The opener of Lester Had a Coconut and the Orange Blossom Special really stood out, as each musician from both bands had a chance to shine. Ronnie McCoury was even sporting a cape, which just goes to show that he knew this wasn’t your average wooded party. This mini acoustic set was followed by a major highlight of the weekend for me. Col. Bruce Hampton joined all these musicians for a rousing Fixin’ to Die that showcased his unique way of phrasing and directing a song with so many talented musicians behind him. SCI, the Travelin’ McCourys and Col. Bruce Hampton all together on stage was more that I could have hoped for as this weekend began, and it was a very special moment that I will hold on tight to deep in my memory banks.
After SCI wished all the guests well, they continued on with their set. Two major highlights for the rest of the set was the Lost which was tight and groovin’, and the crowd favorite San Jose, where Kyle fully adorned in his cow costume instructed the fans to shout “moooo!” instead of “woooo!” at the shout along section of the song, which was quite funny. This may have been the tightest played set of the weekend, and they were far from done with us.
The second set took off where the first set left off with an appropriate Shantytown opener. Rumors have it that this song was written about the magic that takes place in the Oregon woods of either the Oregon Country Fair or Horning’s Hideout, and being privy to both of these wondrous places, I have to agree with the line that says, “feel the magic of this place.” because I absolutely do! This led to a quick taste of Santana’s Gypsy Queen which transitioned into a huge and jammed out Howard which all together clocked in at about 30 minutes. The Cheese was fully hitting their stride, and they laid a pretty convincing argument that night three may have been the best pure String Cheese show of the weekend.
On top of all the other reasons to celebrate, it was hard not to take notice that today was Jerry Garcia’s birthday. SCI has never shied away from acknowledging the impact that the Grateful Dead had on the jam scene, so to honor Jerry, they called up Scott Law to join in for a smoking rendition of the Dead classic Eyes of the World. It seemed like a perfect song to honor the man, and especially so when the line of “sometimes the songs that we hear are just songs of our own” rang out through the crowd creating smiles, cheers and shouts of jubilation. Scott stayed on for a rocking version of Outside and Inside which ended the set on a high note.
They encored with Keller Williams’ Best Feeling and Good Times Around the Bend both of which conveyed some of the emotions felt by all after this incredible weekend. The Horning’s experience itself may have contained the best feelings in the world, but as we say goodbye remember there are good times around the bend, and we hope to do it all over again next year. All I know is if they build it, I will come.
