Concert Review: Ghosts of Jupiter and The Chops Deliver an Intimate Night of Psychedelic Rock at Lizard Lounge
On October 24, 2026, Lizard Lounge in Cambridge, Massachusetts, welcomed Ghosts of Jupiter and The Chops for a special show. As a live music photographer, I received an invitation directly from both bands, and it was an honor to photograph them on stage.
I like small venues, so I was very excited to revisit the Lizard Lounge, an intimate venue located just north of Harvard Square at 1667 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge.
Taking the stage with high energy, The Chops opened the night with the entertaining "Paradise Jam," followed by an exceptional selection of songs from their catalog, including "Unseen Lies," "Salutation," "Elevated Love," and "Dirty Water."
Acclaimed by audiences as one of the rising bands in New England, The Chops continue to grow in popularity. Their music draws inspiration from a wide range of styles, from hot jazz to modern pop.
Formed in 2019 with a vision of blending vintage rock musicality with a modern approach, The Chops' lineup at the Lizard Lounge featured Seth Gomez on guitar and vocals, Emma Derhak on vocals, Matt Glickman on keyboards and vocals, Drake Millhausen on bass, and Chris Cellucci on drums.
Guitarist and vocalist Seth Gomez draws inspiration from a diverse group of legends, including Jerry Garcia, Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, Sam Cooke, and Miles Davis. His playing blends improvisational freedom with intricate musical textures. From his earliest days on the music scene, Gomez set out with a bold mission: to recreate the psychedelic spirit of the 1960s with a fresh twist, infusing musical history with modern improvisation and songwriting. He became the driving force behind The Chops, helping establish the band's distinctive sound.
After a short break, Ghosts of Jupiter took the stage.
The sound was excellent, and the band's brand of jam-oriented music was exceptional. Their music flowed effortlessly and was driven by the talents of Nate Wilson, an outstanding keyboardist.
Ghosts of Jupiter draw inspiration from the riff-heavy psychedelic hard rock of the 1960s and 1970s, taking cues from bands such as Cream, Santana, and Traffic.
Led by keyboardist Nate Wilson, the group began nearly 20 years ago as the Nate Wilson Group. The current lineup includes Wilson on keyboards, flute, and lead vocals; Tomas Lada on bass; Adam Terrell on guitar; and Tom Arey on drums and percussion. Together, they demonstrated why they are regarded as such accomplished musicians.
Beyond the great music, what made this show especially memorable was the intimacy of the room. It felt as though the band was performing in your living room, playing directly to each person in attendance. Being part of a night filled with such great music in such a welcoming space was truly special.
During the break and after the show, the band members took time to chat with fans. Those conversations were engaging, informative, and insightful.
Ghosts of Jupiter's performance on October 24, 2026, was terrific. After experiencing such an outstanding night of music, I would gladly follow both bands to any venue.
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