Two performances covering widely different spectrums — psychedelic jam-band rock and Christian worship music — had sold-out crowds entranced in Grand Rapids on Thursday. The recaps at Local Spins.
More Than ‘White Lights’: Goose lit up a capacity crowd Thursday at GLC Live at 20 Monroe. (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTO GALLERY, SET LISTS
Support our coverage of
West Michigan's music scene
Goose kicked off a three-night, Valentine’s weekend run in Grand Rapids at GLC Live at 20 Monroe on Thursday with a performance that underscored their resilience and versatility, even while missing their percussionist.
Overall, the jam-band foursome from Connecticut gave fans a show that started slow and introspective, but built into a second-set crescendo that surely had fans buzzing about the nights to come.
The evening opened with “Mr. Action,” setting a somewhat relaxed tone that continued through the first set. Known for their ability to weave exploratory jams, Goose opted for a more introspective vibe with songs like “All I Need” and “Lead Up.”
While the energy was subdued compared to their usual high-octane performances, the musicianship shone brightly (not to mention the light show, which photographer Derek Ketchum described as one of the best he’d ever seen).
First of Three Nights in GR: Goose (Photo/Derek Ketchum)
Highlights of the first set included their cover of Spoon’s “Inside Out” which was a pleasant surprise, reimagined with Goose’s signature touch. The set concluded with “Flodown,” hinting at the energy that would define the latter half of the show.
The second set was a stark contrast, beginning with “Everything Must Go,” before launching into a fiery “Arrow.” The set featured even more extended jams demonstrating Goose’s improvisational prowess.
One significant highlight of the second set included a cover of Grateful Dead’s “Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toodeloo.” This rendition felt like a heartfelt nod to their influences, and the crowd responded enthusiastically.
Closing the set was “So Ready,” which brought the energy in the room to an ultimate high before evolving into an extended and face-melting jam.
The band returned for an encore with “White Lights,” an older Goose tune, not typically saved for an encore. However, following the catchy chorus, the band again transcended into madness to finish the night strong with infectious guitar and keyboard solos.
If the first night was any indication, Goose’s Grand Rapids run promises even greater heights for the remainder of their residency in Beer City.
The band’s run continues at 7:30 p.m. today (Feb. 14) and Saturday (Feb. 15). Get tickets and details online at glcliveat20monroe.com. – S.M.
PHOTO GALLERY: Goose at GLC Live at 20 Monroe
Photos by Derek Ketchum
GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING WINANS GETS UPBEAT IN MICHIGAN HOMECOMING
Less than two weeks after her double Grammy Award wins, Michigan native CeCe Winans favored a crowd of well over 2,000 West Michigan fans with her inspiring faith-based music.
CeCe Winans and her band on Thursday.
“It’s chilly here,” she noted of the crisp air outside the spacious Grand Rapids First church auditorium in Wyoming. “But I’m a Michigander, so I guess I can take it.”
The gospel singer has long lived near Nashville, but was born and raised in Detroit.
Amazingly, Winans performed a full dozen songs from her latest Grammy-winning recording, “More Than This,” including the title track and the triumphant anthem, “That’s My King,” which also nabbed a Grammy.
Backed by a five-piece band and a trio of background singers, Winans served as a song leader as well as soloist. Most of the lyrics were projected on the large screens above the stage and a willing audience sang along.
An example came with the effective hymn-like call-and-response “Is He Worthy?” At its conclusion, the singer reprised the chorus, adding improvised lyrics with minimal accompaniment revealing the purity of her vocal gift.
The full house at Grand Rapids First.
Her single “oldie” on the night was the big ballad “Alabaster Box,” which goes back to 1999.
Winans’ use of familiar modern worship songs such as “Goodness of God” and “Holy Forever” also resonated with the demographically diverse audience.
She closed her set with the upbeat and hopeful “In A Little While,” again reprising the song, this time with forceful instrumental flair.
Winans exited the platform as her supporting musicians carried on, completing their stamp on the faith-filled evening. – T.D.
SET LIST: CeCe Winans at Grand Rapids First Church
Lord and Friend
Too Late to Lose
Never Lost (Elevation Worship cover)
Worthy of it All (David Brymer cover)
Is He Worthy?
Holy Forever (Chris Tomlin cover)
More Than This
Sanctuary
Be Still and Know
Fire
Believe For It|
Alabaster Box
Come Jesus Come
Goodness of God (Bethel Music cover)
That’s My King
In A Little While
Copyright 2025, Spins on Music LLC
