Orebolo Kicks Off Capitol Theatre Run With Diverse Cover Debuts Including Bob Dylan Classic & More

Orebolo took the stage at The Capitol Theatre last night to launch a sold-out, three-night stand at the Port Chester, New York rock palace. The acoustic trio consisting of Goose members Rick Mitarotonda, Peter Anspach and Jeff Arevalo mixed stripped-down Goose originals with an eclectic array of covers including their first take on Bob Dylan‘s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” to get their biggest run of headlining shows to date underway.

Mitarotonda (guitar), Anspach (guitar) and Arevalo (upright bass) performed in front of a beautiful and minimalist set design featuring old-time light fixtures on stands lined up across the stage. Peter and Rick each took a moment at the start of the night to welcome the audience to the first Orebolo headline concert since June 2023. Later in the first set, Anspach pointed out new Goose drummer Cotter Ellis sitting in one of the venue’s presidential box suites. Ellis received a warm reception from the capacity crowd.

Orebolo opened Thursday’s concert with the blissful and lyrically appropriate “Lead The Way” before Anspach fronted the unit on the rollicking “Elizabeth.” Mitarotonda then passionately sang “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright.” Rick’s voice and guitar playing were strong throughout the night with the Bob Dylan cover debut and the “Turbulence & The Night Rays” that followed standing as highlights on both ends. “Turbulence & The Night Rays,” which dates back to the Vasudo days, has been a staple for Goose since the band first played the song on June 10, 2022. Last night marked the second time the song was performed by Orebolo.

The trio took it down next with their first version of the reflective “Not Alone,” a song premiered by Goose at The Cap 11 months prior on March 9, 2023. “Not Alone” gave Orebolo a chance to show off spot-on three-part harmonies which was also true of the ensuing “No California.” Another premiere, “No California” was written and originally released by acclaimed songwriter Ilsey (Beyoncé, Mark Ronson, Miley Cyrus) on her debut solo album, 2023’s From The Valley. Mitarotonda handled lead vocals on the song from the daughter of Paul McCartney & Wings guitarist Laurence Juber.

Last night’s first set rolled on with Orebolo’s first take on the Chick Corea-penned jazz instrumental “Spain.” The three-piece then performed “Dim Lights,” a frequently played number that has yet to cross over to the Goose repertoire. Orebolo punctuated the 63-minute frame with fan-favorite “So Ready” to the delight of the crowd.

Goose staples “Turned Clouds” and “Arrow” were given the acoustic treatment and extended to start last night’s second set. The trio then offered up the debut cover of British singer-songwriter Chris Thompson’s lovely ballad “Where Is My Wild Rose” helmed by Mitarotonda. A rousing “Hot Tea” came next along with powerful versions of Tears For Fears’ “Mad World” and the Grateful Dead anthem “New Speedway Boogie.”

Goose fan-favorites “A Western Sun” and “Arcadia” were paired to end the set. Orebolo delivered an “Arise” encore to conclude the concert. “Arise,” which was written by Rick for his short-lived pre-Goose project St. John’s Revival, has been played more by Orebolo than Goose.

Watch pro-shot video of the first two songs of each set thanks to Relix along with fan-captured clips below:

Orebolo returns to The Capitol Theatre tonight (Friday, February 9) and tomorrow (Saturday, February 10). Livestreams of both shows are available for free with a nugs.net subscription or on a pay-per-view basis via FANS.live.

Photos by Adam McCullough

Setlist (via El Goose)

Set One: Lead the Way, Elizabeth, Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright [1], Turbulence & The Night Rays, Not Alone [2], No California [3], Spain [4], Dim Lights, So Ready

Set Two: Turned Clouds, Arrow [5] > Where Is My Wild Rose [6], Hot Tea, Mad World [7], New Speedway Boogie [8], A Western Sun, Arcadia

Encore: Arise

Coach’s Notes:

• [1] Bob Dylan. FTP.
• [2] FTP as Orebolo.
• [3] Ilsey Juber. FTP.
• [4] Chick Corea. FTP as Orebolo.
• [5] Unfinished.
• [6] Chris Thompson. FTP.
• [7] Tears For Fears.
• [8] Grateful Dead.