Cake has always been a band that thrives on quirk, clever arrangements, and that unmistakable deadpan delivery from John McCrea. Their performance at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica in September 2023 was a testament to exactly why the band has remained a beloved act for decades. The open-air venue on the waterfront offered the perfect backdrop for an evening of genre-bending rock, funky rhythms, and sarcastic humor, all hallmarks of the Cake experience.
From the moment the band took the stage, it was clear that the audience was in for something unique. Fans ranged from longtime devotees sporting vintage Cake shirts to younger attendees discovering the band for the first time. The energy was palpable, yet unlike a high-octane rock show, Cake cultivates a more wry, playful atmosphere where smirks, head-nods, and spontaneous laughter are just as important as the music itself.
Setlist and Flow
Setlist:
Set 1:
War (Vince DiCola song)
Frank Sinatra
Walk on By
Opera Singer
Rock ‘n’ Roll Lifestyle
Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps (Osvaldo Farrés cover)
Long Time
Stickshifts and Safetybelts
Sick of You
Set 2:
Tree Giveaway Intermission (Peach tree awarded to Ashley)
Sheep Go to Heaven
Meanwhile, Rick James…
Jolene
Never There
Short Skirt/Long Jacket
The Distance
Encore:
War Pigs (Black Sabbath cover)
Mr. Mastodon Farm
I Will Survive (Gloria Gaynor cover)
Opening With a Punch
The concert kicked off with “War,” a Vince DiCola cover that immediately set the tone for the night: unexpected, a little off-kilter, and fully engaging. John McCrea’s vocals were spot-on, delivering every sarcastic inflection with the precision Cake fans have come to expect. The band sounded tight from the start, each member locked into the groove, and the trumpet and percussion elements gave the performance that distinct Cake flavor—sly, rhythmic, and undeniably catchy.
Following up with “Frank Sinatra” and “Walk on By,” the audience was treated to some of the band’s more familiar tracks. McCrea’s conversational delivery of lyrics, paired with the band’s tight instrumentation, made it feel like a dialogue between the stage and the audience rather than a traditional performance. The crowd responded eagerly, nodding along, clapping in time, and occasionally laughing at McCrea’s dry humor between songs.
“Opera Singer” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Lifestyle” further demonstrated Cake’s mastery of blending satire, funk, and rock. The bass lines were punchy and melodic, the guitar riffs minimalist but effective, and McCrea’s vocals floated above the music in a way that was effortless yet commanding. By this point, the audience was fully immersed, ready for whatever the band would throw at them next.
Cover Songs and Quirky Interludes
Cake is known for its eclectic choice of covers, and this show was no exception. “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps” brought a Latin flair to the evening, with McCrea’s phrasing adding a playful spin to the classic Osvaldo Farrés tune. The band’s arrangement turned it into a Cake-style groove, with the muted trumpet, funky bass, and steady drumbeat giving the song a fresh, slightly sardonic edge.
“Long Time” and “Stickshifts and Safetybelts” kept the momentum rolling with tight grooves and infectious hooks. The band’s precision and timing were impeccable; every drum fill and guitar line served the song without ever feeling overproduced. “Sick of You” closed the first set on a punchy, snarky note, perfectly encapsulating the blend of humor, cynicism, and musicality that defines Cake.
The Peach Tree Intermission
One of the most memorable parts of the night was the so-called “Tree Giveaway Intermission,” in which a peach tree was awarded to a lucky audience member, Ashley. This oddball moment perfectly illustrated Cake’s sense of humor and their willingness to break the conventional rules of a rock show. Rather than being a standard break, it became part of the performance—a shared, quirky experience between the band and the audience. It’s these small, unpredictable touches that make a Cake concert feel personal and entirely their own.
Second Set: Hits, Deep Cuts, and Unexpected Twists
The second set opened with “Sheep Go to Heaven,” one of Cake’s more beloved tracks. The song’s ironic lyrics combined with the melodic trumpet lines created a slightly melancholic yet strangely uplifting atmosphere. It was followed by “Meanwhile, Rick James…” which brought a funk-driven, almost theatrical flair to the evening. The band’s playful approach was on full display, encouraging smiles and laughter from the crowd.
“Jolene”—their take on the classic Dolly Parton hit—was a standout moment. Cake transformed the country classic into a moody, almost gothic tune, layered with trumpet accents and groovy bass lines. McCrea’s vocal delivery added a sardonic twist to the heartbreak inherent in the lyrics, keeping the performance both familiar and freshly unique.
“Never There” and “Short Skirt/Long Jacket” showcased Cake’s knack for blending storytelling, social commentary, and rhythmic ingenuity. The audience was fully engaged, singing along with the choruses, while the band’s syncopated beats and minimalist guitar lines drove the songs forward.
By the time “The Distance” came on, the energy was at its peak. This track, one of Cake’s most recognizable, had everyone singing along. McCrea’s phrasing, coupled with the signature trumpet line and punchy percussion, made it a satisfying climax to the main set.
Encore: Bold and Unexpected
The encore opened with “War Pigs,” a Black Sabbath cover that was both heavy and cleverly Cake-ified. The band slowed down the tempo slightly, adding their trademark ironic touch while still respecting the power of the original. McCrea’s vocals carried the dark, apocalyptic mood of the song, while the band added subtle nuances to make it entirely their own.
“Mr. Mastodon Farm” brought back the humor and quirk, with playful lyrics and bouncy rhythms that reminded everyone why Cake is as much a performance art project as it is a band.
Finally, “I Will Survive” closed the night on a triumphant, communal note. Cake’s version of the Gloria Gaynor classic was infused with subtle irony, yet completely infectious. The audience sang, clapped, and danced along, ending the night with smiles, laughter, and a sense of shared experience that only a Cake concert can provide.
Musicianship and Performance
What stands out most about Cake live is their precision and chemistry. Each member contributes to the distinct sound—McCrea’s vocals and rhythm guitar, the muted trumpet, the tight bass lines, and the understated but effective drumming. They move fluidly between styles, from funk to rock to Latin-inspired grooves, without ever losing cohesion.
John McCrea remains an exceptional frontman. His timing, phrasing, and deadpan delivery elevate the band’s witty lyrics, and his interaction with the audience—through subtle gestures, comments, or the occasional sarcastic aside—makes the experience feel intimate despite the large venue. His trumpet-playing interludes and rhythmic guitar work provide texture and depth, ensuring that every song has layers to appreciate.
The band as a whole is extraordinarily tight. Their arrangements are minimalist but never sparse, leaving space for each instrument while maintaining an irresistible groove. The precision with which they execute every riff, horn line, and drum fill shows a level of musicianship that elevates their clever, ironic songwriting into a fully realized live performance.
Audience Engagement
Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica, with its waterfront location and open-air seating, creates a communal concert experience. The audience was fully present, reacting to jokes, singing along to every familiar chorus, and embracing the band’s idiosyncrasies. Cake thrives in this environment—their music is playful, ironic, and clever, and the audience responded in kind. The peach tree giveaway became a highlight, eliciting laughter and applause, and moments like the cover of “I Will Survive” turned the crowd into active participants in the show.
Highlights and Memorable Moments
Several moments stood out as particularly memorable from the evening:
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“Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps” for the band’s inventive reinterpretation of a classic Latin tune.
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“Jolene” for transforming a country standard into a darkly playful Cake original.
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“The Distance” for its crowd participation and infectious rhythm.
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“War Pigs” for the unexpected but brilliant Cake twist on a heavy metal classic.
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The Tree Giveaway Intermission, which perfectly captured the band’s irreverent humor and connection to the audience.
Throughout the night, the setlist’s balance between hits, deep cuts, and covers kept the audience engaged and surprised, never letting the performance feel predictable.
Final Thoughts
Cake at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica in September 2023 was a masterclass in what makes the band unique. Their blend of humor, musical skill, genre-blending, and McCrea’s unmistakable delivery creates an experience that is equal parts performance art, rock concert, and communal celebration.
Every song felt deliberate, every musical choice purposeful, and every moment infused with the band’s quirky personality. From the opening “War” to the closing “I Will Survive,” the show was entertaining, intelligent, and thoroughly engaging. Cake reminded everyone why they remain a distinctive, vital, and beloved act in alternative rock.
Jacobs Pavilion provided the perfect backdrop for the evening. The open-air venue allowed the band’s clever arrangements, muted trumpet lines, and intricate rhythms to resonate fully, while the audience’s energy created a feedback loop that elevated every performance.
By the end of the night, it was clear that Cake isn’t just a band you listen to—they’re a band you experience. The music, the humor, the quirky interludes, and the communal energy all combined to create an unforgettable evening.
For fans old and new, Cake at Jacobs Pavilion was a reminder that live music can be both clever and fun, precise and playful. John McCrea and his band proved once again that they are masters of their craft, delivering a concert that was as unique, witty, and musically satisfying as any of their recorded work. It was a night of sharp lyrics, impeccable musicianship, and unmistakable Cake charm—a concert that left the audience grinning, singing, and thinking about it long after the lights went down.