For the first time in almost 13 years, the String Cheese Incident rolled into Madison, Wisconsin for an absolute dance party. The last time they played there, in 2004, was for a Halloween show that was percussionist Jason Hann’s first performance as an official member of the band. Some things change, and some things don’t. Like 13 years ago, Cheese absolutely brought the heat and nailed their first night of the two-night run.
The String Cheese Incident opened up the first set with “Close Your Eyes.” The Kyle Hollingsworth tune was well done, featuring just a hint of improv, but not straying too far from the course. With their new album Believe coming out in just days, Cheese made sure to play a song to introduce the crowd to the music. In the middle of the set popped up “Get Tight,” a Keith Moseley tune. The song was poppy and easy to follow along. It seemed fans were digging it. The rest of the first set only got better. “Way That It Goes” contained some great improv, and Hollingsworth took advantage of all his toys to place a well put “Stayin’ Alive” tease with his vocoder. If everybody wasn’t dancing at this point, then they were now. The easiest way to put it was that it was really, really, fun. A monster “Wake Up” seeped into a great “Shine” set closer. Easily one of their most optimistic and upbeat songs lyrically, the crowd was all grins. This version got spacey for a while as well, and the lighting mirrored the title of the song. It was a great first set.
One of their most eclectic songs opened the second set. “Howard” has it all but bluegrass. It goes from serious rock-n-roll with heavy power chords to trance to circus-esque music in the bridge. This version was fairly standard but as enjoyable as it gets. Both veterans of Cheese as well as new fans alike can always sing along to the chorus of this tune and hearing a sold out venue belt out “HOWARD” was quite an experience. “Rhythm of the Road” had a great segue into Black Clouds that showcased their jamgrass abilities for only the second time in the night. “Bumpin Reel” was mammoth, and the set ended with the great story told through the lyrics of “Texas.” Rosie capped it off in the encore slot and night one was complete.
Ultimately it was a great first night and tonight will indubitably be just as cheesy. With the band on a light tour schedule, don’t delay in seeing them.
Enjoy the full gallery below, courtesy of Daniel Ojeda.
Setlist: String Cheese Incident | Orpheum Theater | Madison, WI | 4/7/17
Close Your Eyes, These Waves > Dudley’s Kitchen, Get Tight, Way That It Goes, Wake Up>Shine, Howard, Rhythm of the Road>Black Clouds, Nothing But Flowers, Bumpin Reel, Texas, Rosie
