For any String Cheese Incident fan who has been around for awhile, the band’s current Fall tour has seen some back to basic approaches with song selection. Last night, the group’s first of a two-night stand at New York City’s Theater at Madison Square Garden was no different, as Cheese once again played “Xai Xai”, a tune formerly know as “SKAT”, that made its return after nine years in Pittsburgh a few nights ago. They followed that up with the old-school Billy Nershi-penned tune “Cottonmouth” which has also re-emerged this tour, having been played only once since 2012. Though it may be a newer tune, “Beautiful” is quickly becoming a highlight whenever played.

String Cheese Incident Heats Up The Steel City With Rarities, Covers Galore

After set break, Cheese delivered a set that never quite let up once it began. A “Drums” jam with Brazilian Girls’ Aaron Johnston (he also joined Travis and Hann during a first set “Drums”) led into “Song In My Head” which had everybody in attendance “getting louder”. A well-played “Sand Dollar”, a song that debuted in 1998, segued into new number “Stop Drop Roll” which made its debut earlier this year. “Shine” put its own stamp on the set, and showcased everything that is so good about SCI and why they are able to draw such incredible energy out of both themselves and their fans. An encore of “Outside and Inside” had a beautiful jam and properly ended the night.

The band is in fine form and playing at a high-level that hasn’t been witnessed in years. Night two, a Saturday night in The City That Never Sleeps, should prove to be yet another damn good party with Cheese playing the ever-gracious hosts.

[all photos courtesy of Chad Anderson Photography]

Setlist: The String Cheese Incident at Theater at Madison Square Garden, New York, NY – 10/23/15

Set 1: Can’t Stop Now, Got What He Wanted > Drums1 Xai Xai, Cottonmouth > This Must Be The Place > Beautiful > Don’t Say > Restless Wind

Set 2: Just One Story > Drums1 > Song In My Head, Sometimes A River > Sand Dollar > Stop Drop Roll, Shine > Just One Story
Encore: Outside And Inside

Notes:
1 with Aaron Johnston

[setlist courtesy of FriendsOfCheese.com]