The String Cheese Incident began its fall tour over the weekend at Chicagos Aragon Ballroom. Saturday highlights included the second set opening stretch from Best Feeling into Desert Dawn as well as an extended encore that featured segues from Amazing Grace into Missin’ Me into Salt Creek, followed by the bands take on Texas. One notable aspect of Friday’s show is that during the band’s encore Bill Nershi and Michael Travis emerged as a duo to perform ‘Elvis’ Wild Ride’ before the entire band delivered Round The Wheel.
Also on Friday, Groovatron offered a three hour night set at Chicagos Kinetic Playground. Travis then had an hand in this encore as well, as he and Jason Haan appeared, with SCI’s drummer picking up a bass and Hann adding percussion. The two joined in for spirited versions of Groovatron originals ‘Crazy’ and ‘El Guapo.’ The latter tune featured a toe-to-toe bass duel featuring Travis and Groovatron’s Tony Qualls. Additional collaboration is possible this Wednesday with both groups in Louisville where the String Cheese Incident will perform at the Palace Theatre, and Groovatron has a late night show at Headliner’s Music Hall.