LIVE REVIEW: GOOSE AT THE RIVIERA 6/21

It was the Summer Solstice in Chicago. And the Riviera was in a good mood. In fact, the phrase “good vibes” may be the most succinct encapsulation of upcoming jamband legends-in-the-making Goose. As is the case with tie-dyed forebears The Grateful Dead, Phish, Widespread Panic, et cetera, their 3-hour-plus show is a much an excuse to party as anything else. But something about their sound feels instantly more contemporary and relevant, as evidenced by their growing battalion of fans from teens to grandparents.

We could talk about the setlist. We could talk about the latest album. We could talk about their cover of The Dead’s “Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo” (easily a show highlight.) But does it really matter? It was a Goose show. If you’re a fan of the band, you loved every minute of it. If not, consider yourself on the outside looking in. This band is clearly going places. And we wouldn’t mind hitching a ride.  –BY JAY GENTILE