LIVE REVIEW + PHOTOS: Addison Groove Project in Cambridge, MA (03.28.26)
There was a certain electricity in the room at The Sinclair this past Saturday night—part nostalgia, part reunion energy, and part reminder that some bands never really lose their fastball. Addison Groove Project returned to Cambridge for a one-off reunion show that felt less like a throwback and more like a continuation of a story that’s never quite finished.
For those who came up in the Boston jam scene of the early-to-mid 2000s, AGP was a staple—cutting their teeth from high school jazz roots in Wellesley before evolving into one of the tightest funk outfits in the region. Their origin story still holds charm: a band name pulled together at the last minute (thanks to original bassist John Hall’s dad) to enter a Rock ‘n Roll Rumble judged by WBCN and Boston Globe figures. From there, they built a following that stretched from packed local clubs to a standout, sweat-soaked set at the 2004 Bonnaroo Music Festival.
Saturday night felt like a reunion in every sense—fans, friends, and extended family all orbiting the groove.
The band wasted no time settling in, opening with “Magically Delicious” and “Don’t Worry,” immediately locking into that signature tight-but-loose pocket that defined their early years. “Nuggets The Shaker” brought one of the night’s most memorable—and hilarious—moments.
Enter Aaron, the band’s former tour manager turned local legend, now owner of Gracie’s Ice Cream. Dubbed “AC Chillin” (and affectionately, “the ice cream man”), he stormed the stage with full confidence, dropping a call-and-response rap riffing on O.P.P. by Naughty by Nature—subbing in “AGP” to the crowd’s delight. The band even orchestrated a moment where the entire room flipped him the middle finger for a photo. It was ridiculous, communal, and perfectly on-brand.
Musically, the set continued to stretch. “Hiphopananymous” served as the gateway for the night’s secret weapon: Jennifer Hartswick. Known for her work with Trey Anastasio Band, Hartswick didn’t just sit in—she elevated. Her presence on “What Is Hip” (a nod to Tower of Power) and “Want Your Love” added punch, polish, and a deep funk sensibility that blended seamlessly with AGP’s DNA.
If the first set was about rekindling the spark, the second set was about letting it burn. “Neo Geo” and “Juniper” dug into extended grooves, while “Beantown” teased “Chicken Grease” in a slick, knowing wink to deep-cut funk heads.
Hartswick rejoined for a run of covers and collaborations that hit all the right notes. “Have A Cigar” (Pink Floyd) got a funky rework, while “Something About You” by Level 42 shimmered with smooth, nostalgic energy. “Cross The Tracks” paid homage to Maceo Parker-style funk lineage, and “The Reverend” slipped in a sly “Controversy” tease from Prince—one of those moments that rewards the attentive listener.
By the time the encore rolled around, it felt like the band—and the crowd—weren’t ready to let go. “Dr. Jekyl in Hyde Park” (a deep cut from The Mohawks) and a rousing “Rock Steady” by Aretha Franklin brought everyone back to center: pure, unfiltered groove.
Beyond the music, there was a real heart behind the night. The band honored their late original bassist, who passed away from colorectal cancer in 2004, by promoting donations to research efforts—reportedly even contributing a portion of ticket sales. It was a quiet but meaningful thread woven into an otherwise celebratory evening.
And then there was one of the night’s most impressive stories: filling in on bass was Ruby Golden Tiger, the middle-school-aged daughter of saxophonist Dave Adams. Young or not, she held her own all night—locked into the rhythm section and carrying the groove with confidence well beyond her years. It was one of those “passing the torch” moments that didn’t feel symbolic—it felt real.
Frontman Brendan took a moment to acknowledge the obvious: careers, families, and life itself make it tough for AGP to be a full-time operation these days (with his own path leading him to a career in medicine through Brigham and Women’s Hospital). But he also made it clear—they want to keep this going, aiming for at least an annual reunion if possible.
And if Saturday night proved anything, it’s that they absolutely should.
Because for a few hours inside The Sinclair, it wasn’t just a reunion—it was a full-on return to that early-2000s jam scene feeling. Loose, funky, unpredictable, and deeply communal. And most importantly, it showed that Addison Groove Project can still throw down with the best of them.
Photos – Addison Groove Project at The Sinclair in Cambridge, MA on March 28th:
