The String Cheese Incident Lights Up Atlanta's Chastain Park July 4, 2016 12:49
Words and Photos by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen
The String Cheese Incident returned to Atlanta for the first time in over five years (Fox Theatre: 11/26/11 - 11/27/11) on Sunday night, and they did so in fine form. This would serve as the third show of the band's summer tour, and the first of a two-night run at the prestigious Chastain Park Amphitheatre. After a thirty minute rain delay, the crowd filtered back into the stands just before 8:00 PM EST, ready for the party that would follow.
The band came out swinging as they opened with "Close Your Eyes," before moving into "Doin' My Time." "Betray The Dark" and "Xai Xai" would come next, only to be followed by the rousing classic "Rhythm of the Road." Kyle Hollingsworth (keys/vocals) then took full control and led the rowdy Atlanta crowd through one of the bands newer dance party tunes "Stop, Drop, Roll" to close out the first set.
Following a brief set break, the band returned to the stage with overwhelming energy as they worked through the trancey, electronic "Bumpin' Reel." The heavy funk vibe continued with "Dirk," before Billy Nershi (guitar/vocals) calmed things down a bit with the always beautiful "Windy Mountain." Keith Moseley (bass) got everyone moving again with the heavy, slap bass driven "Freedom Jazz Dance," as Chastain Park became an official dance party. From here, Michael Kang took the lead with the peaceful, melodic opening notes of "Shine," which always builds into such a powerful tune.
Michael Travis (drums) and Jason Hann (percussion) would then lead the band into The Rolling Stones' "Sympathy For The Devil," a move that sent the entire amphitheater into an all out frenzy. And just when you thought the energy had reached it's peak, Hollingsworth kicked the jam straight into a raging "Rosie" that would close out the second set. After a brief exit from the stage, the band returned with special guest Tony Furtado (mandolin) for a mesmerizing performance of the classic "Restless Wind." Cheese returns to the stage at Chastain Park on Monday night for what is sure to be an epic celebration of America's freedom.
Check out our favorite photos from night one at Chastain Park below, as well as video clips from "Shine" and "Sympathy for the Devil." Stay tuned for coverage of the band's Fourth of July celebration on Monday night in Atlanta!
Setlist: The String Cheese Incident - Atlanta, GA - 07.03.16
SET 1: Close Your Eyes > Doin' My Time, Betray The Dark, Xai Xai, Rhythm of the Road > Stop, Drop, Roll
SET 2: Bumpin' Reel, Dirk, Windy Mountain > Freedom Jazz Dance, Shine > Sympathy For The Devil > Rosie
ENCORE: Restless Wind1
NOTES: 1 with Tony Furtado
Watch a clip of The String Cheese Incident performing "Sympathy for the Devil" here:
