Every winter I somehow find myself at a show that completely cures me of the winter blues. On Monday night, The Decemberists gave me that show.

I don’t know how long it’s been since I’ve seen a show end with this kind of fantastic energy. Two encores, a host of antics and jokes, theatrics and even a sweet 80’s cover…it was the perfect combination to get the old fogies out of the house, into the cold and at the Uptown. And if you made it out, you were handsomely rewarded.

Here’s what they opened with:

The night was all about audience interaction. After an evening of filling the venue with their beautiful ballads and dry humor, they decided to give us “a little Kansas City Jazz” (as they put it) and lead us in a sing along with “16 Military Wives.” It got a little crazy, and before I knew it Colin Meloy looked like he was leading some insane and out of control choir. He even singled out what appeared to be a family in the balcony, forcing them to (hilariously and awkwardly) belt out some lines.

The Decemberists have taken a liking to Sara Watkins, who joined them on fiddle for this tour. She impressed the pants off of everyone when she belted out a song last night. You’ll be seeing the talented fiddler with the band for the rest of the tour.

After a few more songs, it wasn’t long before the silliness ensued again with one of the more flamboyant finishes I’ve seen in a while. It started with Meloy getting the crowd to “Sshh” as the band started up with “Chimbley Sweep.” Then, suddenly he disappeared, and reappeared in the balcony (next to that family he made sing awkwardly earlier). I really can’t find the words to describe the wackiness that happened next (it involves some strange dancing from the drummer), but lucky for you, I got it on tape:

Just when you thought the fun was over, they broke out into a cover of The Outfield’s “Your Love.” With a massive detour like that, an extravagant finish was in order. Meloy ordered everyone to sit on the ground and be quiet while finishing up “Chimbley Sweep.” My husband later commented “I don’t think I’ve ever seen the Uptown sitting like that.” Then, everyone leapt to their feet in unison for the unbelievable finish (which involved a nice little jump off of a speaker for Meloy). Lucky for you (again), I also caught this on tape:

You would think that’s a pretty proper finish, right? Nope. They came out for two encores, one of which involved “The Mariner’s Revenge Song” (of course). Watch him sass an audience member about halfway through the clip:

At the beginning of the night, I was so worried that they had left the theatrics behind. I’m so glad I was mistaken. If you ever get the chance to see the Decemberists, even when they’re all 60 years-old, go. I’ve seen them twice, about seven years apart, and it was just as energetic and amazing as ever. If that doesn’t cure your winter blues, I don’t know what will.