 Return to Lonely Goat Features Archives THE STRING CHEESE INCIDENT - 11.08.01 - TOWNSHIP AUDITORIUM - COLUMBIA, SC Set 1: Bam!, Shine, Hold What
You've Got, Buggin' Out, Lost, Under African Skies > Jam > Outside Inside Driving to Columbia was a quick ride up from the coast, passing no fans along the way but keeping in mind that this is not the Dead, Phish or Panic that I was going to see. This was going to be something new, exciting and finally different: SCI tour! I attended last years Township SCI show (my first and as with many others as the band asked for a show of hands whose 1st it was) and though impressed was not overwhelmed. It wasnít until receiving several shows in the mail like 12-31-99 or 10-31-00, did my ears begin to hear what true chemistry and talent these five guys possess. Once in Columbia the vibe was mixed, many people I spoke with had other things to do on that Thursday night or the typical response was "what band?". I didn't worry to much because I knew that Columbia is known for its hard nose conservative southern style but underneath the town likes to party. Most people had football on the brain, being that ESPN Game Day was in town. Once at the old Township Auditorium, I was excited to see a good crowd but not nearly sold out. The opener "Bam!" Was a nice treat, being a new song which jams pretty hard. The light show had increased its presence since last year by actually changing along with the musicians tempo and adding color to the incredible sound in tunes like 'Buggin out and Lost'. This was something that got better and better each night. The first set's highlight was a cover of Paul Simon's 'Under African Skies' which jammed into a great 'Outside Inside'. My friend called 'UAS' first (to my amazement being that it was his first real time hearing and seeing this band) as the Afro rhythm grooved the crowd into the nice fast Jam featuring some excellent playin by Kang and Kyle which left everyone impressed. The opening of 'OI' was welcomed by all and offered a nice way to end a great first set. The second opened with a few shorter numbers but offered a great jam into 'Search' which was a big number a lot of fans were waiting for. Again the groove funk elements took over as the crowd opened up as it got heavier and thicker. After bringing it down for a nice ballad by Bill and an interesting Peter Gabriel cover of 'Shakin the Tree', they launched into the most welcoming and highlighted tune of the night, 'Jellyfish', which always displays some craziness from the band. On this night, the band launched into the song but quickly stopped as members of the bands started leaving there post and walking off stage. Keith and Bill left first then M. Travis and Kyle. Kang stayed only to pick up Keith's bass and began playing. Confused, my friend thought the show was over! After a short bass solo, Bill came back on to play some spacey notes from his acoustic and the rest of the band followed to finish the song which jammed into a nice 'Search For Answers' to close the show. The encore was short and sweet with some blues grass and everyone was left smiling about what a great performance it was overall. I couldnít believe that a show on that scale was not selling out the Township. |