The Northlands Music Festival in Swanzey, N.H., was buzzing with anticipation as fans eagerly awaited the performance of the renowned jamband, the String Cheese Incident. As the sun began to set, the stage came alive.
The show kicked off with a mesmerizing Intro that immediately captured the audience’s attention. The band wasted no time in delving into their diverse repertoire, transitioning seamlessly into the groovy vibes of “Sweet Spot.” “Rain” followed, bringing a refreshing and melodic ambiance to the evening. The band continued to captivate with the infectious rhythm of “Shantytown.” Next came a delightful surprise came in the form of “New Hampshire Jam,” a composition specially crafted for the night, paying homage to the festival’s location.
The energy soared even higher with “Valley of the Jig,” a fan-favorite that ignited the dance floor with its infectious beats and catchy melodies. The band showcased their versatility and tight musicianship, captivating the crowd for the duration of the epic 13-minute performance. The frame was rounded out as the band launched into “Black And White,” then “One Step Closer.” Special guest Jennifer Hartswick then joined on trumpet to close out the set with “Rosie.”
The stage was set for a remarkable second set, introduced by an exhilarating “Intro Set Two.” The crowd erupted with excitement as String Cheese Incident launched into their rendition of The Jackson 5’s “Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground),” which was driven by Jennifer Hartswick’s captivating vocals and trumpet skills and Goose’s Jeff Arevalo’s expert percussion.
The band continued to dazzle with the enchanting “Beautiful,” a melodic masterpiece that showcased the band’s ability to create transcendent musical moments. “Sirens,” a classic fan favorite, followed, immersing the crowd in a mesmerizing blend of intricate rhythms and soulful melodies. Next came a freewheeling improvisation of “Swanzey Jam” that allowed each band member to shine. The crowd’s energy reached new heights as The String Cheese Incident transitioned into “Looking Glass.”
“It Is What It Is” followed, a captivating composition that showcased the band’s ability to create a musical tapestry of emotions, weaving together moments of introspection and pure sonic bliss. The audience was then treated to a delightful rendition of “This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody),” a Talking Heads cover that had everyone singing and dancing along.
The band continued to explore new sonic territories with the improvisational delights of “Heads Up Jam” and “Northlands Jam.” These jams allowed each band member to showcase their virtuosity and creative synergy, resulting in an unforgettable musical experience.
To close out the show on a high note, String Cheese Incident unleashed “BollyMunster,” a fusion of bluegrass, funk, and world music that had the entire crowd bouncing and celebrating the night’s musical journey.
As the final notes of “BollyMunster” rang through the festival grounds, the crowd erupted in thunderous applause and cheers, their energy reflecting the unforgettable night they had just experienced.
The String Cheese Incident are set to bring people together at Electric Forest 2023 starting tonight.
The String Cheese Incident
Northlands Music Festival – Swanzey, N.H.
June 17, 2023
Set I: Intro, Sweet Spot, Rain, Shantytown, New Hampshire Jam, Valley of the Jig, Black And White, One Step Closer, Rosie (featuring Jennifer Hartswick on trumpet)
Set II: Intro Set Two, Shake Your Body (Down To The Ground), (featuring Jennifer Hartswick on lead vocals & trumpet, and Jeff Arevalo of Goose on percussion), Beautiful, Sirens, Swanzey Jam, Looking Glass, It Is What It Is, This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody), Heads Up Jam, Northlands Jam, BollyMunster
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