It’s not often that jam bands grace the world-class performing-arts center in Newark, NJ, known as NJPAC. On June 17, 2025, The String Cheese Incident performed inside the stunning 2,800-capacity Prudential Hall, which bears a slight resemblance to The Met in Philadelphia, albeit considerably smaller. Not only was this their first performance at the venue, it was also their first show in the Garden State’s largest city. The lucky fans in attendance were rewarded with an old-school throwdown that featured plenty of deep jams as well as a few new tunes.
The fun started with a quick discussion about guitarist Billy Nershi’s New Jersey origins, a topic that invariably arises whenever the band plays in the state. The boys got cooking early with “Outside and Inside,” from their 2002 release Outside Inside. Keyboardist Kyle Hollingsworth laid down a vibrant build-up, while Keith Moseley brought his stellar vocals during “Can’t Stop Now.”
This led into the setlist rarity “Turn This Around,” which contained a nice mix of darkness and light. Last played on March 8, 2025, in Aspen, CO—and absent from their repertoire for six years before that—the tune benefited from multi-instrumentalist Michael Kang’s early A-game, complemented by Moseley’s darker, bass-driven undertones. Nershi contrasted these textures with lighter acoustic-guitar flourishes. The new song “Crazy Angel” followed.
The funky, dance-inducing jam vehicle “Eye Know Why” was up next, propelled by dynamic, racing beats from drummer Michael Travis. Classic Cheese tune “Round the Wheel,” from their 1998 release of the same name, closed out the set. This tasty jam led into some incredible prog-rock-inspired peaks courtesy of Kang.
A 15-minute “Sweet Spot” kicked off set two and included more stellar bass-thumping from Moseley. A mellow “I Will Follow You” followed, decorated nicely by Hollingsworth’s synth work. Old-school jam monster “Texas,” from their 1997 debut Born on the Wrong Planet, quickly emerged, providing the perfect launching pad for the reggae-inspired jam that ensued.
The bubbly, island-themed “Manga” followed and saw Kang switch to violin while percussionist Jason Hann showcased his skills on the congas. They then shifted gears into a 15-minute “Looking Glass,” another throwback—this time from 2003’s Untying the Not. The one-two punch of Kang and Hollingsworth yielded an ominous jam well worth a re-listen.
The energy carried into the newer tune “Roll Around the Sun.” All six band members were firing on all cylinders as the jam soared to new heights before a creative segue into the timeless “Rivertrance.” This reworked traditional bluegrass tune has been an SCI staple for nearly the band’s entire career, and this version added modern overlay effects. Kang brought the tune home on fiddle as fans danced with smiles on their faces.
The show wasn’t over yet: the band returned for an encore with “Johnny Cash,” an infrequently played, bluegrass-inspired original that has been around since the early days. All told, it was quite a treat for the fortunate fans in attendance.
The String Cheese Incident tore up NJPAC with galvanized jams and an exciting song mix. They are back in a couple of weeks for a two night stand in New Braunfels, TX on July 11-12th. More Colorado dates follow with two nights at Red Rocks on July 18-19th, two nights in Vail, CO on August 8-9th and a singleton in Grand Junction, CO on August 10th. Afterwards, the band heads to the mid-west with shows in Cleveland Heights, OH, Grand Rapids, MI, and Eau Claire, Wi, Head on over to their tour page for more dates in your region.
Check out more photos from the show!
Band: String Cheese Incident
Date: June 17, 2025
Location: Newark, NJ
Venue: NJPAC
Set One: Outside And Inside, Can't Stop Now, Turn This Around, Crazy Angel, Eye Know Why, 'Round the Wheel
Set Two: Sweet Spot, I Will Follow You, Texas, Manga, Looking Glass, Roll Around The Sun > Rivertrance
Encore: Johnny Cash
Set-list via friendsofcheese.com
