Article Contributed by Scott Kepnes
Published on 2026-02-25
Rob Derhak | moe. | Concord, NH | February 10th, 2026 – photos by Scott Kepnes
High on their Born to Fly tour, veteran jamband rockers moe. landed in Concord, New Hampshire, delivering an outstanding performance at the Capitol Center for the Arts.
A steady flow of fans began entering the venue as doors opened an hour ahead of the 7:30 p.m. showtime. The Capitol Center’s 1,304-capacity Chubb Theater orchestra section was packed, with many more fans filling the balcony. Tapers had their equipment set up to capture the audio, several recordings destined for archive.org. Outside, mid-winter snowflakes had just begun to fall.
Celebrating thirty-five years as a band, the moe. brotherhood of Al Schneir (guitar/vocals), Rob Derhak (bass/vocals), Chuck Garvey (guitar/vocals), Vinnie Amico (drums), Jim Loughlin (percussion/marimba/vibraphone), and Nate Wilson (keyboards/flute/vocals) were about to launch two powerful, jam-packed sets. Flowing through elements of rock, funk, jazz, psychedelic, world rhythms, and country, the evening included selections spanning the entire moe. catalog, with a couple of surprises along the way.
With Rob Derhak on vocals, the first set opened with “The Ghost of Ralph’s Mom (TGORM)” from Dither (2001). Immediately connecting with the crowd, the theater became a dancing, moving community grooving to the vibe. “Okayalright” from Wormwood (2003) followed, taking flight into an extended jam in which Chuck Garvey’s guitar solo soared. Nate Wilson then took to the mic for his self-written “Yellow Tigers” from their most recent studio release, Circle of Giants (2025). Nate’s New England-based band, Ghosts of Jupiter, also performs this bass-and-drum-driven, deep-in-the-pocket rocker.
Rob and Al shared verses on “Crab Eyes,” also from Wormwood, with Rob employing his talk box for one verse. The ensuing jam featured Jim Loughlin exploring space with marimba. “Ups and Downs” from Circle of Giants was followed by “Hi and Lo” from the live album Warts and All Vol. 3 (2003). Next came “She” from moe.’s debut album, Fatboy (1992).
“Recreational Chemistry” from Headseed (1994) sent the band diving deep into cosmic territory. Within this jam—and throughout the evening—the visual experience was enhanced by lighting designer Cy LaGrassa of Pulse Lighting. Artistically blending with the music, blue and green shades illuminated the stage and spilled into the audience. The band became shimmering silhouettes within their sound, creating a spaceship-like launch as the crowd swayed in a sea of sonic color.
At the soundboard, FOH engineer Rev. Steve Young worked masterfully to achieve impeccable sound. From every section of the theater, the mix was a treat for the ears—each instrument heard with clarity and balance.
The first set concluded with an audience buzzing in anticipation for what was to come.
During intermission, the large lobby filled with good vibes. The moe. merch table stayed busy, and the clean-and-sober group Happy Hour Heroes hosted a welcoming and supportive table.
moe. opened the second set with “Little Miss Half Cup Empty,” followed by “Billy Goat,” both from No Guts, No Glory (2014). The set truly took flight as “Billy Goat” slowly segued into “Moth” from No Doy (1996), with its chorus: “Well she knows nothing at all about life. Now she knows everything about living.”
As the song reached the spoken-word bridge, Al intoned: “You know, sometimes…it’s difficult to walk a straight line…three sheets to the wind, so to speak… butterfly?” Nate then began playing the unmistakable piano intro, and the band launched into Jethro Tull’s “Locomotive Breath” from Aqualung (1971), with Rob on vocals. Nate switched from keyboard to flute and blew everyone away channeling Ian Anderson’s iconic solo. The theater erupted with applause throughout the tune.
Transitioning into “Brent Black,” also from Headseed, the band stretched into extended solos. Jim delivered a fiery timbale showcase, Vinnie followed with a lengthy drum solo displaying extraordinary skill, and Rob stepped forward with a deep, funky bass solo that filled the room with rich vibrations. The band rejoined to wrap up “Brent Black” and seamlessly transitioned into a “Moth” reprise. Nate kept the groove moving between piano and synth textures, while Al absolutely tore it up on guitar to close the set.
Returning for the encore, the band delivered a cover of Traffic’s “Light Up or Leave Me Alone” from The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (1971), with Nate on vocals.
Before leaving the stage, Al, Rob, Chuck, Jim, Vinnie, and Nate graciously thanked the appreciative audience. Setlists were handed out to fans at the front of the stage as the moe. crew began breaking down the gear.
Walking out of the venue, concertgoers were greeted by a winter wonderland—four inches of fresh snow had fallen during the show. Smiles were everywhere as fans made their way back into the New England night, carrying with them the warmth of the musical journey they had just experienced.
Special thanks to Cy LaGrassa for his help in confirming details for this review.
moe.
Capitol Center for the Arts – Chubb Theater
Concord, New Hampshire
February 10, 2026
Al Schneir – guitar, vocals
Rob Derhak – bass, vocals
Chuck Garvey – guitar, vocals
Vinnie Amico – drums
Jim Loughlin – percussion
Nate Wilson – keyboards, flute, vocals
Cy LaGrassa – Lighting Designer
Rev. Steve Young – FOH Engineer
