The String Cheese Incident teamed up with 97.3 KBCO-FM, the 1st Bank Center and Big Gigantic to host a top ten musical moment for 2016.

As a warm up for NYE, both bands worked behind the scenes to practice and rehearse joint material for a hometown concert on December 29, 2016. Both bands practice and keep a strong fanbase in the Denver, Colorado area.

The String Cheese Incident from NYE 2016 run at the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, Colorado on December 29, 2016. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

The venue was a mid-size to a large arena that holds 7,500 guests. It was filled about 3/4 for the Thursday night performance. This would be my first time attending a show at the 1st Bank Center. Overall, I enjoyed the quality of sound for an indoor facility.

Entertainment for the evening included one opening set from The String Cheese Incident, as well as an entire set of the Big Gigantic Incident.

The String Cheese Incident setlist from NYE 2016 run at the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, Colorado on December 29, 2016. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

Browse over the setlist from the first set featuring The String Cheese Incident. It showcased new and older material. The Colorado crowd sung along, and danced with one another. The level of comradery and high spirits in the venue created an excellent atmosphere to kick off the NYE weekend.

Within the band itself, the level of comradery is undeniable. One example, Kyle Hollingsworth keyboardist for SCI, injured his hand before the set of shows. Instead of sitting it out, he performed with an injured hand. Not only did he perform with an injured hand, he also teased the Star Wars theme to honor the passing of Carrie Fisher.

It was a class act from the hair buns in Jason Hann’s hair, to the light show with Star Wars inspired visuals, and the music layered into their set.

The Big Gigantic Incident

During the second set of live music, the String Cheese Incident invited Big Gigantic to share the stage with them for an entire set.

At Hulaween 2016, a few of the members from the String Cheese Incident performed with Big Gigantic and the Motet on stage. It was good, but overall, I think the setup with just two bands captures the collaboration process best overall.

With both bands sharing the stage for a special incident, I was assuming that it would be similar to the Keller Williams Incident I attended at Bonnaroo 2002. During that performance, SCI and Keller played songs from each band’s catalog. The Big Gigantic Incident set started off heavy with SCI music.

The String Cheese Incident with Big Gigantic from NYE 2016 run at the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, Colorado on December 29, 2016. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

I personally loved the method in which the bands waited to get into the Big Gigantic material. Overall, I love both styles of music, but Big Gigantic produces a higher energy, more electronic type of music that amps up a live audience. During the Big Gigantic set, the two acts were performing ‘Jellyfish’ and went into Big Gigantic’s ‘Come On’ and I felt that it was one of the most exciting transitions in music for 2016.

The vibe in the arena went from a chill and mellow overtone, to a Rowdytown dance hall within one song. It felt like moments I’ve experienced at Jazz Fest and Bonnaroo, but this was taking place just outside of Denver. I felt a transition in music culture take place in a way. New Orleans will always be the home of musical collaboration, but SCI and Big Gigantic, along with the Colorado crowd, gave the music mecca of New Orleans a run of its money on Thursday night.

The String Cheese Incident with Big Gigantic from NYE 2016 run at the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, Colorado on December 29, 2016. Photo by: Matthew McGuire

Below is a collection of NYE videos featuring The String Cheese Incident at the 1st Bank Center in Broomfield, Colorado. The band will be performing tonight with The Floozies and three sets tomorrow evening to celebrate 2016. Grab tickets via the band’s main website.