Perpetual Groove kicked off a two-night New Year’s stand at Atlanta, GA’s Center Stage last night. Part of a transitional period for the band, the show featured two keyboardists for most of the night: classic Perpetual Groove keyboardist Matt McDonald—who left the group in 2008 and will return to the band fulltime in 2012—and John Hruby, who played with the band during the interim period. Perpetual Groove is known for its mix of modern covers and, during their first set, the members of the group busted out a first time cover of Fatboy Slim’s “Right Here Right Now.

The band truly stretched out during their second set, offering a three-song, hour-plus improvisational showcase. Saxophonist Gary Paulo and keyboardist Jim Weust—who opened the show as part of The Heavy Pets—both emerged at the start of the set while “Teakwood Betz” stretched into the ether. Perpetual Groove will return to Center Stage tonight for their final show
with John Hruby.

Here’s a look at last night’s setlist

December 30, Center Stage, Atlanta, GA

I: For Now Forget, Three Weeks, The March of Gibbles Army, The Golden Path, Stealy Man (*), Green Tea > Right Here Right Now(**) > Green Tea

II: TTFPJ***, Teakwood Betz, Walking in Place

E: Only Always

(*) – w/ DLZ and 18 and Life teases
(**) – 1st time played
(***) – w/ Gary Paulo on Sax, Jim Weust from The Heavy Pets on additional keys