New Orleans Gets Two Nights of Improvisational Magic Courtesy of Goose
New Orleans has never been a city that does anything halfway, and the timing of Goose’s two night stand at the historic Saenger Theatre in New Orleans couldn’t have felt more right. Goose essentially served as the unofficial pre party for one of the greatest music festivals on earth, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, otherwise known as Jazz Fest. The band, which originates from Connecticut, was the perfect warmup for a city that was already buzzing with the anticipation of tens of thousands of music lovers pouring in from across the country.
It’s hard to imagine a more fitting setting than the Saenger Theatre. Restored to its original grandeur after Hurricane Katrina, the theater seats over 2,600 beneath a star lit ceiling, evoking a courtyard under the night sky. For a band like Goose, whose music regularly takes listeners on journeys to unexpected places, the venue was ideal.
Goose is Rick Mitarotonda on vocals and guitar, Peter Anspach on vocals, keys, and guitar, Trevor Weekz on bass, and Cotter Ellis on drums. The band has risen to headlining some of the country’s most iconic venues. Blending hooks with expansive improvisation, Goose has built its following through relentless touring. Their ascent has been genuinely meteoric, from their 2019 performance at the Peach Music Festival to the band’s 2025 run which was highlighted by a sold out debut at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. They are now firmly in the conversation as one of the premier live acts in America.
The first show may have been the strongest of the spring tour, driven by an inventive setlist, a handful of unexpected covers, and a steady flow of fresh, engaging jams. The night kicked off with “Jive II,” allowing the band a fair bit of interplay. The funky keyboard of Anspach reminded me of New Orleans’ own, The Meters. After a rapid fire “Echo of a Rose” the band segued seamlessly into the The Moody Blues “Nights In White Satin.” “Earthling or Alien” allowed the band to get fully psychedelicized. Ellis threw in some amazing fills while Weekz stayed in the pocket. After over 70 minutes of music the band announced they would extend the set which concluded with Return To Forever’s “Spain” which allowed Mitarotonda to shine.
After a short 20 minute set break the band returned for an extended jam filled four song set. The fast paced “Drive” which got everyone back on their feet slowed down into a darker, more deliberate jam, allowing the band to stretch out. As the second set unfolded, the lighting became a standout element. Deep hues and shifting patterns amplified the mood of each extended passage and added another layer to the band’s improvisation. The lighting peaked during the chaotic “MEDIA”. The set concluded with a joyful sing along cover of “Mississippi Half Step Uptown Toledo” allowing everyone in anticipation of night two.
Closing out their two-night run in New Orleans, Goose pivoted from the previous night’s deep jams. Instead of stretching every idea to its outer limits, the band tightened things up. “Yeti” and “Silver Rising” were followed by a 30 minute “SOS.” The first set concluded with a beautiful “Peggy O.” The second set was a dance party from start to finish. The band leaned into a series of soaring, driven jams, with each member adding something essential to the mix, though it was Rick Mitarotonda steering much of the momentum with his commanding guitar work. Highlights included “Slow and Steady” segued into Rockwell’s “Somebody’s Watching Me” in which Umphrey’s McGee’s keyboardist Joel Cummins joined the band. Cummins returned with the band for a spirited “Arcadia” encore. It was a fitting way to close out the two-night run as the song was my introduction to the band, making it a perfect final note to the weekend.
Goose’s new album Big Modern will be released on June 12th. The band will be touring throughout the spring and summer.
Find more information here: https://www.goosetheband.com/
April 21, 2026 Setlist
Set I: Jive II, Echo of a Rose > Nights In White Satin, Earthling or Alien? > Everything Must Go, It Burns Within > Spain
Set II: Drive, Rosewoodheart > MEDIA > Western Sun,
Encore: Mississippi Half Step Uptown Toledo
April 22, 2026 Setlist
Set I: Yeti, Silver Rising, SOS, Draconian Meter Maid, Peggy-O
Set II: Tumble > Creatures > Slow REady > Somebody’s Watching Me
Encore: Arcadia