String Cheese Incident Welcomes The Motet’s Dave Watts On Drums [Videos/Photos]

As Thanksgiving wrapped up, Colorado’s String Cheese Incident made its way to Chicago to treat fans to a two-night run at the historic Chicago Theatre on State Street, kicking things off with a Black Friday extravaganza last night. The marquee was shining bright as thousands of patrons headed to the show, and in typical fashion, the show was long sold out, with many people roaming for tickets outside of the venue.

Once inside, the night erupted ferociously with String Cheese Incident opening the show with the classic “Best Feeling”. While the version may not be solidly placed among the best, the rendition was solid and housed electrifying moments throughout. “Can’t Stop Now” came next, marking the first open jam of the night and loosening up the room. At this point, the band was more than comfortable and mustered up powerful and concise renditions of both “100 Year Flood” (featuring Billy Nershi on electric guitar) and “Galactic” (featuring lyrics). As the first set neared its end, “Glory Chords” thundered through the speakers—one of String Cheese’s greatest instrumental tracks—with the band ultimately closing out set one with another classic, “Shine”.

“Best Feeling”

Unlike the first set, the second set had more of an open-ended feel throughout. Whereas in the first set, the band blasted out strong albeit to-the-point tunes, second set gave the band the opportunity to extend each song to new lengths. Second set opened with “Texas”—a String Cheese Incident staple since 1996 off Born on the Wrong Planet—which older heads in the room thoroughly enjoyed, especially when the tune met “Bollymunster”. After a booming finish to the set-opening tunes, the band made some holiday announcements and gave thanks to the packed house.

Without losing any steam, Michael Kang barreled the boys through a high-flying “Let’s Go Outside” that offered up jams that were alternatingly whimsical and electrifying. An intense segment of improv led to a segue that gave the audience a taste of Believe, String Cheese’s new album that was released over the summer. The band chose “Sweet Spot” to be the sampler, and everyone in the room was more than pleased with the freshness. The song was mellow and laid back, fitting perfectly into the mix of the night.

The night once again showed no breaking in sight, as the chords to “It Is What It Is” rang out into the theatre air. Last night’s version was rumbling, fast, and mean once it opened into the jam. The energy from “It Is What It Is” boiled over, and coming out of the jam, the band welcomed Dave Watts from The Motet to join Michael Travis and Jason Hann on “Drums”. This segment was a highlight of the night. For what was a strong solid few minutes, the three had everyone in the room shaking their bodies. Thinking it couldn’t get any better, the band offered up an amazing version of “Rosie” to close out set two. With time out and one song left, the boys pulled out “White Freightliner Blues” as an encore—a classic Townes Van Zandt cover.

Check out photos from last night’s show below, courtesy of Aaron Engler.

Setlist: String Cheese Incident | Chicago Theatre | Chicago, IL | 11/24/2017

Set One: Best Feeling, Can’t Wait Another Day, Can’t Stop Now, 100 Year Flood [2], Galactic [3], Glory Chords, Shine

Set Two: Texas, Bollymunster, Let’s Go Outside, Sweet Spot, It Is What It Is, Drums [1], Rosie

Encore: White Freightliner Blues [4]

[1] With The Motet’s Dave Watts; [2] Billy on Electric; [3] Lyrics; [4] Townes Van Zandt

“Texas”