After performing in New York last New Years Eve, the String Cheese Incident opted for the other side of the country for its final performance in 2005. A two-day affair at San Franciscos Concourse Exhibition Center, known as the Sea of Dreams, String Cheese Incidents two-night stand took on the multi-dimensional, colorful feel of the Burning Man Festival, boasting performances from artists collectives like The Dresden Dolls, Yard Dogs Road Show, Lorin (Bassnectar), El Circo, Vau de Vire Society, Aphrodesia, Lawgiverz, Luna Groove and Laird, among others. In addition, on Friday, the Incident invited out Taj Mahal for a version of My Creole Belle, as well as frequent Honkeytonk Homeslice collaborator Scott Law and voice box artist Kid Beyond for Rivertrance at the start of the groups second set.
On New Years Eve, String Cheese Incident offered a two-set performance which found the group rolling into 2006 with, appropriately enough, Rollover. The group then segued into a version of Sly and the Family Stones I Want to Take You Higher with the Dahoo Chorus supplying vocal enhancement.Later the group added DJ Lorin into the fold during a jam leading out of Way Back Home, before bringing back the the Dahoo Chorus, as well Dresden Dolls keyboardist Amanda Palmer and percussionist Brian Viglione, for a spirited version of Pink Floyds Shine on You Crazy Diamond.
The String Cheese Incident will be off the road for the early part of 2006 while its members pursue a number of outside projects. Meanwhile, be sure to read Kyle Hollingsworths thoughts on a number of String Cheese-related topics below.