Photo Credit: Erik Kabik

After five years of fevered anticipation, Bender Jamboree has finally returned. Staging at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino in Las Vegas from Sept. 12-15, this year’s Sin City sensation revives its thrilling four-day program with some of the biggest names in jam, bluegrass and their broader musical orbits. Attendees to the completely sold-out festival faced a warm welcome on day one, with the first two sets from The String Cheese Incident out of six total through the weekend.

The second of these sets featured an unbelievable, yet perfectly suited surprise: when the six-piece scene mainstay walked back onto the stage for another bout, they strutted out alongside the iconic Wayne Newton. Mr. Las Vegas himself led the band through a roaring rendition of “Viva Las Vegas,” complete with a pair of brilliantly feathered showgirls on either end of the stage. Beyond the SCI sit-in bound to make the book, fans were treated to performances from Jimmy Does Jerry, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, DJ Logic, George Porter Jr. & The Runnin’ Pardners, League of Sound Disciples and two Open Pickin’ Circles hosted by Timber! After night one, everyone left feeling mighty lucky and ready to keep the hot streak rolling through Sunday.

Get an inside look at Thursday’s spectacle below, courtesy of Erik Kabik, Paul Citone, Chris Baldwin and Bender Jamboree. For more information on the festival, visit benderjamboree.com.