The Schwag look to cash in on Cape scene

Unless you're a hippy, hipster, journalist with gonzo tendencies or rock party fiend -- or hang out with any of those -- the name The Schwag probably means nothing to you.

There are two meanings: one is a slang term for marijuana, the other is one of the biggest Grateful Dead tribute bands in the Midwest.

But you may soon be hearing more about The Schwag, the band that is. In the past year they've increased their profile in Southeast Missouri with two shows in Cape Girardeau, one of them a two-night stint at The Camp this summer. Now The Schwag is returning Nov. 26, and they're looking to make Cape Girardeau a frequent stop.

"Oddly enough, even though we're from Missouri we had never played Cape until the past year," said Schwag frontman Jimmy Tebeau. "No one had called us from Cape, but the owner at Port Cape called us and wanted us to come down. We went down and oddly enough, it like, filled to capacity."

The band's two-night stint at The Camp went equally well, said Tebeau.

The Schwag has been packing out shows in Missouri and other Midwestern states for years. Their primary fanbase is in the St. Louis area, but they're far from just a bar band. The group's true claim to fame has been the phenomenon known as Schwagstock.

Schwagstock, as the name implies, is an outdoor festival held over a weekend, several of which take place each spring, summer and fall. Those who have been to one are familiar with the experience -- a surreal atmosphere with thousands of hippies and others on a chemically influenced vacation.

Since last year, Schwagstocks have been held at the band's own land called Zoe, near Salem, Mo. To Tebeau and friends, it's a piece of paradise.

So is playing the festivals, which have drawn 20,000 this year.

The band's sets at Schwagstock are a little different from the club fare, allowing the Schwag to tackle more ballads and long jams.

"When you're able to lay down on a blanket under the stars and close your eyes, it's a little bit different," said Tebeau. "And people are making a commitment to drive all the way out in the middle of nowhere to see the band.

"The club shows are a little more rocking, but the Schwagstocks rock bigger and harder."

Tebeau said the band hopes to bring its played-down club act to Cape more often, maybe once every two or three months like in other markets.

Cape got in just in time. The band is trying not to take on new markets now, because attendance at current shows keeps going up. Saturation is the key for the Schwag, and Cape is a target.

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Just the facts:

What: The Schwag

When: Nov. 26, 9 p.m.

Where: The Camp