Umphrey's McGee's Joel Cummins Joins Goose In New Orleans

Goose returned to the Saenger Theatre on Wednesday for their second of two consecutive nights at the historic New Orleans venue. The quartet brought out Umphrey’s McGee keyboardist Joel Cummins for the last two songs of the concert.

An expansive “Yeti” opened the two-set show for Goose. The band followed with “Silver Rising” before cracking into what turned out to be the longest “Same Old Shenanigans” to date. More improvisation was in store via the subsequent “Draconian Meter Maid.” Goose punctuated the frame with their first cover of the Grateful Dead live repertoire favorite “Peggy-O” since November 12, 2024 — a span of 81 shows.

The foursome kicked off set two with a mammoth “Tumble.” After 25 minutes, the band left “Tumble” unfinished by seguing into “Creatures.” Guitarist Rick Mitarotonda threw back to “Tumble” by teasing the song during “Creatures.” The seamless closing stanza moved forward with a well-jammed “Slow Ready.”

Joel Cummins walked on stage sans introduction to huge cheers as Goose prepared to launch into “Somebody’s Watching Me.” The performance was Goose’s first of Rockwell’s 80s classic dating back to the debut at Suwannee Hulaween 2025. Drummer Cotter Ellis handled the verses, while Mitarotonda channeled Michael Jackson on the choruses.

Cummins was on piano as the “Somebody’s Watching Me” jam began. The UM keyboardist had a turn in spotlight before Mitarotonda let the fretboard fireworks fly.

“Give it up for Joel Cummins from Umphrey’s McGee,” Goose’s Peter Anspach exclaimed as the band returned for the encore with their special guest. “It’s good to have some friends in town.”

Anspach then filled Cummins in on the “Arcadia” chord progression before the five musicians launched into the song proper. Joel Cummins focused on organ for “Arcadia” and traded licks with Anspach on Clavinet and piano. Rick Mitarotonda then tore an effusive solo to bring the show to a close.

Goose starts a swing through Texas tonight in Houston. Livestreams for the quartet’s spring tour are available via nugs, including an on-demand replay of last night’s New Orleans finale.