Surrounded by a sea of festive holiday decorations and an urgent anticipation of the new year, up-and-comer Benjy Ferree and company took the stage at New York City's Webster Hall. Promoting his debut release, Leaving the Nest, the D.C.-based singer/songwriter launched into his unique amalgamation of roots Americana and delta-infused boogie.

But once Spoon emerged, the vibe quickly transformed from a countryside back-porch feel to that of an exuberant rock show. Led by a spastic Britt Daniel, the Austin quartet powered through a set peppered with both old and new material, with highlights including "My Mathematical Mind," "I Turn My Camera On," and "The Way We Get By." It was during the first few moments of the encore when Daniel got even more comfortable, removing his shoes and wishing all in attendance a happy new year. ELIE Z. PERLER / PHOTOS BY DAVID GUSTAV

On SPIN.com:
Artist of the Day: Benjy Ferree

>> Listen to Spoon on Napster
>> Listen to Benjy Ferree on Napster

We asked: Since a name like Spoon conjures up notions of cereal, what's in your bowl for breakfast? COMMENT

Name: Michele Wang
Age: 19
Hometown: East Lyme, CT
Occupation: Student
"Frosted Mini Wheats because it has good texture."

Name: Rich Hanks
Age: 27
Hometown: Swansea, MA
Occupation: Product Designer
"Cheerios because my mom didn't like sugar cereals in the house."

Name: Mike
Age: 18
Hometown: Oswego, NY
Occupation: Student
"I like Crispix because it's simple."

Name: Daniel
Age: 20
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
Occupation: Student
"Kix because it's delicious and healthy."

Name: Whitney
Age: 18
Hometown: New York, NY
Occupation: Student
"Honey Nut Cheerios."

Name: Allie Barner
Age: 19
Hometown: East Lyme, CT
Occupation: Student
"Cracklin' Oat Bran -- especially when it's dry."

Name: Caroline B
Age: 33
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Occupation:
"Cocoa Puffs."

Name: Dave Friedman
Age: 28
Hometown: Setauket, NY
Occupation: Program Manager
"Lucky Charms."

Daniel, merchant of soul

The way Daniel gets by

Benjy Ferree leaves the nest for NYC

Ferree out of the woods, out of the countryside