Review: String Cheese Incident at Salvage Station — Night 1

Pulling into Salvage Station for the first night of String Cheese Incident’s three-night run on May 4 was the most stressful part of the evening as the main parking lot was full. Since this was regrettably my first time at this outdoor venue, I wasn’t sure what to expect and worried it would be crowded and hectic. Once I found a legal spot, it was only a short walk to the box office where my anxiety was quickly erased by the friendliest people offering help, directions, advice, and only a fleeting warning about photography guidelines. (“Don’t be stupid and no flash!”) 

Once inside the grounds, I was greeted by happy concert-goers enjoying the many different areas inside, with the music of SCI comfortably heard from any location inside the barricade. The main stage had a large semi-circle of dancing fans, but there was also plenty of seating at the main building. There were also people on blankets relaxing, an angelic fan with LED wings, and people grooving from one food truck to the next. 

While the parking was crowded, the dance floor was surprisingly spacious. Up close to the stage was tightly packed, but as I moved through the crowd, I was pleased that I never felt crowded, and there was always room to move and groove. SCI played two sets, one starting at 6:30 p.m., and the next around 8, but the music was still going strong when I left to get some rest at 9:30. Hours of dancing is sure to work up an appetite, but also can lead to exhaustion, and I was pleased to see a well staffed medical tent, but it seemed to be simply a precaution as it was not treating anyone while I was there.

Oh, right, I wasn't there to review the medical tent. I was there to see a jam band from Telluride, Colo. And jam they did! The songs flowed from one to another without a break, while the musicians played tirelessly. There were a few with lyrics, but also long segments of groove-inducing noodling that had me dancing even with my camera in hand. The music was paired with mesmerizing lights projected on the band members, the crowd, and even the trees that make up the backdrop of the stage. 

This is only the first of three nights that SCI will be playing at Salvage Station, and I will be there for the complete trilogy. I loved the music, but also the vibe of the chill crowd. Now that I’m familiar with the venue, I’m looking forward to a long summer of concerts by the river. See you on the dance floor!

(Photos by Arlo Abrams)