The String Cheese Announce Campout in the Pines Will Return, Revist Classic Covers During Halloween Run

The String Cheese Incident (SCI) is set to revive its popular Campout in the Pines festival in August 2027, marking a continued tradition that has become a highlight for fans of the band and the jam scene. Scheduled for the 13th and 14th at the Pines Music Park in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the 2027 installment promises another memorable gathering, with a full lineup expected to be revealed in November.

The Campout in the Pines event first launched in August 2025, featuring a diverse roster including Del McCoury Band, The Travelin' McCourys, STS9, and Feed The Talking Dog. The following year saw the festival's return, welcoming acts such as Leftover Salmon, Lettuce, Eggy, and Dogs in a Pile, reinforcing SCI's commitment to blending bluegrass, jam, and electronic influences within this curated experience.

Aside from festival news, The String Cheese Incident recently concluded a two-night Halloween residency at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York. These shows followed their debut performance at the Providence Performing Arts Center, where they incorporated a unique collaboration with the Providence Drum Troupe. This segment segued into covers of The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army" and Eurythmics' "Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)," tunes the band had previously performed only once before, underscoring their selective approach to cover songs.

The Halloween run also featured a rendition of Talking Heads' "Nothing But Flowers," a nod to the band's Rhode Island roots and a song SCI had played recently in June 2023. The mix of covers alongside original material highlights SCI's willingness to explore diverse influences while maintaining their improvisational style.

During the Capitol Theatre shows, the band showcased their dynamic range by opening one night with an acoustic "Living Room" setup, transitioning to electric instrumentation mid-performance. Their second set included an intricate 76-minute sequence of seven songs flowing seamlessly, a testament to their jam band credentials and technical prowess.

Notably, the band revisited "Fire on the Mountain"—a Grateful Dead classic—on the anniversary of Jerry Garcia’s passing, a song they have selectively integrated into their repertoire since its debut performance in 1998. The Halloween set also featured an inventive medley weaving "Miss Brown’s Teahouse" with Ray Parker Jr.’s "Ghostbusters," a rare pairing last seen in 2014 at Hulaween.

Further diversifying their set, SCI performed the Rolling Stones' "Sympathy For The Devil," a song they had not played since 2019, aside from its appearance at last year's Hulaween festival. Such choices signal the band's engagement with rock and jam band traditions, while offering fans unexpected musical moments.

The evening culminated in a symbolic encore where the members donned New York Knicks Jerry Garcia T-shirts, commemorating a historic NBA Finals comeback. This gesture connected the band's cultural identity with a significant sports milestone, resonating with the local audience.

Following these performances, The String Cheese Incident plans a brief hiatus before appearing in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Meanwhile, anticipation builds for the official 2027 Campout in the Pines lineup, as fans eagerly await the full announcement.

Relix.com reports that while the details of the 2027 festival lineup remain undisclosed, the event’s previous iterations suggest a blend of established jam and bluegrass artists that complement SCI’s eclectic style. This ongoing festival series exemplifies The String Cheese Incident’s role in fostering community and musical exploration within the jam band circuit.

In summary, The String Cheese Incident continues to balance festival curation with innovative live performances, reaffirming their stature in contemporary American jam music. Their selective cover choices and extended improvisational sets demonstrate a commitment to both honoring musical heritage and pushing creative boundaries.