Dogs In A Pile's annual holiday show at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ, on December 21, 2024, was a lively celebration for the band's loyal “Dog Pound” following. The performance showcased the group’s distinctive blend of jam-band improvisation, jazz fusion, funk, psychedelia, and classic rock. The night featured a mix of originals, live debuts, covers, and a few surprises for the dedicated fanbase. Hailing from the local scene, the band consists of guitarists Jimmy Law and Brian Murray, drummer Joey Babick, bassist Sam Lucid, and keyboardist Jeremy Kaplan.

Opening the first set, “Westward” set an energetic tone for the evening, with the band delivering a tight, spirited performance that immediately drew in the capacity crowd. Grateful Dead’s “China Cat Sunflower” and a “Burning Daylight” > “Bubble” sequence stood out as highlights, with “Burning Daylight” performed intensely before segueing into “Bubble,” allowing the group to explore improvisational passages that showcased both their individual skills and their collective musical chemistry. The first set also saw the live debut of “Ms. Pepper,” featuring Brian on acoustic guitar, adding a fresh element to the setlist that was well-received.

Some second-set highlights included “Thomas Duncan, Pt. 2” > “Voodoo Lady” > “Thomas Duncan, Pt. 3,” a complex sequence that underscored the band’s versatility. The “Thomas Duncan” segments were both exploratory and precise, while the Ween cover injected a playful twist that delighted the audience. The second set featured multiple guest appearances, including renowned photographer/director Danny Clinch on harmonica for “Smokestack Lightning” and Nick Codina on vocals for the debut of “Christmas Town.” During “Christmas Town,” the band donned festive jackets, Codina wore a Santa suit, and the performance served as a mini Christmas musical interlude before concluding the set.

Overall, Dogs In A Pile’s performance at The Stone Pony was a masterful blend of technical skill, improvisation, and showmanship, capping off a year that has established them as a rising force in the jam-band scene—backed by a passionate following. The band will wrap up the year with a four-night New Year’s run at Putnam Place in Saratoga Springs.

Set 1

    Westward
    Look Johnny II
    Look Johnny
    China Cat Sunflower > My Disguise
    Ms. Pepper (Live debut, Brian on acoustic guitar)
    Chop Shop
    Burning Daylight > Bubble
    Lazy Susan

Set 2

    You Didn't Hear It From Me
    Mr. Tooker (with Uncle Mike on guitar)
    Peaches en Regalia (Live debut)
    Thomas Duncan, Pt. 2 > Voodoo Lady > Thomas Duncan, Pt. 3
    Smokestack Lightning (with Danny Clinch on harmonica)
    Christmas Town (Live debut, with Nick Codina on vocals)
    Rabbit > White Rabbit
    Bent Strange

Encore

    Inchworm
    When You Were Young

(Setlist courtesy of Setlist.fm)