Photo Credit: Joan Hathaway

On Saturday, June 3, Boston-based psychedelic dub jazz collective Club d’Elf took over Burlington, Vt.’s Foam Brewers for a special lakeside performance that included appearances by Dopapod members Rob Compa and Neal “Fro” Evans and sit-in from local favorite and Phish mainstay Mike Gordon. 

Prior to the performance, the billed group hinted at Gordon’s arrival, adding a “surprise guest from the Vermont music community [is] coming down to sit in.” Sure enough, the bassist took the stage late into the game, joining the other players on his 58th birthday for an extended session of ambient improvisation. 

Before Gordon added his licks to the night’s effervescent delivery, singer-songwriter Ryan Montbleau, known for his folk, blues and funk, provided vocals at the end of the initial Saturday frame, assisting the leading players with a vibrant serenade.  

After Saturday’s sit-in, Gordon will commence his solo tour with a string of appearances beginning on June 15 at Portland, Maine’s State Theatre, followed by a mix of East Coast and Midwest concerts, which arrive after the release of the artist’s new solo LP, Flying Games. Learn more here. 

Tickets for upcoming solo dates are on-sale now via Gordon’s website. Scroll to view the complete list of upcoming appearances. 

Watch clips from the Saturday night sit-in below. 

Mike Gordon Summer 2023 Tour:

June 15– State Theatre– Portland, Maine. 

June 16– Northlands Music Festival–Swanzey, N.H.

June 17– Webster Hall– New York, N.Y. 

June 18– Town Ballroom– Buffalo, N.Y. 

June 20– Madison Theater– Covington, Ky. 

June 21–Bell’s Eccentric Cafe– Kalamazoo, Mich. 

June 23– Blue Ox Music Festival– Eau Claire, Wis. 

June 24– Thalia Hall– Chicago 

June 25–Thalia Hall– Chicago 

June 27– Delmar Hall– St. Louis

June 28– The Vogue– Indianapolis 

June 30– Mr. Smalls Theatre– Millvale, Penn. 

July 1– Peach Music Festival–Scranton, Penn. 

July 2– Higher Ground Ballroom–Burlington, Vt.