Goose’s Mexico destination event offered additional surprises on day two. This is the second year of Viva El Gonzo, which takes place in San José Del Cabo across three stages. In addition to the host band, Friday’s artists included Jim James, Leisure, Mihali, Stuart Bogie, lespecial, Dogs in a Pile and LP Giobbi’s Dead House.

The Main Stage kicked off at 4:00 with a special set by Mihali and lespecial, who collaborated on a performance devoted to the songs of Nirvana. Following a “Breed” opener, they moved through 13 additional tunes, including “Comes As You Are,” “Lithium,” “Polly” and a closing tandem of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “Territorial Pissings.”

Next up was Jim James, who appeared in a solo acoustic format. His set focused on covers, such as Fruit Bats’ “Wild Honey,” Timmy Thomas’ “Rainbow Power” and “Why Can’t Live Together,” George Harrison’s “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace on Earth)” and Jack Tempchin’s “Peaceful Easy Feeling” (originally recorded by The Eagles). For the final tune, Goose’s Rick Mitarotonda joined in on Brian Wilson’s “Love and Mercy.”

Goose’s performance which later followed, saw the band offering extending versions of songs, moving through five tunes in each of its two sets. The band kicked things off with “Borne” and “Yeti” before Stuart Bogie joined in on a cover of Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song), marking the first time that Goose had played the Billy Joel tune since 11/10/21, a span of 332 shows. The initial frame then concluded with “All I Need” and “Jed Stone.” The second set featured a few extended segues, as Goose moved from “Animal,” which remained unfinished into “Sinnerman.” Then the band sandwiched “Peach” within deep takes on “Arcadia.”

Music then continued on site for a few hours to follow, with Mitarotonda appearing during LP’s Giobbi’s Dead House performance.

Viva El Gonzo continues today, with My Morning Jacket, Eggy and The California Honeydrops, among the acts set to appear along with Goose. The event is streaming via Nugs.