I remember a years ago people talking about this band with the stupidest name. My exact response was “The String Cheese, what? Must be weird”.
Opps, now here I am. Rounding out 2015, I have been to two SCI festivals and seen approximately 18 cheese sets and started hula hooping. I get it now (clearly), and I deeply apologize for my judgments. I love that Colorado vibe that they give off. They can go from bluegrass, to classic jam-band style, to some heavy electronic infused jams. They’re versatile. They created a place where everyone at a festival comes to begin their evening. Its home base, or a safe haven. That is what I learned in the 2015 festival season. I am now a fan because they create a family.
The last of my California spring break, was Santa Barbara. I love Santa Barbara. I feel at peace when I am there. As far as a jam-band scene I do not see it being a popular, present thing there.
When I saw SCI was playing at Arlington Theater while I was in town, I knew I had to be there. So I dragged my love along for the ride. I was apprehensive about what the crowd would be like since I had just seen Papadosio in San Diego and it wasn’t what I was used to.
When I walked in I couldn’t shake the smile off my face because it was the exact crowd I was used to. I just remember being slightly tipsy and yelling at Matt “Yes these are my people. These are my hippy people.” He couldn’t help but laugh and call me crazy.
Previously, I had only seen the cheese at festivals, never on tour. It was such a neat, cool thing to witness. The venue was insane. You were inside (obviously, its a theater) but there was all these southwest style buildings along the side, so it made you look like you were outside in a little village market place. It was crazy cool.
Their lighting set up was beautiful. My favorite moment was hearing “Song in my Head” and the visuals to match were captivating. I also won’t forget Bill was wearing the headiest Broncos shirt I’d ever seen.
My night ended too short, but I am happy to got to experience it, especially with my best friend by my side.
LONG LIVE THE CHEESE.
Click here to peep the Set List
