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Widespread Panic Bestows Ultimate Trust in New Orleans November 8, 2019 14:44
Words by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen
Photos by Craig Baird: Home Team Photography
Now that I’ve had several days to regroup, it seems fitting to sit down and revisit last weekend’s Halloween festivities with Widespread Panic. After 18 years of seeing this band, I finally had the opportunity to make this special tradition a priority. Halloween is always amongst the biggest annual events for any major touring act, and Widespread Panic never fails to deliver to its fervent fan base.
Speculation was rampant, as expected, leading into Thursday night’s show. Upon entering UNO Arena, fans were introduced to an elaborate stage setup, which included Christmas decorations, a taxi cab, a wrestling wring, and what appeared to be the back drop of a comedy club. We began wondering if these props could somehow be tied to Andy Kaufman, and this would prove to be the case later in the night. The band took the stage, and immediately invited NOLA’s own George Porter Jr. to join them on stage. Bassist Dave Schools let George take the lead on bass, while he focused his efforts on the rubber chicken, and the band appropriately kicked into The Meters’ “Chicken Strut.” They proceeded to get the entire room singing along for “Hey Pocky Way,” another Meters’ classic.
The first set continued with The Talking Heads’ “Papa Legba,” and originals such as “One Arm Steve,” “Love Tractor,” “Hatfield,” “All Time Low,” and “Pilgrims” would follow. It had been two and a half years since the last cover of James Taylor’s “Knockin’ Round the Zoo” (JazzFest 2017), which made this set closer that much more raucous. The second set began with the theme to Mighty Mouse playing over the PA, before the band dropped into Bloodkin’s “Henry Parsons Died.” This was followed by a powerful “Surprise Valley” > “Arleen” > “Surprise Valley.” We stomped around the “Old Neighborhood” just before a rockin’ take on “Holden Oversoul.” The next bust out came in the form of Howlin’ Wolf’s “Spoonful” (LTP 10/08/14 Montgomery, AL), and “Tallboy” had the whole place going wild.
The Halloween antics really began taking shape from here. John Bell welcomed REM’s Mike Mills to the stage, and the debut of Lou Reef’s “Perfect Day” was a beautiful surprise. At some point, a man posted up at a small table on stage left, where he proceeded to eat a meal and drink wine. Two more debuts then surfaced in the form of David Bowie’s “Starman” and REM’s “Man on the Moon” both with the help of Mills on guitar/bass and Paul Agostino on keys. “Porch Song” was an absolutely perfect way to close out this set.
The encore was without a doubt one of the more interesting live music experiences of my life. The band returned to the stage with Mills and Agostino, while drummer Duane Trucks was on bass and Dave Schools front and center. I had absolutely no idea what was going on at the time, but Schools proceeded to inform us all that “I Trusted You” for the better part of five minutes (see video below). Two more highly obscure Andy Kaufman nods followed with “This Friendly World” and “Volare,” before tour manager Steve Lopez took the stage to ask the audience to please stop smoking in the building. This is when things got really bizarre.
John Bell invited the infamous Tony Clifton to the stage. I will go ahead and admit that I didn’t realize this was keyboardist JoJo Hermann until the following day. He began singing about “Tacos” being cheap, before a “heckler” started screaming obscenities at him. Clifton appeared to be fed up with said heckler, told her to suck one, and she jumped on stage to throw multiple drinks at the band. At this point, the band exited the stage, security escorted the woman off stage, the lights came on, and we all wondered, “what the fuck just happened?” The band would immediately offer an emphatic apology to the fans via social media, which proved to be all part of an extensive Andy Kaufman inspired Halloween gag. Like I said, it was an interesting night, but it was also pure genius, in my humble opinion.
Watch Widespread Panic perform "I Trusted You" here:
The Panic faithful had plenty to discuss leading into Friday night’s show. Was this the last of the shenanigans, or would this be a common theme throughout the weekend? We wouldn’t see any gags on night two, but Jesus Christ, did we get a hot show. The first set was one big “Bowlegged” > “Chilly Sandwich,” with tunes such as “”Little Lilly,” “Visiting Day,” “Walkin’ (For Your Love),” and “You Got Yours” thrown in the middle. JB had a slight technical malfunction during “Christmas Katie,” which left the frontman singing without his guitar for the first half of the song. The highlight of the set had to be the first “Entering a Black Hole Backwards” since 2014 dropping back into “Chilly Water,” which would then segue back into “Bowlegged.” That is Widespread Panic at its finest.
Everyone’s got their own opinion, but for me, the perfect Panic set begins with “Disco" > "Diner.” This smokin' set continued with “Blackout Blues,” “The Last Straw, and “Mercy,” before we got our first “Drums” of the weekend. They came back out guns blazing with “Chainsaw City” and “Four Cornered Room,” then “Jack” led straight into a “Red Hot Mama” from Louisiana that nearly brought the house down. The band revisited the 2017 Halloween show with The Dillards’ “There is a Time,” which was originally performed on the Andy Griffith Show, and Tom Petty’s “You Wreck Me” would put the finishing touches on a damn near flawless show.
I think we were all convinced that it was Sunday at this point, but fortunately, this run began on a Thursday night. What was left in the tank for Saturday? We were in for a treat…that’s for sure. We started with a flashback to Pulp Fiction when guitarist Jimmy Herring ripped into “Rumble,” an instrumental by Link Wray & His Ray Men. The set continued with Tom Waits’ “Goin’ Out West” and “Greta,” and “Climb to Safety” would follow. Being that this song has become somewhat of a Panic anthem (even though it’s Jerry Joseph’s song), it’s reputation is somewhat controversial. I, for one, will never get tired of hearing it. On this night, I experienced one of the more euphoric body highs of my life during the first chorus. Every hair of my body was standing on edge, and it felt really fucking good.
“Junior” and “Makes Sense to Me” were next on the list, just before one of the weekend’s most exciting moments. Dumpstaphunk’s Ivan Neville joined the band for an amazing sequence of “Sleepy Monkey” > “I Walk on Guilded Splinters” (Dr. John) > “Cream Puff War" (Grateful Dead). Does it get any hotter than that? The second set was equally as impressive. We were off to the races with “Radio Child” and “Thought Sausage.” Another bust out surfaced with John Lennon & Yoko Ono’s “The Ballad of John & Yoko.” “Honkey Red” set a super heavy, serious tone, before an absolutely perfect “Driving Song” was played. “Breathing Slow” led into another rager, “Impossible,” and Vampire Blues came next. “Pigeons” is always a treat, especially when “Papa’s Home” is looming in the distance. Trucks and percussionist Sonny Ortiz led us through another impressive “Drums,” which landed back into “Papa’s” just in time for a set closing “Action Man.”
While I’ve seen several nods to the late Col. Bruce Hampton, it had been about eight years (02/14/11) since I had seen Panic play “Basically Frightened.” This would begin the encore and lead perfectly into “Blue Indian.” It then appeared that “Postcard” would close out the weekend. Per usual, the entire building was ready to shout, “This town is nuts. My kind of place. I don’t ever wanna leave.” Not so fast, y’all. We were treated to a reprise of “I Trusted You,” and I’m not sure I’ve ever laughed so hard. Are you kidding me?
There were high expectations for my first Halloween with Panic, and this band never lets me down. What almost seemed like a page out of the Phish playbook made this weekend as unique as any I’ve experienced. These musical journeys always seem to leave us feeling recharged and grateful for this fortunate life we live. There is nothing I’d rather do than embark on a weekend of mayhem with some of the best friends you could ever ask for, along with one of the greatest bands to ever take the stage.
Members Of The Meters & Widespread Panic Announce Jazz Fest After Show January 10, 2017 13:43
It's that time of the year again, when all of the pieces for the annual New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (Jazz Fest) are beginning to fall into place. Foundation of Funk, which features George Porter Jr. and Zigaboo Modeliste (The Meters) teaming up with a rotating cast of musicians, has just revealed arguably its most exciting lineup to date. The supergroup will headline an official Jazz Fest after show at NOLA Republic on Thursday, May 4th with the help of Widespread Panic's Jimmy Herring and JoJo Hermann. This group of performers are certainly no strangers to the annual New Orleans celebration, as Porter and Zigaboo have been staples in the scene for decades, and Widespread Panic has performed at the festival a total of nine times.
This Foundation of Funk set will follow a previously announced Mardi Gras performance (Friday, February 24th) at Tipitinas, a night where the lineup will feature Anders Osborne and Jon Cleary. Tickets for Foundation of Funk with Jimmy Herring and JoJo Hermann will go on sale to the general public this Friday, January 13 at 11am. Fans can get a code for pre-sale tickets by signing up for the Nolafunk email list (those tickets will go on sale Wednesday, January 11 at 11am).
Watch Foundation of Funk (feat. Eric Krasno & Neal Evans of Soulive) perform at The Rex Theatre on 05.19.16 here:
Legendary James Brown Band Will Reunite In Charleston With Special Guests August 3, 2016 11:31
When James Brown passed away on December 25, 2006, he left a void in the entertainment world that will likely never be filled. Over the course of his 50 year recording and performing career, Mr. Brown literally changed the direction of popular music by forging his own path and constantly shattering previously held notions of what was acceptable. In so doing, he created a completely new sound and genre of music called Funk. He also garnered a reputation for having the tightest, most disciplined band in show business. In the 1960s, Mr. Brown released eleven instrumental albums showcasing his dynamic, constantly evolving band. During the 1970s, The JBs, as they were by then known, became a bona fide act in their own right, releasing numerous hit singles and several albums, while still cutting hit after hit backing Mr. Brown. Despite countless personnel and name changes, The James Brown Band continued to serve as a built-in opening act for the Godfather of Soul for the remainder of his career.
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The band that accompanied Mr. Brown throughout the 1990s and 2000s distinguished itself as one of the funkiest units he had ever assembled. This is the band that performed with Mr. Brown at many of the biggest shows of his entire career-Woodstock 99, Bonnaroo 2003, Glastonbury 2004, Royal Albert Hall, Budokkan, North Sea Jazz Festival, Hollywood Bowl, Concert for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Buckingham Palace, the Apollo Theater, and even the Kremlin! This is the band featured in the critically acclaimed concert film James Brown Live At The House Of Blues, and the BBC documentary James Brown: Soul Survivor. This is the band that Mr. Brown wished to carry on his music and legacy. There are many James Brown tribute acts and imitators, but this is the Real James Brown Band.
Watch the official promo video for this event here:
Following the success of The James Brown Birthday Bash on May 3 in Augusta, Georgia, the hometown of the Godfather of Soul, event organizers Friends With Benefits Productions have partnered with Brightsound Entertainment to bring the show to Charleston for one very special evening. Bassist George Porter Jr., founding member of New Orleans Funk pioneers The Meters, will join thirteen members of The James Brown Band including Fred Wesley of The JBs. Also from New Orleans, icon Ivan Neville of Dumpstaphunk will lend his expertise on the keys. It’s difficult for any one person to fill James Brown’s shoes as a front man; therefore, this concert will have several. Vocalist Brent Carter of Tower of Power & Average White Band is set to perform alongside Elise Testone of American Idol fame and multi-instrumentalist Chris Rob of Nasty Delicious. Local talents Quiana Parler and Mike Quinn will round out the billing!
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An additional $2 for each ticket will go to benefit The James Brown Academy of Musik Pupils (JAMP), a nonprofit organization run by James Brown’s daughter Deanna Brown Thomas, and James Brown Band lead guitarist and music director Keith Jenkins. JAMP works to fulfill the wishes of the Godfather of Soul by furthering music education in Augusta’s youth through the music of James Brown.
Watch Red Hot Chili Peppers Jam with George Porter Jr., Ivan Neville, and Zigaboo at Jazz Fest April 26, 2016 09:36
The 2016 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival kicked off in in strong fashion over the weekend, with performances from the likes of Pearl Jam, Van Morrison, Steely Dan, Grace Potter, Gov't Mule, Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings, Galactic, Anders Osborne, and so many more. One performance in particular that caught our attention was the Red Hot Chili Peppers on the Acura Stage late in the afternoon on Sunday. After nearly two hours of RHCP's greatest hits, bassist Flea invited New Orleans funk legends George Porter Jr., Ivan Neville, and Zigaboo Modeliste on stage for one final song, "Give It Away". Another perfect example of something that will only happen at one event: JazzFest.
Jazz Fest is an annual celebration of the music and culture of New Orleans and Louisiana. Use of the term "Jazz Fest" can also include the days surrounding the Festival and the many shows at unaffiliated New Orleans nightclubs scheduled during the Festival event weekends. JazzFest continues throughout this week/weekend, and a full schedule of events and performances can be found by clicking here.
Watch RHCP perform "Give It Away" with George Porter Jr., Ivan Neville, and Zigaboo Modeliste at Jazz Fest here:
Video by Space City Shows 2
James Brown Birthday Bash Confirms Sharon Jones, George Porter Jr., Ivan Neville + More on May 3rd April 14, 2016 00:04
Where: Augusta Common in Downtown Augusta (Broad St between 8th & 9th)
Tickets: JBfamilyBash.com
May 3rd is the birthday of The Godfather of Soul. Friends With Benefits, the same company that brought The Major Rager to town during Masters Tournament week, is working in conjunction with the City of Augusta and The James Brown Family Foundation for an unforgettable concert experience honoring the life, legacy and music of James Brown. The show will benefit the James Brown Academy of Musik Pupils (JAMP), whose mission is to further music education for Augusta’s youth through the music of James Brown.
JAMP is run by James Brown’s daughter, Deanna Brown Thomas, and his music director / lead guitarist, Keith Jenkins. The talented youngsters from JAMP Masters will open the night on May 3rd followed by Augusta's favorite hometown musical act Funk You.
Keith Jenkins has assembled the band for the James Brown Family Birthday Bash comprised of 13 former members of the James Brown Band. Sharon Jones, George Porter Jr. (The Meters), Ivan Neville (Dumpstaphunk), Ty Taylor (Vintage Trouble), Jennifer Hartswick (Trey Anastasio Band), Chris Rob (Nasty Delicious), Gavin Hamilton (Funk You) and Greg Hester are confirmed special guests. This event will be open to all ages. Children under 12 are free. Concessions will be served on site. No re-entry, no weapons, no pets, no outside food or drink. Blankets and chairs are permitted. Gates are at 5PM.
Doors Open: 5:00 PM
JAMP Masters: 6:00 PM
Funk You: 7:15 PM
The Original Meters To Reunite At New Orleans' Orpheum Theater January 15, 2016 09:44
Looking Back on Catskill Chill Music Festival: Night 1 September 22, 2015 09:23
Photo by Andrew Scott Blackstein - Blackstein Photography
One of the year's most anticipated music festivals, Catskill Chill, occurred this past weekend for one last go-round at Camp Minglewood in Hancock, NY. Due to circumstances out of their control. the sixth-annual festival served as "A Farewell to Minglewood," as they will be forced to find a new home in 2016. The festival will continue next year, and several amazing prospective locations have already been placed in the mix. The year's lineup featured the likes of moe., Lotus, Zappa Plays Zappa, Lettuce, Electron, The Motet, Dopapod, Kung Fu, Twiddle, Turkuaz, The Werks, Particle, George Porter Jr. & Runnin' Pardners, and many many more. Below you will find a collection of our favorite moments from the weekend, with photos and setlists courtesy of our friends at Brotherly Love Productions.
Photos by Andrew Scott Blackstein - Blackstein Photography
Erick "Jesus" Coomes of Lettuce
Eric Krasno of Lettuce
Jesus Coomes, Adam Deitch and Adam "Schmeeans" Smirnoff of Lettuce
Mike Rempel of Lotus
George Porter Jr. & Brint Anderson of the Runnin' Pardners
Borahm Lee and Adam Deitch of Break Science
Mihali and Friends - "Dead Set" Mihali Savoulidis of Twiddle and Tim Palmieri of Kung Fu
Mihali and Friends - "Dead Set" Josh Dobbs of Cats Under the Stars (Keys), Ryan Clausen of Dead Set (Drums), Brook Jordan of Twiddle (Drums), Zdenek Parker Gubb of Twiddle (Bass), Mihali Savoulidis of Twiddle (guitar) and Tim Palmieri of Kung Fu (guitar)
"Dopakuaz" Plays Studio 54 Featuring Members of Dopapod and Turkuaz
Josh Schwartz (Bari sax), Josh Sanderson (Tenor sax), Chris Brouwers (trumpet) of Turkuaz
Dave Brandwein of Turkuaz |
Stay tuned for recaps of Night 2 and Night 3 on Wednesday and Thursday!
An Evening With George Porter Jr and Runnin' Pardners: Montgomery, AL - 08.19.15 July 17, 2015 10:38
Few bass players in the history of modern New Orleans music are as storied as George Porter Jr. During the course of a career spanning more then four decades, Porter has not only made a deep impression with his work in the Meters, but he's notched session work with artists as diverse as Paul McCartney, Jimmy Buffett, David Byrne, Patti LaBelle, Robbie Robertson, Tori Amos, Taj Mahal, Ryan Montbleau and live performances with Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, Warren Haynes, John Scofield, Steve Kimock, Eric Krasno (and including recent studio releases with Warren Haynes and Bill Kreutzmann) just to name a few. Early in his career, Porter worked with seminal New Orleans artists like Allen Toussaint, Earl King, Lee Dorsey, and Johnny Adams, Irma Thomas, The Lastie Brothers again to only name a few.
Porter is also the band leader of his own unique long term project the Runnin' Pardners, well respected not only as a quintessential New Orleans band, the touring band continues to receive accolades on the jam band and festival scene. He has assembled some seasoned and talented musicians to join him on this project. Familiar Pardners - Brint Anderson (guitar) and, Michael Lemmler (keyboards) and rising stars on the New Orleans music scene Khris Royal (saxophone) and Terrence Houston (drums). George Porter Jr. plans to keep a smile on his face." I feel like I am working towards something that will be remembered."
Porter has proven to be capable of the ultimate fusion of rock, funk and R&B, and has gained recognition as one of the industry's elite bass players. He continues to be not only an in demand performing artist but an accomplished studio musician and producer.
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