String Cheese Incident at the Saenger Theatre on May 5, 2000

The String Cheese Incident’s legendary performance at the Saenger Theatre on May 5, 2000, is being revived on Live Nuggets at Jamfest, bringing back one of the band’s most dynamic and exploratory shows from their early years. This performance showcases the band’s seamless blend of bluegrass, rock, jazz, and jam, with an electric energy that defined their live experience.

Set One Highlights

The show opens with an expansive "Land’s End" that smoothly transitions into "Search", setting the stage for an evening of intricate musicianship and free-flowing improvisation. The groove picks up with "Cottonmouth", followed by an explosive "Birdland", featuring a collaboration with Béla Fleck and the Flecktones. This high-energy rendition of the Weather Report classic brought out some of the night’s most thrilling interplay. The first set closes with a soaring "Sweet Melinda > Shine", showcasing the band's ability to merge jam-heavy peaks with melodic songwriting.

Set Two & Special Guests

The second set begins with the hypnotic rhythms of "Rivertrance", a staple of SCI’s live shows known for its Celtic-influenced melodies and deep improvisation. The jam-heavy "Rollover" leads into a special performance of "Lost", featuring Karl Denson, adding a soulful and funky saxophone presence to the mix. The set continues with the reflective "Drifting Away", the high-energy "Restless Wind", and a blistering "Outside Inside > Rollover" reprise to close out the set.

Encore

For the encore, the band delivers a reggae-infused "Bend Down Low", before launching into a fiery version of "Texas", bringing the night to a climactic finish with intricate picking and high-energy jamming.

Why This Show Matters

This show stands out as a defining moment in SCI’s 2000 tour, featuring incredible guest collaborations and showcasing their ever-expanding musical range. With Béla Fleck, the Flecktones, and Karl Denson joining the mix, this performance is a must-hear for fans of the jam scene. The Live Nuggets at Jamfest replay offers a chance to relive the magic of this unforgettable night.