By james art a gooseLawrence Joel’s performance at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston-Salem, North Carolina on October 25, 2024, was a moving blend of artistry and altruism, held in aid of Hurricane Helena relief. In partnership with Conscious Alliance, the Connecticut-based rock band raised money to support local organizations like BeLoved Asheville and Hearts with Hands, which are providing immediate relief to those in need following the devastation of Hurricane Helena. The night was filled with an electric mix of anticipation and collective goodwill as fans joined in to experience a night of unforgettable music while contributing to an important cause. The band’s setlist paid homage to the past while bringing the present to life with thrilling performances and unexpected comebacks.
The first set opened with ‘Hot Love & The Lazy Poet’ before launching into a spirited rendition of ‘Turbulence & The Night Rays’ which kept the tempo going and drew the audience into a complex tapestry of sound. The band picked up a beat with “California Magic” before launching into “Silver Rising,” taking time to let the song develop before erupting into soaring bliss that kept the crowd moving. Goose kept the momentum going by knocking off “Bob Don” for just the 8th time this year. The heavy pocket allowed room for improvisational exploration, leading to a jam-packed “Red Bird” before Goose finished the set nestled into the rhythmic groove of “Hungersite.”
The second set was a journey through soundscapes, starting with a roaring “Yeti” that smoothly transitioned into a lively cover of Foster The People’s “Pumped Up Kicks” before returning to the dynamic rhythms of “Yeti”. A notable moment came with the revival of “Cold Rain and Snow,” a Grateful Dead classic appearing for the first time since 2014. The evening’s emotional depth was further deepened with the band’s tribute performance of “Brokedown Palace” to the legendary Phil Lesh, whose recent death will leave a deep mark on the music community. Goose’s performance was an authentic and heartfelt tribute that resonated deeply with the altruistic audience. The set reached its climax when the band lifted the spirits with a soaring and melodic “The Empress Of Organos”, intertwined with the cosmic flourishes of “Moby”, delivering an unforgettable end to the band’s two-set performance.
Goose took the stage again and energized the crowd with an encore performance of fan favorite ‘Tumble’ before closing the night on a high note with a gorgeous rendition of Bobby Blue Bland’s ‘Turn On Your Love Light’. The evening’s performance was a testament to Goose’s ability to interweave musical excellence with heartfelt tribute and community support, leaving attendees inspired and uplifted.
The band will take the stage tonight for another benefit show, playing to a sold-out crowd at Avondale Brewing Co in Birmingham, Alabama. The tour continues next week with five shows in Florida, followed by shows in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Washington, DC. Tickets for all 2024 shows are available now, with live streams available via nugs.net. For more details and to purchase tickets visit goosetheband.com.