If you haven’t heard of Goose, you’re not paying attention. In fairness, the band is one of those you might completely overlook if you aren’t “dialed in” to the Jam Band scene. Still, in the past 18 months, the quartet with its start in Wilton, CT has accomplished feats garnering wide music and media attention sure to make them stand out to even the most casual listener. Sellouts at iconic venues like Madison Square Garden, Red Rocks, and Radio City Music Hall. Appearances on The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live! Accolades in prominent music publications such Spin, Guitar Player, and PopMatters.

The band has quickly built a loyal fanbase through largely organic means utilizing social platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and Bandcamp. If you’re part of The Gaggle finding yourself unable to attend a show in person, you’ve likely been able to join the couch tour live on Nugs.net. It’s these outlets that have propelled Goose from the basement scene a mere eleven years ago to some of the biggest arenas in the country and abroad.

Goose’s current lineup consists of Rick Mitarotonda (vocals, guitar), Peter Anspach (vocals, keys, guitar), Trevor Weekz (bass) and Cotter Ellis (drums). Their website describes the music as a “deft union of indie-rock hooks, sprawling improvisation, and driving rhythm.” Personally, I liken it to a jazzier Phish sound if there is such a thing. Regardless your impression, improvisation takes center stage at a Goose show, as do the lights which makes the whole live experience a feast for the ears and eyes. Lighting Designer, Andrew Goedde, and programmer, Tony Caporale, have been with the band since the early days delivering the perfect live accompaniment to the often lengthy jams on stage. Like Phish’s Chris Kuroda, fans often refer to Goedde as an extended member of the band.

Speaking of fans, no band would be what it is without the them. There are online references to Goose fans as The Gaggle and Ted Heads. I polled several attendees at the Kemba Live! show as to their opinion on the matter and received similar responses, but also Honkers and Goslings When asked their favorite thing about Goose and a Goose show, several themes rose to the surface: the freedom to let go, cutting loose with friends, getting lost in the music, and a safe place to be yourself. Some fans in attendance have been in flight with Goose since the start, others experiencing the jam for the first time.

Supporting material from their fifth studio release, Chain Yer Dragon, the band coasted into Tuesday’s show in Columbus with a groovy “Dr. Darkness” from the album directly into the seldom played “My Mind Has Been Consumed By Media.” Other first set highlights included covers of Chick Corea’s “Spain” and David Gray’s “Please Forgive Me.” The set closed with a full on, 21-minute “Jive Lee.”

Following a short break, the band settled into a second set opener of “Arrow” that had the crowd back on its feet swaying with the beat and spinning in the aisles. Set two notables included “Wysteria Lane” and “Hot Tea –> “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” –> “Hot Tea.” The sandwiched treat a Kylie Minogue cover.

The band’s late summer/early fall run ends in just a few days but fans will be sure to flock to their annual Goosemas celebration at the Amiga Mutual Pavilion in Providence, RI on December 12th and 13th. Be sure to catch them while you can and keep an eye out for my upcoming interview with Goose Tour Photographer, Adam Berta, kicking off my Focus on the Photographer series in Midwest Riff Review.

Were you at the Columbus show at Kemba Live!? Share your favorite moment in the comments. I’d love to hear from you.