After blazing through “Coney Island Winter” from 2011’s The King of in Between, the I’m Alive (2006) title track, and a killer-diller “35mm Dreams” from 1977’S Ghost Writer, Garland and his aptly-named band (boys play like a fun, thrilling ride on The Cyclone!) dug deeply into everything except “Ghost Of A Chance” [“Boo!”] from Jeffreys’ featured Escape Artist (1981) album.

“Mystery Kids” captivated. “Jump Jump” elevated. “Modern Lovers” consummated. “Innocent (Not Guilty)” scintillated. Drummer Tom Curiano, bassist Brian Stanley, guitarist Adam Roth, and “The Kid” Gray Reinhard (keys, etc!) deftly handled the intricate, polyrhythmic “True Confessions,” culminating with a Bo Diddley bang!

Performing with characteristic passion, purpose, and pure joy, Garland walked among his peeps, pressing flesh, during a poetic political polemic “We The People/Miami Beach” medley. “Wild In The Street,” “96 Tears,” and “Hail, Hail Rock-n-Roll,” were sing-along lovefests. “Spanish Town” grooved 103-smooth. Jeffrey’s “R.O.C.K.” anthem was a grande finale. But Garland returned solo to give even more. He sang “Moonshine In A Cornfield” a cappella (twice!) and played “Ballad Of Me” intimately, sans microphone, singing directly to an enthralled audience. Then, with the recalled Playboys, “New York Skyline” (“female, feline, feminine”) tenderly ended this perfect night.

– Dennis McDonough