From playing local gigs at ski resorts in exchange for free lift tickets, the band is composed of Michael Kang (acoustic/electric mandolin, electric guitar, and violin), Michael Travis (drums and percussion), Bill Nershi (acoustic guitar, lap steel guitar, and electric slide guitar), Kyle Hollingsworth (piano, organ, Rhodes, and accordion), and Keith Moseley (bass guitar), and, in 2006, Jason Hann (auxiliary percussion).
The String Cheese Incident has been described as a democratic ensemble rather than a band, since all of the members contribute their own original compositions to the group’s burgeoning library and share the vocal burden on a number of cover versions as well as their own songs. If a de facto leader had to be named, such a title would probably fall upon Nershi, who is responsible for the bulk of the group’s original song library.
From their management, Madison House Inc.:
"The String Cheese Incident has emerged as one of America’s most significant independent bands. Born in 1993 in Colorado's Rocky Mountains, SCI has since released 6 albums, 3 DVDs and countless live recordings from their relentless tour schedule. Their 14 year history is packed full of surreal experiences, epic moments, groundbreaking involvement and huge accomplishments. They have been recognized for their commitment to musical creativity and integrity, for their community spirit, philanthropic endeavors, and for their innovative approach to the business of music.
When The String Cheese Incident’s growth first started gaining momentum over a decade ago, when the internet was just beginning to take hold and the major-label business model was failing, the band decided to make music on their own terms.
Since then, The String Cheese Incident has gone on to carve out a completely different approach to the business of music; they are truly pioneers of a new way of “making a band.” With the World Wide Web as their tool, SCI was among the first artists to disseminate information via the internet, such as tour dates, release information, and other news, to their growing fan base. Rather than doing business on such terms as “the bottom line,” The String Cheese Incident put their music and their fans first, opening companies of their own, including a ticketing company, a merchandise company and a fan travel agency, to best serve their community. The band’s record label, SCI Fidelity Records, has always operated under the same ideals. Even early on, SCI Fidelity embraced downloadable music and file sharing, delivering SCI’s “On the Road” series, where every show the band plays is made available for download on the internet. Whether they realized it at the time or not, The String Cheese Incident was inventing grassroots band development. Today, literally hundreds of bands are using some version of this same approach to building a band.
The String Cheese Incident’s commitment goes well beyond their immediate community, and even beyond the music community as a whole. Early on, the band took a serious interest in giving back to the communities that they visited, and they were among the first performers to encourage “Green” shows and tours. SCI’s support has helped give rise to such not-for-profit organizations as Conscious Alliance, Rock the Earth, and Head Count. In 2002, when the band’s right to sell tickets to their own shows became threatened by ticketing giant Ticketmaster, the band stood strong for the independent music community and filed a lawsuit against the company. All the while, The String Cheese Incident has stayed committed to music as a creative endeavor, not just in their recordings but also in their live performances. The list of SCI’s special guests and collaborators is long and diverse. Their annual events such as Horning’s Hideout, and holiday shows such as New Year’s and Halloween, have helped redefine the concert experience and has garnered the band a reputation as live music vibe innovators."
Some side groups are eoto, zilla with Jamie Janover, Zuvuya, Honkytonk Homeslice, Billy nershi's Plue Planet, Pangaea, The Trancident & Keller Williams with Moseley Droll and Sipe
Miss Brown's Teahouse
The String Cheese Incident Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Just walk slow across town until you reach Mrs. Brown's
There's no need to worry or be in a hurry
Just tell them you're lookin' and they'll get something cooking
Chorus:
Where you going man?
Mrs. Brown's
Where you going man?
Mrs. Brown's Teahouse
When your mind travels far, you're gonna look to the stars
Just be sure the beach is always in reach
The music is thumping and the people start jumping
Keep track of your friends, you're gonna need them in the end
Chorus
Grab a table in the sand and check out the reggae band
The red stripes all around while you soak up the sound
The waiter is moving like a robot is groovin'
I can't take it no more so I head for the shore
Chorus
Everybody got their own trip as you walk down the strip
Your life could be changed by a talk with a stranger
Someone told me a story they said that he knew me
He told me a rhyme that transcended on time, how we shared the same space,
Another time, another place
He spoke with a rush about how so many lives have been touched
I said, "I remember it well, just how it felt.
Like an arrow of love had been shot from above
Chorus
The String Cheese Incident's song Miss Brown's Teahouse is a narrative that takes listeners on a journey to a place where troubles cease to exist. The lyrics describe a utopian world where people can escape reality by indulging in the "potion" and heading to Mrs. Brown's Teahouse. The teahouse functions as a safe and welcoming space where one can seek refuge from the pressures of the world. The song suggests that one doesn't need to worry or rush but can take their time and enjoy what life has to offer.
The lyrics encourage people to look beyond themselves and connect with others. As the song progresses, it tells a story of a chance encounter with a stranger who shares a powerful story that transcends time and space. The idea of transcending time and space is further portrayed by the reggae band playing on the beach, creating an atmosphere of relaxation and connectedness. The lyrics suggest that this connection leads to transformation and personal growth.
Overall, The String Cheese Incident's Miss Brown's Teahouse is a song that invites listeners to take a break, leave their worries behind, and connect with other people. It emphasizes the importance of community, relaxation, and connectedness in a world where people often feel isolated and disconnected.
Line by Line Meaning
When you get the notion drink of that potion
When you feel like trying something new, be adventurous and take a sip of that potion.
Just walk slow across town until you reach Mrs. Brown's
Take your time and enjoy the journey until you arrive at Mrs. Brown's place.
There's no need to worry or be in a hurry
Stay calm and relax, there's no rush to get anywhere.
Just tell them you're lookin' and they'll get something cooking
Let them know what you want and they'll make sure to prepare it for you.
Chorus: Where you going man? Mrs. Brown's What you say? Where you going man? Mrs. Brown's Teahouse
The chorus is a reminder of the destination and the journey to Mrs. Brown's Teahouse.
When your mind travels far, you're gonna look to the stars
When you're lost in thought, you'll look up to the stars for guidance.
Just be sure the beach is always in reach
Make sure you're always grounded and have something familiar nearby to help you through your journey.
The music is thumping and the people start jumping
The energy is high and people are getting excited.
Keep track of your friends, you're gonna need them in the end
Make sure you don't lose track of the people you care about, they'll be there for you when you need them most.
Chorus
The chorus is repeated to emphasize the importance of the destination and the journey.
Grab a table in the sand and check out the reggae band
Find a comfortable spot on the beach and enjoy the reggae music.
The red stripes all around while you soak up the sound
Take in the atmosphere and enjoy the music while sipping on a Red Stripe beer.
The waiter is moving like a robot is groovin'
The waiter is so cool and collected, it's like he's a robot programmed to dance to the beat of the music.
I can't take it no more so I head for the shore
I'm so overwhelmed by the experience that I need to take a break and head towards the shore for some peace and quiet.
Chorus
The chorus is repeated to emphasize the importance of the destination and the journey.
Everybody got their own trip as you walk down the strip
Everyone has their own unique journey as they walk down this path.
Your life could be changed by a talk with a stranger
You never know how meeting someone new can change your life for the better.
Someone told me a story they said that he knew me
A stranger told me a tale that resonated with me, like they knew me and understood my journey.
He spoke with a rush about how so many lives have been touched
The stranger spoke with urgency about how many lives have been positively impacted by Mrs. Brown's Teahouse.
I said, "I remember it well, just how it felt.
I recall the feeling of joy and positivity that Mrs. Brown's Teahouse brings, as if it were yesterday.
Like an arrow of love had been shot from above
The happiness and love that Mrs. Brown's Teahouse brings feels like it was sent from a higher power.
Chorus
The chorus is repeated to emphasize the importance of the destination and the journey.
Contributed by Colton M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Dana Wright
on Water
“Phosphorescent, luminescent, nature’s show astounds me”
Dana Wright
on Water
“Cicadas, in minor, all sing a melody so inventing” 100% correct.