2025 has been nothing short of an epic year for the indie groove band Goose, which released two new studio albums, two live albums, and a sold-out Madison Square Garden show, along with continuous touring, elevating at each gig. Goose went all out with their annual Goosemas, a two-day, sell-out production in Providence, Rhode Island, providing a glimmer of hope, light, and connection during a trying time for the Providence community, with the theme “Show Upon Time: A Phantom Menagerie.”
Goose is comprised of band leader and lead guitarist and vocalist Rick Mitarotonda, Peter Anspach (keys, guitar, vocals), Trevor Weekz (bass), and Cotter Ellis (drums). Another member certainly worth mentioning is lighting tech, Andrew Goedde, an integral part of the band’s magic.
Goosemas Night 1, Set 1 Delivered the Goods
The vibe was right on night one, as the thousands of fans gathered in the Amica Mutual Pavilion filled with circus atmosphere, smiling faces, and the most dedicated fans uniting. The show opened with “Dramaphone,” which played into the theme, then the band moved into “Creatures,” setting the animal theme for set one.
The band was accompanied not only by Stuart Bogie on sax and clarinet but also by a variety of puppets dancing around the stage, creating a fantastic atmosphere.
From the very beginning, the jams felt like we were witnessing something special, which we clearly were. Next, the band went into “Atlas Dogs,” then “Red Bird,” keeping the animal theme going. “Silver Rising” then lead into “Bear,” which lead into “Moby,” a track from their Ted Tapes jam session album.
Arguably, the highlight for set one was the Pink Floyd cover “Pigs,” where the band simply ripped. “Animal” closed the first set, and at set break, we knew we were in for ride over the next few sets.
Set 2 Night 1 and Encore Blasted Off
Set 2 set sail with “So Ready,” followed by “Arrow,” into the show stopping Radiohead cover of “Burn the Witch,” showing just how creative and diverse, Goose truly is.
Set 2 had quite the landing with “Madhuven,” followed by incredible version of “Dripfield,” which provided some flashbacks to MSG with lights flashing all over the arena, leaving us all wanting more. Ask, and you shall receive. The encore “Jed Stone,” followed by “Master & a Hound.” The closer of Neil Young’s “Sugar Mountain” was an incredible foreshadowing of the power of music and connection, wrapping up a show that nearly went for four hours of bliss.
On night one, I had the fortunate opportunity to sit next to bassist, Sarah Elaz, from Bearly Dead and her own project, Boojum, who said, “Goosemas night one was a full-on spectacle.
Larger-than-life creature puppets set the scene alongside a glowing moon and a majestic tree onstage. The jams, especially with Stuart Bogie, kept exploring further out until the whole room felt transported into Goose’s wacky new world.”
Music is Medicine and the Vibes Shone Through
Amid tension and fear in Providence following the tragedy at Brown University, Goose delivered a heartfelt message to fans and the community on night two of Goosemas.
It was clear that the opening song, featuring Rick singing an inspiring “Wild Mountain Thyme” with the Providence College choir, who held candles as a light shone from above, was their deep acknowledgement of the tragedy within the Providence community. “Give it Time,” which followed, built on the vibe and featured the choir, and was another moment of cosmic connection.
The energy in the arena was simply bright, enlightening, wild, and climactic. “Flodown,” followed by “Echo of a Rose,” into the jam that never quits, “Into the Myst,” had people vibing, smiling, and living in the moment. Two notable covers gaining attention are “Strange Overtones” by Brian Eno and David Byrne and “Life is a Carnival” by The Band, which kicked off set two after a highly discussed “(dawn).”
The show ended with the banger “Big Modern,” the fan favorite “Hot Tea,” a DJ jam by bassist Trevor Weekz, and the first track from their new album, “Factory Fiction.” The encore featured “Dramaphone” segueing into “Empress of Oreganos,” including a reprise to send fans out on a high note, ending not only an epic run but also a watershed year for Goose.
Sarah Mullen, from Massachusetts, an avid mom, fan, communications professional, and music lover, had this to say about night two. “The band created feelings of togetherness, love, and light with ‘Give it Time,’ ‘Into the Myst,’ and ‘Wysteria Lane.’ But then…'(dawn).’ Time stopped. The energy during ‘(dawn)’ was like my soul had lifted from my physical body, drifting through waves of sound and light, weightless in a moment that felt endless.”
Clearly, Goose is carving a new path, and there is no stopping this indie groove band that is pushing the boundaries and connecting with new fans in real time.
