The new Saturday-night reality has become interacting with people via the internet. Today’s world consists of online gaming, live-streamed video, and AI-generated content. Yet concerts are better in person, and—since you’re reading this article—you already know the value of live, face-to-face interaction. To paraphrase an old saying: There is nothing like a live concert.

Jam band darlings Goose played to an enthusiastic crowd for the first of two shows at San Francisco’s Masonic Auditorium on Tuesday night. Following the prickly departure of percussionist Jeff Arevalo earlier this year, the Masonic shows marked the first appearance by Goose-is-now-a-quartet within San Francisco city limits.

Joe Russo's Almost Dead gifted the Atlantic and Northeast states a three-night Memorial Day Weekend run, starting in Virginia Beach, VA. We missed this great show but were fortunate to attend their throw down at the Stone Pony Summer Stage in Asbury Park, NJ, on May 23, 2025. This was their second performance at the gritty venue that is erected in the asphalt parking lot of the famous Stone Pony, which is across the street from the Atlantic Ocean.

For 27 years running, Marin County roadhouse Rancho Nicasio has hosted a summertime “BBQs on the Lawn” concert series. Los Lobos, the venerable SoCal rock band, has been around nearly twice as long. Put the two together, and ¡ya está! – the perfect marriage of tasty music and pastoral backyard vibes to kick off Memorial Day weekend.

Tell a friend that Gordon Sumner is playing a show nearby and, most likely, you will get a blank look as they search the memory bank, trying to place the name or find a face in their mind’s eye.

The last day at any festival is always bittersweet. Fans have figured out the ropes and finally feel at home, despite having to pack up and leave after the music ends. Viva El Gonzo was no exception, however the incredibly inspired performances eased the transition back into normalcy. This included an absolute raging set by festival host Goose that featured no guests or covers.

The festivities returned for Day Two at Viva El Gonzo, Goose's first international festival that was held in San Jose Del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico on May 9, 2025. The weather was picture perfect in this tropical paradise located about twenty driving hours south of San Diego. Festival goers had grown their sea legs, and were also treated to a number of exciting collaborations.

Northern Natural Cidery in Kaleva, Michigan, welcomed an early‑season visit from Michigan’s own Dave Bruzza, best known for performing with the jam‑grass legends Greensky Bluegrass. Over the past few years, Dave has played three to five solo shows annually—mostly in the Midwest—and this spring’s run included Chicago’s new “Garcias” venue, Ann Arbor’s folkie listening room The Ark, and Holland’s Park Theatre before he pointed his wheels north to Kaleva.

Viva El Gonzo, Goose’s inaugural destination festival, kicked off on Thursday, May 8, 2025. Held in San Jose del Cabo, California Baja Sur, Mexico, the premises contained three different stages, each having a unique setup and character. Nestled around Puerto Los Cabos, the event grounds offered sweeping views of the ocean, bamboo lined sandy trails, and a relaxing warm atmosphere.

Cincinnati-based Plazmatic released a new EP titled “Midnight Somewhere,” and it is available on streaming platforms today. They will be hosting an album release show on Saturday, May 17th, 2025, at the Woodward Theater in Cincinnati to celebrate the new EP. The show will feature support from local Cincinnati acts The Electric Indigo and Cousins.