Photo by Goose’s Facebook page

Goose’s Viva El Gonzo Mexican destination event is in full swing and served as a springboard for a number of unique collaborations yesterday. Leaning into Goose’s indie-jam side, the day’s lineup featured marquee sets by The War on Drugs and Dawes, as well as Dogs in a Pile and Goose themself. During Dawes’ spot, Goose guitarist/singer Rick Mitarotonda emerged for a segue from “Most People” into the Grateful Dead’s “Fire on the Mountain” and then back in “Most People.” The run was particularly fitting since both the members of Dawes and Mitarotonda have clocked in time in various versions of Phil Lesh & Friends and are pronounced Deadheads. Mitarontonda also emerged during The War on Drugs’ show to help the Philadelphia-bred group through “Brothers,” a standout track from 2004’s Slave Ambient.

Dogs in a Pile also got into the sit in game, welcoming both Mitarotonda and Goose keyboardist Peter Anspach for Stevie Wonder’s classic “Boogie On Reggae Woman” during their late-night set and “Truck Rum” during their encore. Not to be outdone, event hosts Goose brought out Dawes’ singer/guitarist Taylor Goldsmith and Dawes drummer Griffin Goldsmith during the start of their second set for a run from “Atlas Dogs” into “Rockdale.” (Also of note, Mitarontonda emerged during LP Giobbi’s late night DJ set for a segment early Friday morning.)

Goose’s festival will continue today with another mix of performances, including Eggy, Pigeons Playing Ping Oong, Andy Frasco and a bonus acoustic Goose set.