On Tuesday, June 20, 2023, Mike Gordon took the stage at the Madison Theater in Covington, Ky., treating the crowd to an unforgettable night of eclectic music and energetic performances. Joined by a talented group of musicians, including Michael “Mad Dog” Mavridoglou on trumpet, Spencer Merk on trombone, and Eric Wurzelbacher on tenor saxophone, the evening was filled with surprises, jams, and a sense of pure energy.

The first set kicked off with “Pure Energy,” and they continued to get the audience in the right frame of mind with “Get U Ready” before diving into the whimsical groove of “Mull.” The crowd was then treated to a string of collaborative tunes, starting with “Casual Enlightenment,” “Steps,” “Ooh I Like Your Loving,” and “Guilty Pleasures,” all of which included Mad Dog, Merk, and Wurzelbacher adding their brass magic to the mix. The fusion of Gordon’s bass and the vibrant brass section created a truly immersive and dynamic musical experience. Notably, during “Haywire,” Mike playfully teased the intro to Phish’s “Mike’s Song,” adding an extra layer of excitement to the set.

After a brief break, the second set began with “Back in the Bubble,” taking the audience on a sonic journey. “Haywire” made a return, this time without the playful tease, followed by the mesmerizing combination of “Say Something” and “Cities.” The band then delved into the fan-favorite “Meat,” which showcased Gordon’s virtuosity on the bass. The set concluded with the captivating “Sughn Never Sets,” leaving the crowd eagerly anticipating what was to come.

For the encore, the band reemerged with a powerful rendition of “Carini,” sending waves of excitement throughout the venue. The energetic performance left the audience in awe and closed the show on a high note.

Throughout the evening, the addition of Mad Dog, Merk, and Wurzelbacher on trumpet, trombone, and tenor saxophone, respectively, elevated the music to new heights. Their collaboration with Gordon brought a fresh and vibrant sound to the stage, adding layers of texture and complexity to the already impressive compositions.

It’s worth noting that Michael “Mad Dog” Mavridoglou is renowned for his work with Umphrey’s McGee, as well as being a longtime collaborator with the Phish-associated group Jazz Mandolin Project.

Mike Gordon’s performance at the Madison Theater on June 20, was an incredible display of musical talent and creativity. From the captivating jams to the powerful brass section, the show left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate enough to be in attendance.

Mike Gordon,
Madison Theater – Covington, Ky.
June 20, 2023

Set I: Pure Energy, Get U Ready, Mull, Casual Enlightenment [1], Steps[1], Ooh I Like Your Loving[1], Guilty Pleasures[1]

Set II: Back in the Bubble, Haywire, Say Something > Cities, Meat, Sughn Never Sets

Enc.: Carini

[1] With Michael “Mad Dog” Mavridoglou on trumpet, Spencer Merk on trombone, and Eric Wurzelbacher on tenor saxophone. Casual Enlightenment through Guilty Pleasures featured Michael “Mad Dog” Mavridoglou on trumpet, Spencer Merk on trombone, and Eric Wurzelbacher on tenor saxophone. Mike teased Mike’s Song in Haywire.