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Psychedelic Serenity on the Cuyahoga
- Madison Cozzens
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
Goose transforms Jacob’s Pavilion into a multicolored dreamscape of sound, connection, and improvisation.
Photos and article contributed by Madison Cozzens.
With edits by LJ Portnoy, Editor-in-Chief.
After a gloomy day of rain and gray skies, the clouds finally broke just in time for Goose to bring the sunshine.
Jacob’s Pavilion was bursting with life—glittered cheeks, tie-dye shirts, funky outfits, and fans already dancing before the band even took the stage.
This wasn’t just a concert—it was a gathering. A celebration. A shared pulse. And Goose hadn’t even played a note yet.
Goose Takes Flight
At exactly 8:00 PM, the band stepped into the spotlight to a thunder of cheers from a crowd ready to move. With the Cuyahoga River glittering behind them, Goose opened the night with the kind of groove that makes your whole body respond instinctively. People of all ages packed the venue—young kids experiencing live music for the first time, and grandparents who once followed the Grateful Dead across the country. For many, this was more than a night out—it was a spiritual recharge.
Built for the Stage
Goose’s reputation for their live shows is well-earned. While they’ve released sixteen live albums, nothing compares to being in the moment, surrounded by hundreds of strangers all tuned to the same frequency. Their songs stretched upward of twenty minutes, but never overstayed their welcome. Each jam unfolded like a conversation—fluid, expressive, locked in. The crowd stayed with them every step of the way, dancing through the walkways, arms raised, faces glowing in technicolor light.
As the sun set, the lighting rig transformed the stage into a prism of psychedelic color, amplifying the music’s mood and motion. Fans danced like no one was watching—because in that moment, no one was watching. Everyone was feeling. Goose didn’t just deliver a performance—they created an atmosphere. One night in Cleveland became something communal, something unforgettable. And for many in the crowd, it was only just the beginning. Night two promised even more magic.
The Evolution of Goose
Formed in 2014 in Norwalk, Connecticut, Goose has steadily climbed to the forefront of the modern jam band revival. Built on a foundation of musical precision, fearless improvisation, and genre-bending influences—ranging from indie rock and funk to folk and electronica—they’ve carved out a space that feels both familiar and entirely their own. Their lineup—featuring Rick Mitarotonda (vocals, guitar), Peter Anspach (keys, guitar, vocals), Trevor Weekz (bass), Ben Atkind (drums), and Cotter Ellis (percussion)—is tight-knit, and their chemistry onstage is undeniable.
While comparisons to Phish and the Grateful Dead are inevitable, Goose’s sound stands apart. They lean into melodic storytelling just as much as mind-bending jams, bringing a fresh edge to the improvisational world. Their ability to blend intimate songwriting with expansive sonic exploration is what draws new fans in—and what keeps die-hards following them from city to city. With each show, Goose isn’t just playing music—they’re building a living, breathing experience. And they’re just getting started.
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