Vying for the best comeback of 2010, ‘90s era jamband God Street Wine opened their two-night sold out run last night at the Gramercy Theater. Like a fine wine, GSW proved that aging is a good thing – especially when preparation and rehearsals follow a long hiatus. The reunion show, also a Multiple Sclerosis benefit, was the first of four New York City shows taking place in July. By the time the band promptly took the stage at 9pm, it was clear that both God Street Wine and their fans were clearly amped up for the reunion.

Longtime fan Chris Sost, 32, flew in from Richmond, VA, for his first show, though he remembered first hearing the band’s “Waiting For the Tide,” on a promotional CD he picked up at a festival. As to making it out to other GSW gigs, “It would be great if they would tour,” he said. “I’ll keep my fingers crossed.”

Starting off the first set, the band launched into the alt-country opener, “Borderline” before digging deep into the catalog for “April Rain” and “Weird Dream” – leaving even the most ardent of fans Googling and trying to remember the lyrics. Other standouts from the first set were the rap-heavy “Hellfire” which invited everyone to “come on down to the party in the middle of a town” and the funky grooves of “Fortress of Solitude” which had the audience getting down. Check the first set review from fan Lynn Guppy:

Playing their first public show in over 10 years, GSW’s guitarist and vocalist, Lo Faber, took time to welcome both new and old fans—many of whom traveled from out of state to to see the show.

Second set loosened up with the steady build of “Electrocute” (see my video clip above) followed by the free form jamming and playful dual guitar work of “Imogene” (see my clip below). The joyous sounds of the jazzy instrumental “Stupid Hat” got everyone smiling and grooving before GSW built up to their most rocking tunes, “The Other Shore” and “Princess Henrietta,” before closing out the set. God Street Wine ended the highly successful evening by nodding to New York City with the gentle balled “Home Again,” continuing the tradition of covering The Beatles “Come Together” and closing with Bo Diddley’s “Who Do You Love.”

God Street Wine plays again tonight at Gramercy Theater and next weekend at Irving Plaza. Tickets for July 16th and July 17th are still available.