Concert Review: Goose @ Frederick Fairgrounds 10/19/20 — Frederick, MD

Goose (Photo by Andy Jillson)

Goose and their musical gaggle landed at the Frederick Fairgrounds in Frederick, MD on October 19, 2020 and sold the place out. Showtime At The Drive-In has been hosting drive-in concert events at the fairgrounds and Goose have been the best act yet. This was my introduction to the band and honestly, I was blown away by their musical performance and uplifting vibes. Goose are definitely not your average “jam band” or “indie band.”

Continue reading below for my full concert review and more images of Goose performing for a sold out (socially-distanced) crowd at the Frederick Fairgrounds on 10/19/20. All images copyright and courtesy of Andy Jillson.

Goose (Photo by Andy Jillson)
Goose (Photo by Andy Jillson)

Wow. What a wonderful, transcendental experience this concert was for me. I was fortunate enough to have been granted an all access photo pass to document some of the musical and visual beauty. It was obvious from the start of their soundcheck that Goose were well-prepared and excited for their sold out show at the Frederick Fairgrounds. That’s right! Sold out show on a Monday night. Bravo!!!

I’m generally not much of a fan of “jam bands” or “groove bands” but Goose prove that you never judge a book by its cover…or in this case, a goose by its feathers. The band’s songs were much more structured and coherent than I expected. The musicians and singer/songwriters within Goose are fucking amazing. They sounded tight yet maintained a loose/fluid feel throughout their two sets. They seemed to be serious musicians yet maintained an admirable level of humor in their music. Loved it. It’s obvious why the show was sold out and why I’ve been hearing so much buzz abut the band lately.

The band, audience, photographers, engineers, staff, crew etc. were all coping a buzz from the live performance. There was no escape from the musical medicine being administered by Goose. It was cathartic. No doubt. Goose played two flawless sets of sonically-friendly psychedelic “indie-groove.” I had an absolute blast photographing the band and becoming familiar with their music and unique live performance. The music, lighting, atmosphere, and vibe was exhilarating.

Goose, based in Norwalk, Connecticut, is comprised of Rick Mitarotonda (vocals, guitar), Peter Anspach (vocals, keyboards/guitar), Trevor Bass (bass), Ben Atkind (drums), and Jeff Arevalo (percussion). Goose’s music is “the culmination of a rich history between friends of differing ages and experiences from the same small town in Connecticut, drawn together through a deep love of music and storytelling.”

Tickets and schedule for all upcoming Goose concerts available HERE. Tickets and schedule for upcoming Showtime At The Drive-In concerts available HERE & HERE.

Set one of the night included songs such as “Drive,” “Doc Brown,” So Ready,” “Indian River,” and Goose closed their first set with “Time to Flee (Reprise).” After a 10-15 minute break between sets, Goose took the stage for their second set and were met with loud cheers and honks. It was a joyous occasion for all. Set two of the night included songs such as “Fish in the Sea,” “Rosewood Heart,” “Turned Clouds,” and they closed the night out with “Hot Tea.” Hot damn!!!

Be sure to listen to Goose and attend one of their upcoming concerts if possible. Check the Official Goose Website for all news, tickets, music, videos, merch, and other information about the band. Stream the new Goose album, Alive and Well, on Spotify.

Here are more shots of Goose preforming for a sold out crowd at the Frederick Fairgrounds in Frederick, MD on 10/19/20. All photos taken while wearing a mask and socially-distancing. All images copyright and courtesy of Andy Jillson/Hazy Eye Music Media.

Stream the new Goose album, Alive and Well, on Spotify:

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