Ratdog and String Cheese Incident played two nights at the famed Radio City Music Hall in New York City on July 13th and 14th, 2006. Anticipation was high on Friday both inside and outside the legendary venue. Happy fans were gathered amid a few looking for their miracle ticket. Radio City Music Hall opened in December of 1932 and many greats have graced its stage. Radio City has excellent acoustics and a rich history. A hint of herb was in the air as we found our seats amongst the dancing crowd. Many Deadheads were already on their feet and swaying in the aisles for Ratdog who promptly took the stage at seven.

Bob Weir quietly but confidently walked the members of Ratdog, all seasoned and talented players in their own right, through a career spanning set. Bob still holds true to the tradition of expanding and imploding jams but Ratdog contributes their own unique contemporary spin to the music with their whimsical jazz elements. Some Dead songs now have bluegrass tones but spacey jams are also still a part of the mix.

The Ratdog set opened instrumentally flowing into "Casey Jones" and a colorful "Minglewood Blues". Slowing it down a bit Ratdog played an innovative version of "She Belongs to Me/Brown Eyed Women". "Crazy Fingers/Big Iron" was a highlight, drawing insane reactions from longtime fans as it swept through a number of musical moods.

"Victim or the Crime" had just the right blend of edginess combined with far out jams to keep everyone rocking in the rafters of the venerable Radio City. This classic was well executed and flow into a number of favorites from the early day's including "Uncle John's Band" and an incredible "The Other One".

As the familiar strains of "Uncle John's Band" echoed through the hall Kweevak said he felt a bit choked up at the moment for a few reasons. First off, it was another poignant reminder that Jerry is still gone. But, Bobby's band just sounded great and as an observer watching the packed house sing along, you got the feeling that Ratdog could soon transition into larger arenas to further their musical journey. So, it was sadness coupled with pride for Mr. Weir's band that made this the first emotional highpoint of the night.

"The Other One" was an anthemic epic that was a dynamic trip as it explored a diverse range of textures and tones. As the music played suns and circles of lights were spinning on the ceiling. Close to the end of the jam Bob briefly left the stage allowing Ratdog to direct the music, which moved into a tribal jazz improv with heavy drums.

Ratdog handled "Sugaree" well but we still missed Jerry's familiar vocals. Yet, it's wonderful to hear and experience these songs, knowing that Weir and other members of the Grateful Dead continue to pay tribute and nurture their music with new players who bring fresh energy and excitement to these time tested classics. Returning to an up-beat tempo, Ratdog rocked out on "Throwing Stones" to the delight of many dancing Deadheads adding to the festive atmosphere of the evening.

Yet, with all the somber events going on in the world, Bob in his own unique way ended the set on a serious note. He introduced longtime freinds of The Dead - The Persuasions, five soulful vocalists - as they joined Ratdog on Liberty followed by a moving acapella version of "Black Muddy River" - closing out Ratodog's set on what was for us the second emotional high of the night.

Ratdog was joined onstage by The Persausions!

After a half an hour for the set change Colorado's String Cheese Incident took the stage by 9:30pm saying, "Hello and let's give if up for Ratdog!"

SCI started their set off strong with "Way Back Home". The song has a funky, island flavor enhanced by various tempos and vocals. The light effects from the stage added to the mesmerizing impact of the song. In the meantime, the audience was clapping along and tapping the occasional balloons that were floating about. Also during the SCI set, light sticks were tossed out into the crowd by the bundles.

SCI's music has roots in many genres including mountain bluegrass, Afro-pop rhythms, Latin, Calypso and traditional American rock. All sounds subtly find their way into The String Cheese Incident repertoire - expanding and evolving with their original approach.

"Restless Wind" is a jam that kept building momentum from the upbeat, slightly bluegrass rhythm lead by the violin going through an effect box. The song was dynamic and soared as the rapid rhythm kept growing. "Sometime a River" had a thick sound with the drums and percussion setting the tone as the rest of the band contributed to the jam along with the singing of the hook line.

Masters of improvisation, The String Cheese Incident performed a diverse blend of their signature songs building on their reputation for outstanding live shows. Their animated set included "Pack It Up", "Looking Glass", "Billy Slide Jam", "Dudley's Kitchen", "Elephant Stepped on my Foot/Miss Brown's Teahouse", "Middle Eastern Jam" and "Land's End".

For the third and final heart-tugging high of the night SCI and Ratdog had planned a special tribute to the recently passed rock pioneer from Pink Floyd, Syd Barret. Members of Ratdog joined SCI for an imaginative cover of Pink Floyd's "Shine on You Crazy Diamond" and the classic "I Know You Rider". This confluence of the two bands was one of the most talked about rock events of the week and many fans of the bands were already referring to this incarnation of jam-ecstasy as "Cheese Dog" - and everyone knows that there's nothing better than a cheese dog on the streets of New York in the summertime!

SCI closed the concert on a high note with "Rollin in my Sweet Baby's Arms". The Ratdog/String Cheese Incident concert was a midsummer's night dream pairing. Both bands featured veteran players who still bring expertise, fun and innovation and to the music.

String Cheese Incident closed the second show at Radio City Music Hall!

Originally Published: 07/17/2006 on Kweevak.com

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