A stunning performance captured during Mike Gordon's birthday celebration, showcasing the energy and audience engagement.
Mike Gordon marked his 60th birthday with a remarkable performance at the Joy Theater in New Orleans. The concert featured a new band lineup and surprise guests, showcasing a diverse setlist that included both covers and originals. Fans were treated to a unique musical experience, capturing the joy and richness of the event, as Gordon expressed his love for the city. A full audio recording of this special performance is now available for fans to enjoy.
New Orleans, LA – Mike Gordon celebrated his 60th birthday on June 3, 2025, with a memorable performance at the Joy Theater in New Orleans. To mark this milestone, he released a full audio recording of the concert, which took place on May 2, 2025, as part of Live For Live Music’s Fest by Nite series during the renowned Jazz Fest.
The concert showcased a new band lineup that included guitarists Xavier Lynn and Bob Wagner, keyboardist Robert Walter, and drummer John Morgan Kimock. Gordon welcomed surprise guests Jon Cleary and Karina Rykman, who opened the show with her trio, to join in for parts of his set. Gordon expressed his enjoyment of playing with the new musicians, referring to it as a “real joy,” in a nod to the venue’s name.
The setlist featured a diverse mix of eleven songs, including both covers and originals. Notable performances included “Say Something,” “Connected,” and J.J. Cale’s “Call Me the Breeze,” which was a debut for Gordon. Additionally, the Phish song “Meat” was performed, along with Jon Cleary’s “Got to Be More Careful” and the seldom-played “Spanish Moon,” which had not been performed in nearly 17 years. The show concluded with an encore performance of “Carini,” where Gordon playfully altered the lyrics to mention Rykman, referencing her as having a “lumpy head.”
The evening was characterized as an experience of “entirely new dimensions of kaleidoscopic music,” reflecting Gordon’s commitment to exploring new musical avenues. This concert was the only solo headlining date announced for Gordon in 2025, indicating a special significance to the performance and the celebratory nature of the occasion.
Gordon also took a moment during the show to share his deep affection for New Orleans, declaring it his favorite city. This heartfelt sentiment contributed to the vibrant atmosphere of the event, as fans came together to celebrate both the artist and the city’s rich cultural backdrop.
Looking ahead, Gordon is set to continue his musical journey as he joins Phish for their 2025 Summer Tour, which will kick off on June 20 in Manchester, NH. His performance at the Joy Theater stands out as a highlight in his recent career and showcases his ongoing dedication to his craft and connection with audiences.
The audio recording of the New Orleans concert is now available for fans, capturing the excitement and energy of the live performance, allowing those who missed the event to experience the celebration of Mike Gordon’s 60th birthday in a unique way.
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