, and flowed into a mellow section that was all bass, aka bassist Trevor Weekz or Trevorbass. The jam melded back together and intensified, ending this tune on a high note.
The melodic "Not Alone" was up next, and played for only the second time ever after it's debut at the Capitol Theater on March 9, 2023. This version was short, though showed some potential to develop into a deeper jam. "Everything Must Go" featured more of Anspach on the organ, creating a cheerful vibe. Mitarotonda and Weekz continued to weave around each other during this high flying jam that is worth a listen.
The band kept this uptempo pace strong into the beautiful "Seekers on the Ridge Part 1." The percussion was notably on point, as the band executed this sequence with perfection, including the melodic transition into "Seekers on the Ridge Part 2." Mitarotonda showed his true rock star capabilities during this set closing tune. The fans could not contain themselves as the band walked away for set break.
Set two opened with a rare poem reading by Weekz. Without further ado, the band played new tune and jam vehicle "Thatch" for a raging twenty one minute funk jam. At one point, Anspach layered clavinet goodness on top of Weekz bass slaps. Mitarotonda wailed to close out this mind blowing set opener. "Feel It Now," another tune that was first played at the Capitol Theater in March 2023, maintained the space funk vibe. Arevalo and Atkind complimented each other exquisitely as the song began. The trance quickly heated up, as did the dance party.
The fans were feeling the rush as this talented quintet moved into "Silver Rising." The drums and percussion once again shined during this vibrant tune. Goose saved the best for last with a twenty four minute "Arrow" to end the second set. The improvisation in this jam was what fans migrated to this venue for. The collective group really came together as the jam veered into the unknown and then back into "Arrow," ending the set with a definitive bang.
The fab five returned to encore with vintage jam monster, "Madhuvan." This song was not played during the 2022 run in San Francisco, and the Golden City was due for a delightful, fifteen minute shred fest by Mitarotonda. The band mates assembled in the middle of the stage after the song ended, as the crowd was going wild. They took a bow, and soaked up the love from the fans with smiles.
Goose is on fire and the road this summer, starting with a performance at Summer Camp. Head on over to their tour page for more details.
Check out more photos from this show! Also, read more about their mind blowing night one performance at the Warfield Theater on April 27, 2023.
Set One: California Magic, Turbulence & The Night Rays, Elizabeth, Not Alone, Everything Must Go, Seekers on the Ridge Pt. 1 > Seekers on the Ridge Pt. 2
Set Two: Thatch1, Feel It Now, Silver Rising, Arrow
Encore: Madhuvan
Notes: 1. Trevor reads a poem
