News

Widespread Panic Announces Three-Night Red Rocks Run March 17, 2017 11:07

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Photo by Clay Carroll: Live & Listen
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Veteran Georgia jam rockers Widespread Panic may be slowing down its touring schedule in 2017, but there will still be plenty of performances.  After previously announcing festival appearances at SweetWater 420 Festival, Wanee Festival, JazzFest, SlossFest, The Peach Festival, and others, Panic has now confirmed a three-night run at Red Rocks Amphitheatre scheduled for June 23 – 25. Tickets go on sale to the general public on March 24 at 10 a.m. MT. These are the first headlining shows confirmed for the band this year. Head over to the band's official website for further details, and stay tuned for future updates on the always evolving WSP calendar!
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Watch Widespread Panic perform "Hallelujah" at Red Rocks in 2016 here:
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The Peach Music Festival Announces Monster 2017 Lineup March 1, 2017 11:49

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Just yesterday, organizers of The Peach Music Festival announced a monster lineup for the 2017 festival at Montage Mountain in Scranton, PA. This year's headliners include Widespread Panic who will play two nights, My Morning Jacket, Gov’t Mule & Friends and Joe Bonamassa. This year’s Peach lineup also boasts numerous acts who could easily be considered headliners, including Umphrey’s McGee, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Lettuce featuring Chaka Khan, Mike Gordon, Les Brers, Jaimoe’s Jassz Band, Dark Star Orchestra, The Magpie Salute, God Street Wine, Steve Kimock & Friends and many others. See below for the complete lineup, and head over to the festival's official website for further details and ticketing options.
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The Peach Music Festival was billed as the first ever Allman Brothers inspired music festival in northeastern Pennsylvania, and attracts thousands of people each year. Festival-goers are encouraged to shop at the many food and craft vendors on the grounds of the festival and are offered free access to the Montage Mountain Ski Resort, which is transformed into a large water park in the summer months, giving them the opportunity to utilize the park's many water rides and attractions while listening to the musicians performing. Camping and RV Parking is also offered on the grounds. The festival takes place in mid-August over the course of several days and has a variety of different musical performers, and special events each day.
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Peach Music Festival 2017 Lineup

  • Widespread Panic
  • My Morning Jacket
  • Gov’t Mule & Friends
  • Joe Bonamassa
  • Umphrey’s McGee
  • Joe Russo’s Almost Dead
  • Lettuce Featuring Chaka Khan
  • Mike Gordon
  • Les Brers
  • Jaimoe’s Jassz Band
  • Dark Star Orchestra
  • The Magpie Salute
  • God Street Wine
  • Steve Kimock & Friends
  • The Record Company
  • The Marcus King Band
  • The Soul Rebels
  • Pigeons Playing Ping Pong
  • The Mastersounds
  • Fruition
  • The Werks Featuring The Shady Horns
  • Eric Krasno Band
  • Whiskey Myers
  • Pink Talking Fish
  • Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad
  • Aqueous
  • The Hip Abduction
  • Moonalice
  • Butcher Brown
  • Spafford
  • Tom Hamilton’s American Babies
  • Holly Bowling
  • Mungion
  • The Jauntee
  • Lespecial
  • Ghost Of Paul Revere
  • Scott Sharrard & The Brickyard Band
  • Gabriel Kelley
  • Caverns
  • The Steppin Stones
  • Elise Testone
  • Bobby Lee Rodgers

JoJo Hermann's 'Slim Wednesday' Is Hitting The Road This Spring February 8, 2017 12:29

While we won't be seeing quite as many shows from Widespread Panic in 2017, keyboardist JoJo Hermann shows no signs of slowing down.  Earlier this morning, Hermann announced a handful of spring tour dates with his latest side project, JoJo's Slim Wednesday.  This New Orleans style jazz funk group features the cast of JoJo Herman (keys), Greg Bryant (bass), Kevin Mabin (drums), Jonathan Jackson (saxophone), Ben Clark (trumpet), and Bill Elder (guitar).  See below for the band's official bio, as well as a complete list of tour dates.

JoJo's Slim Wednesday creates a sound that keeps listeners dancing all night. The band focuses on the sound of New Orleans that was pioneered by artists like Professor Longhair, Dr. John, and The Funky Meters, all of which were a huge part of JoJo's musical background. John “JoJo” Hermann is known for his lead vocals on many New Orleans style jazz and blues covers and originals along with gospel-style organ playing. In capturing the quintessential sound of New Orleans, The Slim Wednesday Band will be sure to provide a night of dancing, partying, and great entertainment.

John "Jojo" Hermann Slim Wednesday Tour Dates:

Feb. 23: City Winery | Nashville, TN
Apr. 6: Proud Larry's | Oxford, MS
Apr. 7: Zydeco | Birmingham, AL
Apr. 8: Duling Hall | Jackson, MS
Apr. 9: SouthSounds Festival | Mobile, AL
Apr. 11: City Winery Atlanta | Atlanta, GA
Apr. 12: Charleston Pour House | Charleston, SC
Apr. 13: Sky City | Augusta, GA

Watch JoJo's Slim Wednesday perform "Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand" via ShowLoveMedia here:


Celebrating 31 Years Of Widespread Panic [Audio/Video] February 6, 2017 16:02

On this day in 1986, local Georgia musicians John Bell, Michael Houser, Dave Schools, Todd Nance took the stage at The Mad Hatter Ballroom in Athens (GA) for the first official performance as Widespread Panic.  The band was opening for Strawberry Flats, and the show was said to be an Aid For Africa benefit.  Just two years later, the band would release its first album, Space Wrangler, which also featured the addition of Domingo "Sonny" Ortiz (percussion).  Keyboardist John "JoJo" Hermann would be added to the full-time roster in 1992.  Panic suffered the devastating loss in the death of Michael Houser in August of 2002, who was initially replaced by George McConnell, before Jimmy Herring took on the long-term duties as lead guitarist in the fall of 2006.

Since their inception in Athens, Georgia, in 1986, Widespread Panic has risen to elite status among American jam bands. Following in the steps of other Southern rock jam bands such as The Allman Brothers Band, they draw influences from the Southern rock, blues-rock, progressive rock, funk and hard rock genres. They are frequently compared to other jam band "road warriors" such as the Grateful Dead and Phish.  Widely renowned for their live performances, as of 2016, they hold the record for number of sold-out performances at Red Rocks Amphitheatre at 54 and Philips Arena at 20.

Click here to listen to Widespread Panic's first performance via PanicStream.net

Watch Widespread Panic's complete show from 03.12.88 in Atlanta here:

Watch post-show footage from Widespread Panic in 1988 here:


SlossFest Reveals Exciting Lineup For 2017 January 31, 2017 08:05

Photo by Craig Baird: Home Team Photography

The 3rd annual Sloss Music & Arts Festival has revealed its lineup for 2017, and this year looks as exciting as ever.  Widespread Panic, Alabama ShakesOdesza, Sturgill Simpson, and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Nightsweats are just a few of the 40 performers listed for the rapidly growing festival in Birmingham, AL.  SlossFest is a two-day music and arts festival which is scheduled for Saturday, July 15th - Sunday, July 16th.

Tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 3, at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster and the festival website. Advance prices are $115 general admission, $180 for an Iron pass (includes access to air-conditioned tents), $325 VIP (includes access to air-conditioned tents, separate viewing areas at two stages and other perks).

Prices will continue to hike as tickets at each level are sold, increasing to $135 and $155 general admission, $210 and $225 for an Iron Pass. VIP prices will remain the same. Information on payment plans is available on the Sloss Fest website.  Stay tuned for further details!

Watch the official SlossFest 2017 lineup announcement video here:


Widespread Panic Shares Pro-Shot Footage of "Burning Down The House" January 23, 2017 13:47

Photo by Clay Carroll: Carroll Production

Veteran jam group Widespread Panic was one of many bands who closed out 2016 with a massive New Year's Eve celebration.  After many years of rotating the event between Atlanta, Denver, and Charlotte, this year's location was Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN.  As is tradition on New Year's Eve, the band would call on many friends and special guests to make this an unforgettable experience for the Panic faithful.  Love Sponge String Quartet (strings), Randall Bramblett (saxophone), The Megablasters (horns), The McCrary Sisters (voclas), and David Davidson (fiddle) would all make appearances throughout the night.  

After three sets full of Panic originals and covers from the Paul Simon, Joe Cocker, and Van Morrison catalogs, the band took the stage for an encore for the ages.  The McCrary Sisters would lend a hand on Buffalo Springfield's "For What It's Worth," before Bramblett and The Megablasters would return for the band's second ever performance of the Talking Heads' "Burning Down The House."  Fortunately, Widespread Panic has shared pro-shot HD video footage of "Burning Down The House," which can be watched in full below. 

Watch Widespread Panic and friends perform "Burning Down The House" on 12/31/16 here:

Complete setlist via EverydayCompanion.com:

12/31/16 Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN
1: Blue Indian, Holden Oversoul, May Your Glass Be Filled*, Her Dance Needs No Body*, Crazy*, Still Crazy After All These Years**, Expiration Day*
2: Pigeons, Henry Parsons Died, Rebirtha, Sharon***, Tail Dragger***, Tall Boy***, Can't Get High****, Ain't Life Grand*****
3: Disco, A Little Help From My Friends******, Hope In A Hopeless World******, Up All Night****** > Moondance******, Bust It Big****** > Drums > Chilly Water, All Time Low****, Red Hot Mama******
E: For What It's Worth****, Burning Down The House******
* with Love Sponge String Quartet on strings
** with Love Sponge String Quartet on strings, Randall Bramblett on saxophone
*** with The MegaBlasters on horns
**** with The McCrary Sisters on vocals
***** with David Davidson on fiddle, The McCrary Sisters on vocals
****** with Randall Bramblett on saxophone, The McCrary Sisters on vocals, The MegaBlasters on horns
[Only 'Still Crazy After All These Years'; Set 1 seated; Last 'Burning Down The House' - 12/31/13, 219 shows; Last 'Moondance' - 12/31/09, 472 shows]

SweetWater 420 Fest Releases Final Lineup For 2017 January 18, 2017 20:07

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SweetWater 420 Festival has added 30+ performers to it's already stacked lineup, and fans of the jam scene have every reason to rejoice.  Joining previously announced headliners Trey Anastasio, Widespread Panic, Ween, Slightly Stoopid, and Dirty Heads will be moe., Talib Kweli, Dopapod, Twiddle, Jackie Greene, Anders OsborneThe Werks, Break ScienceSunSquabi, The Hip AbductionStop Light Observations, BIG SomethingCBDBFunk YouVoodoo Visionary, and many others. Previously announced performers include Dark Star OrchestraAnders Osborne, Lettuce, The festival also unveiled a comedy lineup that includes former SNL cast member Jon Rudnitsky as well as Jake Nordwind, Joe Pettis and others.

Headliners Widespread Panic will perform two nights of the festival for a total of four sets throughout the weekend, while Anastasio will perform two sets with his solo band. Sweetwater 420 Fest will kick off April 21-23 in Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

Watch the official 2017 lineup announcement video here:


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:


Dr. John & The Nite Trippers Join Previously Leaked Wanee Lineup December 5, 2016 16:38

With what appeared to be the complete lineup for the 2017 Wanee Music Festival lineup leaking last week, it seemed as if today's scheduled announcement wouldn't be much of a surprise.  While every band included in last week's leak was included in today's announcement, one particularly exciting surprise came in the form of the addition of Dr. John & The Nite Trippers.  While it is a bit surprising that Wanee will share three of the same headliners with Sweetwater 420 Fest on the same weekend (Widespread Panic, Trey Anastasio Band, and Dark Star Orchestra), there is no denying that Wanee has once again delivered a stellar lineup.

The festival is scheduled for April 20th - 22nd at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL.  Headliners include Bob Weir & The Campfire Boys, Widespread PanicTrey Anastasio Band, Gov’t Mule, and Dark Star Orchestra.  Additional performers include JJ Grey & Mofro, Les Brers (ft. Butch Trucks & Jaimoe), Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band, Leftover Salmon (performing the music of Neil Young), The Greyboy Allstars, Blackberry Smoke, Matisyahu, Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass, Papadosio, Turkuaz, Pink Talking Fu – Music of David Bowie & Prince, DJ Logic, Kung Fu, Pink Talking Fish, Bobby Lee Rodgers Trio, The Marcus King Band, The Yeti Trio and Brothers and Sister Band.  

Ticketing info is expected to be released in the near future.  Stay tuned for future updates on the 2017 Wanee Festival!

Watch Dr. John & The Nite Tripper's entire set from Landmark Music Festival (2015) here:


Initial Lineup For Wanee Festival Leaked A Few Days Early November 30, 2016 12:07

Multiple outlets are reporting the unofficial release of the 2017 Wanee Festival initial lineup, which was not scheduled for release until Monday, December 5th at 10AM.  The festival is scheduled for April 20th - 22nd at Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, FL.  Headliners include Bob Weir & The Campfire Boys, Widespread Panic, and the Trey Anastasio Band. Additional performers include Gov’t Mule, Dark Star Orchestra, JJ Grey & Mofro, Les Brers (ft. Butch Trucks & Jaimoe), Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band, Leftover Salmon (performing the music of Neil Young), The Greyboy Allstars, Blackberry Smoke, Matisyahu, Keller Williams’ Grateful Grass, Papadosio, Turkuaz, Pink Talking Fu – Music of David Bowie & Prince, DJ Logic, Kung Fu, Pink Talking Fish, Bobby Lee Rodgers Trio, The Marcus King Band, The Yeti Trio and Brothers and Sister Band.  

Ticketing info is expected to be released in the near future.  Stay tuned for future updates on the 2017 Wanee Festival!


Watch Widespread Panic Cover Nirvana's "Lithium" In Broomfield November 2, 2016 11:12

Jam veterans Widespread Panic just wrapped up an unforgettable Halloween run in Colorado, and footage from special occasion is starting to surface.  Halloween season is a time where bands must get as creative as possible, as they know that their counterparts will be doing the same at their respective shows.  This run saw Panic perform a Black Sabbath tune during the encore at eight consecutive shows.  They also included a tune by The Doors during all three nights of the Halloween run in Broomfield.  While Sunday night's "Halloween" performance was full of highlights, the biggest surprise of the night may have come in the form of a cover of Nirvana's "Lithium," which ultimately closed the second set.  Video footage from "Lithium" can be watched below courtesy of YouTube user MrTopdogger.

Watch Widespread Panic perform Nirvana's "Lithium" on 10.30.16 here:

10/30/16 1st Bank Center, Broomfield, CO
1: Waitin' For The Bus > Jesus Just Left Chicago, Happy, Angels on High, Goodpeople, Heaven, Angels Don't Sing The Blues, Hallelujah, Tall Boy, Ain't Life Grand
2: Slippin' Into Darkness*, Machine > Barstools and Dreamers, Vampire Blues, Henry Parsons Died, Beat On The Brat, I Wanna Be Sedated, Chilly Water > I Walk On Guilded Splinters > Bust It Big > Chilly Water, Lithium
E1: Soul Kitchen, Paranoid
E2: Postcard, End Of The Show
[Only 'Lithium'; Last 'Beat On The Brat' - 10/31/03, 882 shows; Last 'Paranoid' - 10/31/87, 2811 shows; Last 'Soul Kitchen' - 10/28/00, 1142 shows]

Watch Widespread Panic Cover Joe Cocker With Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi September 24, 2016 14:37

Widespread Panic's smokin' hot fall tour continued last night in St. Augustine, Florida, as the band kicked off the first of a highly anticipated two-night run at the beach.  With uncertainty as to just how much Widespread Panic we will see in 2017, the Georgia natives are treating the Panic faithful to what feels like one of their strongest tours in recent memory.  Friday night's highlight's came in the form of a cover of War's "Slippin' Into Darkness," which featured the band's tour manager Steve Lopez on shaker, the always rowdy "Chilly Water" and a massive encore of "Good Morning Little School Girl" and Joe Cocker's "High Time We Went" featuring Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi.  

The Florida-based couple are no strangers to the Panic family, as they have collaborated many times over the years, and Trucks' younger brother Duane recently took on full-time duty behind the drum kit for Panic.  Fortunately, video footage from "High Time We Went" has surfaced via YouTube user Fred Ramadan which can be watch in full below.

Watch Widespread Panic perform "High Time We Went" w/ Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi here:

Setlist via PanicStream.com

Widespread Panic // St. Augustine Amphitheatre // St. Augustine, FL // 9/23/16

Set 1 Hope In A Hopeless World, Glory, Worry, Cotton Was King, C Brown, 1×1, Christmas Katie > Radio Child, Tail Dragger (62 mins)

Set 2 Postcard > Impossible > Slippin’ Into Darkness*, St Louis, Rock, Proving Ground > Jack > Chilly Water > Drums > Chilly Water (75 mins)

Encore: Good Morning Little Schoolgirl**, High Time We Went** (24 mins)

Notes * w/ Steve Lopez on shaker
** w/ Derek Trucks on guitar; Susan Tedeschi on guitar and vocals


SweetWater 420 Fest Announces Massive Initial Lineup For 2017 September 20, 2016 09:33

The annual SweetWater 420 Fest in Atlanta, Georgia just made it's initial lineup announcement this morning, and this may be it's biggest splash yet.  The news seems to have generated so much traffic that the festival's website temporarily shut down.  Rounding out the top of the 2017 lineup is Widespread Panic (two nights/four sets), Trey Anastasio Band (2 sets), Slightly Stupid, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Dark Star Orchestra, Anders Osborne, Twiddle, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, and The Hip Abduction.  The announcement notates that the lineup will also feature over 45 additional artists.  Early bird tickets are on-sale now and can be purchased at the festivals official website.  Stay tuned for further updates on the 2017 420 Fest!

Watch the official 2017 lineup announcement video here:


Widespread Panic & Umphrey's McGee Rock The Tuscaloosa Amphitheater September 16, 2016 00:00

Words by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen

Photos by Craig Baird: Live & Listen

Thursday night in Tuscaloosa was one that won't be forgotten any time soon, as jam veterans Widespread Panic and Umphrey's McGee joined forces for one of the better rock shows one could ask for.  With Panic slated for two sets and Umphrey's getting a full 75-minute opening spot, the stage was set for a rowdy occasion at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre.  This would be the first of a two-night Umphrey's/Panic run, and the music couldn't start soon enough.

Umphrey's took the stage promptly at 6:30 PM, opening up with "Similar Skin," the title track from the band's 2014 studio release.  "Wappy Sprayberry" opened things up for some extensive jamming, before ultimately moving into a newer tune "Speak Up." Ryan Stasik then busted into the all-too-familiar opening notes of "Puppet String," one which always draws a strong reaction from the UM faithful.  It was then time for Jake Cinninger (guitar) to take the lead on "Glory," one of the most peaceful, beautiful songs in the band's extensive catalog.  "Educated Guess" provided another heavy-hitting rocker from Similar Skin, and "Women, Wine, and Song" made for one of the biggest sing-a-longs of the night.  
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Umphrey's McGee at Avondale Brewery - July 7th 2016
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Next up was "Bad Friday," which quickly turned this occasion into Alabama's biggest dance party.  Many of us felt like that might have been the end of the set, and thankfully, this was a false assumption.  This band tackles cover tunes as well as any band in history, and David Bowie's "Let's Dance" was no exception.  Cinninger handles Bowie's vocals with fine form, and you would be challenged to find a better rendition of this classic tune.  A seamless segue back into "Puppet String" would bring this scorching opening set to a close.
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After about 30-minutes of turnover, the lights went down, and Widespread Panic took the stage, much to the delight of the lively Alabama crowd.  The Panic faithful was paying extra attention on this night, as the band had not repeated a song in its first six shows of the tour.  Would they continue this trend and make it seven shows?  It sure seemed that way as the set kicked off with Vic Chesnutt's "Le'ts Get Down To Business", "Travelin' Light," and "Little Kin."  The trend continued with Bloodkin's "Henry Parsons Died," which always seems to light a fire in the set.  Another nod to the late Chesnutt came with "Sleeping Man," before "Up All Night" brought about the first repeat of the tour.  
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While this was an entertaining and impressive streak, so much more was now on the table, and no complaints were issued on this night.  The first taste of Street Dogs came in the form of "Cease Fire" > "Jamais Vu," a pairing that has become pretty consistent in the last few years.  The party shifted into high gear as Jimmy Herring hit the first licks of The Guess Who's "No Sugar Tonight / New Mother Nature."  Panic is known for their unique spin on countless covers, but this one is up there with the best of them.  John Bell thanked and assured the crowd that they'd be right back, and that was it for the first set.
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Set two kicked off in explosive fashion with a cover of The Talking Heads' "Papa Legba."  Next up was "Happy," which JoJo Hermann ultimately took straight into "Greta," one of the bigger highlights of the night.  Is there a better sing-a-long in the Panic catalog?  I guess that's up to the individual, but "Greta" just never gets old.  The segues continued and this time it was into a scorching take on "Solid Rock," which was proceeded by "Tall Boy."  It's safe to say that JoJo brought his a-game to Tuscaloosa, and thankfully there was much more where that came from.
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I'm not sure if there is a more quintessential Panic tune than "Surprise Valley," and the boys proved that yet again.  That song defines the sound of the band for me, and I'd honestly be fine with hearing it at every show.  A brief take on "Drums" came next, which moved swiftly back into "Surprise Valley."  The darker, bluesy "Me and The Devil Blues" and "Holden Oversoul" would follow, before "Porch Song" closed out the second set in epic fashion.  After a brief exit, the band returned to the stage and gave another nod to Bloodkin with "End of the Show."  Everyone knew this would lead into another rocker, and JoJo took the lead on this one with "Blackout Blues."  This one always seems appropriate at the end of a set or in the encore, and just like that, this massive occasion in Tuscaloosa had come to an end.
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This was only my second opportunity to catch a show at the Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, and I can't say enough about this venue.  In my opinion, this is the premiere outdoor venue in the state of Alabama.  While Oak Mountain and The Wharf have plenty to offer, there truly is not a bad seat in the house in Tuscaloosa, and the overall design maintains an intimate element that can't be argued.  Being able to catch Umphrey's and Panic on the same night was really special, and the fact that we get to do it all over again tonight is extremely convenient.  One can only wonder what type of collaborations we can expect in Alpharetta tonight, and fortunately we only have to wait a matter of hours to find out.
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Win Tickets To Backup Planet's Widespread Panic After Party In Tuscaloosa September 14, 2016 13:20

If you're heading to Tuscaloosa to see Widespread Panic and Umphrey's McGee on Thursday night, make sure to save a little extra energy for the after party with Backup Planet at Druid City Music Hall.  This is a band we have been following closely for the past year, and you don't want to miss this late night set.  New Orleans funk group Gravy will kick off the after party at 11:00 PM, immediately following the conclusion of Panic's show at Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre.  Plan accordingly, head directly to Druid City, and don't miss a note.  Advance tickets can be purchased for just $5 by clicking here.

We're giving away a pair of tickets to the show, so here is your chance to win today.  Share this article directly from our Facebook page, and tag a friend who you would like to take to the show in the comments.  Make sure your Facebook settings are designated to PUBLIC, so we can see your share on our end.  We will announce a winner at 3:00 PM CST on Thursday afternoon.

Backup Planet is a progressive funk-rock band based out of Nashville, Tennessee. To see Backup Planet perform live is to simultaneously travel back in time and forward into the future. Their truly unique sound emanates from a place that seems familiar, yet unchartered.

Elements of jazz, funk, roots, blues, electronic, and progressive rock all emerge during the course of their shows. Their sound draws from so much you’ve heard before—‘70s rock and funk, high-energy improv, a touch of pop, and a sliver of metal. But the members of Backup Planet mix and match those elements—with just a hint of modern tech to burnish a sturdy nucleus of retro-minded organ and guitar—in ways that never fail to astonish. With a fantastic repertoire of original songs, they’re able to build fluid sets interspersed with extended improvisation.

Incorporating some degree of uncertainty into live performances is innate to the improvisational, or ‘jam band,’ music scene. Audiences can sense when a group takes major risks onstage; the elements of surprise and unpredictability foster a level of joy unparalleled in other types of musical performances. Masters of this process, Ben Cooper, Gavin Donati, Blake Gallant, and Chris Potocik, are doing all of the above while their rapidly growing fan base nods in approval and shouts for more. 

Click Here: Purchase Tickets Today!

Watch Backup Planet's music video for "The Road" here:

Click Here: Learn More about The Blueberry Jam at Weeks Bay Plantation


Watch Widespread Panic & Jerry Joseph Perform "Cortez The Killer" In Full HD September 1, 2016 11:45

 

Photo by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen

Widespread Panic is in the midst of another monster year; one which has certainly seen the band making all kinds of noise.  The band's spring tour was packed with many highlights, several of which came during the band's summer tour, which led them to the west coast for visits to many venues that hadn't seen the band in many years.  During a multi-night run in Bend, OR, Panic welcomed it's old friend Jerry Joseph to the stage for a rousing cover of Neil Young's "Cortez The Killer."  This would serve as the first time Panic had played the Young classic since October 17th, 2009.  Fortunately, HD video footage has surfaced, and the video can be watched in full below 

Watch Widespread Panic & Jerry Joseph Perform "Cortez the Killer" here:

Widespread Panic - 07/03/16 - Les Schwab Amphitheater, Bend, OR

Setlist via EverydayCompanion.com

1: Disco, Glory, Wondering, Can't Get High, Dyin' Man, Holden Oversoul > Worry, Tie Your Shoes > Fishwater
2: B of D, Goodpeople > Bust It Big > Stop-Go > Drums > Cease Fire > Jamais Vu > Proving Ground, Cortez the Killer*, Chainsaw City*
E: Blue Indian, Action Man
* with Jerry Joseph on guitar/vocals, Steve Drizos on percussion
['The Chain' rap by Jerry during 'Chainsaw City'; Jerry Joseph & the Jackmormons opened; Sunny sat in on percussion during the Jerry Joseph & the Jackmormons opening set; Last 'Cortez the Killer' - 10/17/09, 462 shows]

Watch Widespread Panic & Jason Isbell Perform "Ride Me High" in Raleigh August 19, 2016 14:36

Widespread Panic is in the midst of another monster year, one which has certainly seen the band making all kinds of noise.  The band's spring tour was packed with many highlights, several of which came during the end of April, when the band shared the stage with Tedeschi Trucks Band in Birmingham, AL and Jason Isbell in Raleigh.  Early in the second set in Raleigh, Panic welcomed Jason Isbell to the stage for a rousing take on the J.J. Cale classic, "Ride Me High."  Fortunately, HD video footage has surfaced, and the video can be watched in full below. 

 Watch Widespread Panic & Jason Isbell Perform "Ride Me High" in Raleigh here:

Setlist: Widespread Panic at Walnut Creek Amphitheater, Raleigh, NC - 4/30/16

Set 1 Travelin' Light, All Time Low, Christmas Katie > Jack, Dyin' Man, C. Brown, Bear's Gone Fishin' > Honky Red, Red Hot Mama (64 mins)

Set 2 Sell Sell, Cease Fire > Ride Me High*, Genesis, 1x1, Blight > Chilly Water > Drums > Porch Song, Blue Indian, Climb To Safety (92 mins)

Encore Walkin' (For Your Love), Heaven (11 mins)

Notes * w/ Jason Isbell on guitar


Fourteen Years Later: Remembering Michael Houser of Widespread Panic August 10, 2016 14:05

Today, we celebrate the life and legacy of legendary guitarist Michael Houser, who lost his life after an aggressive battle with pancreatic cancer on this day in 2002.  Houser became a founding member of Widespread Panic in 1986 while attending the University of Georgia with John Bell.  His adolescent nickname was "Panic" due to his then frequent panic attacks, and this moniker later became the inspiration for the band's name.  Houser wrote many of band's most popular songs, including "Porch Song," "Airplane," "Ain't Life Grand," "Blue Indian" and "Vacation."  He appeared on 7 studio albums during his 16-year tenure with the band from 1986 until 2002.

As co-founder and lead guitarist of Widespread Panic, Houser established an incredibly unique and atmospheric lead guitar style which truly defined the band's sound and resonated across the entire music scene.  Due to hip problems in the 1990s, he played and performed while seated, adeptly using two foot pedals.  At age 40, Houser was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the spring of 2002, and he ultimately passed away on August 10, 2002.  In celebration of the life of Michael Houser, we have compiled video footage from five our favorite Houser era jams for your viewing pleasure below.

We miss you everyday Mikey, and we are forever grateful for the gift you shared with the world.

 

 Watch Widespread Panic perform "Pleas" > "Love Tractor" in Paris, France on June 17th, 1998 here:

Watch Widespread Panic perform "Holden Oversoul" > "Weak Brain, Narrow Mind" at Red Rocks on June 24th, 2000 here:

Watch Widespread Panic perform "Airplane" in Asheville, NC on November 22nd, 2000:

Watch Widespread Panic perform "Driving Song" > "Breathing Slow" at Oak Mountain Amphitheatre on April 28th, 2002 here:

Watch Widespread Panic perform "The Waker" at Red Rocks on June 28th, 2002:


Watch HD Video Footage of Widespread Panic & Tedeschi Trucks Band in Birmingham August 4, 2016 11:03

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Photo by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen
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Just four months ago, Legacy Arena in Birmingham was treated to an extra special evening of music featuring Widespread Panic and Tedeschi Trucks Band.  While Widespread Panic is typically known for performing two sets of music, this was a unique occasion featuring far more than "just another opening band".  Tedeschi Trucks Band kicked things off with a set full of hits such as "Made Up Mind", "Bound For Glory", "Let Me Get By", and Derek and the Dominos' "Keep on Growing".  The highlight of the set came when the band took "Don't Know What It Means" directly into an emphatic cover of Joe Cocker's "The Letter" to close out the set.

After a 45-minute intermission, Widespread Panic took the stage, and "Ain't Life Grand" kicked off the set.  Panic continued with originals like "Weight of the World", "Better Off", "Proving Ground", "Sell Sell", "Airplane", and "Papa's Home".  Drummer Duane Trucks and percussionist Sonny Ortiz provided the always entertaining "Drums" before the band busted back into "Papa's Home".  Pianist JoJo Hermann led the band through a rocking take on "Blackout Blues", which ultimately led into a cover of Vic Chesnutt's  "Protein Drink" > "Sewing Machine" to close out the set.

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Photo by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen
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As many expected, this particular night's encore was an instant classic.  Panic returned to the stage with special guest, Derek Trucks.  This would be the first time Derek has performed with Panic since his younger brother, Duane Trucks, became the band's new drummer.  "Gimme" kept a mellow vibe and allowed Trucks to "warm up" a bit before a rousing take on "Surprise Valley".  John Bell then welcomed Susan Tedeschi back to the stage for a flawless cover of Robert Walter's "Me and the Devil Blues".  Many would think that a three song encore would be enough, but the band then welcomed Alecia Chakour and Mark Rivers (Tedeschi Trucks Band) to the stage for a massive family jam on The Rolling Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want".  Forunately, Widespread Panic has shared pro shot footage of "You Can't Always Get What You Want," which can be watched in full below.

Watch Widespread Panic and members of Tedeschi Trucks Band perform "You Can't Always Get What You Want" here:
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Setlist: Tedeschi Trucks Band - Birmingham, AL - Legacy Arena at BJCC - 4/23/16

Set: Made Up Mind, Laugh About It, Keep On Growing, Bird On A Wire, Idle Wind, Sticks and Stones, Bound For Glory, I Pity The Fool, Let Me Get By, Don't Know What It Means, The Letter

Setlist: Widespread Panic - Birmingham, AL - Legacy Arena at BJCC - 4/23/16

Set:  Ain't Life Grand*, Weight of the World, Honky Red, Better Off, Proving Ground > Bust It Big, Sell Sell, Airplane > JAM > Papa's Home > Drumz > Machine Gun Jam > Papa's Home > Blackout Blues > Protein Drink > Sewing Machine (103 mins)

Encore: Gimme^ > Surprize Valley^, Me and The Devil^^, You Can't Always Get What You Want^^^ (49 mins)

* JB on Tiny Gitar (mandolin) / ^ Derek Trucks on Guitar / ^^ Derek Trucks on Guitar, Susan Tedeschi on Vocals & Guitar / ^^^ Susan Tedeschi on Vocals & Guitar, Derek Trucks on Guitar, Alecia Chakour & Mark Rivers on Vocals


Umphrey's McGee Will Join Widespread Panic in Tuscaloosa This Fall July 8, 2016 16:54

Just over a month ago, jam pioneers Widespread Panic announced that Umphrey's McGee would be joining them for an opening set at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Alpharetta, Georgia on Friday, September 16th.  Last night at Avondale Brewery in Birmingham, Joel Cummins (keyboards) of Umphrey's McGee announced that they would be seeing the Birmingham crowd again soon in Tuscaloosa, AL with Widespread Panic.  Both bands confirmed the announcement via Twitter earlier today.  It should be noted that Widespread Panic will still play two full sets at each show.

The two bands have performed together several times in recent years, including a two night run at theFamily Circle Cup in Charleston SC in October of 2013, as well as shows at Jones Beach in Wantaugh, NY and Stage AE in Pittsburgh, PA in June of 2015.

Watch Widespread Panic perform w/ members of Umphrey's McGee in Charleston, SC in 2014 here:


Widespread Panic Announces Panic En La Playa Seis June 21, 2016 18:21

Widespread Panic and Cloud 9 Adventures have announced the dates and details for Panic en la Playa Seis.  The annual destination event will once again be held at Hard Rock Hotel in Riviera Maya, Mexico from February 27th - March 3rd 2017.  Panic en la Playa relocated to Riviera Maya in 2016 after three years in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.  

In addition to four nights of Widespread Panic, attendees will also witness sunset lagoon shows from Southern Soul Assembly (Anders Osborne, Marc Broussard, Luther Dickinson & JJ Grey) and Bloodkin as well as late night sets from the Playa All-Stars and Orgone. This year’s Playa All-Stars lineup includes George Porter Jr., Ivan Neville, Eric Krasno, Karl Denson, Terence Higgins and Jennifer Hartswick.

Early booking for returning Panic en la Playa guests begins July 11th at 12:00 PM EST, while the general on sale begins July 13th at 12:00 PM EST. Head to the official Panic en la Playa website for futher details.

Watch the official after movie from Panic en la Playa Cinco here:
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Celebrate Red Rocks' 75th Anniversary With Five Killer Performances June 15, 2016 17:28

Photo via RedRocksOnline.com

Today, the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre celebrates it's 75th anniversary, and that's something that simply cannot be overlooked. Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a rock structure near Morrison, Colorado, 10 miles west of Denver, where concerts are given in the open-air amphitheatre. There is a large, tilted, disc-shaped rock behind the stage, a huge vertical rock angled outwards from stage right, several large outcrops angled outwards from stage left and a seating area for up to 9,525 people in between. The amphitheater is owned and operated by the City and County of Denver, Colorado and is located in Red Rocks Park, part of the Denver Mountain Parks system.

The earliest notable rock-and-roll performance at Red Rocks was by The Beatles on August 26, 1964, the only concert not sold out during their US-tour.  The beautiful and unique setting has led to the venue becoming a favorite for many performers, including Jimi Hendrix on September 1, 1968.  U2 performed at the amphitheatre on June 5, 1983 during their War Tour, in front of a crowd of 9,000 people.  

Red Rocks was one of the favored venues for The Grateful Dead and the venue has become a traditional stop for many subsequent jam bands. Widespread Panic holds the record for the most sold out performances at Red Rocks (48 shows). Blues Traveler has played the venue every Fourth of July since 1993, except 1999 when lead singer and harmonica player John Popper was unable to play due to heart surgery.  The venue has also seen numerous performances from the likes of Phish, My Morning Jacket, Tedeschi Trucks Band, String Cheese Incident, Umphrey's McGee, STS9, and so many more.

In honor of Red Rocks' 75th anniversary, we've included video footage of five of our favorite performances below.  We feel confident that we can speak for the all music fans when we say, "Thank you, Red Rocks, for providing an endless amount of memories to music fans far and wide!"

Watch Widespread Panic entire show at Red Rocks on 06.28.2002 here:

Watch Phish's entire first set at Red Rocks from 07.30.2009 here:

Watch String Cheese Incident's "Incident on The Rocks" from 07.23.2013 here:

Watch Umphrey's McGee's entire show at Red Rocks from 06.07.13 here:

Watch My Morning Jacket's entire show at Red Rocks from 05.29.16 here:


Widespread Panic Announces Fall Tour Dates + Nashville NYE Run May 3, 2016 15:35

Widespread Panic has announced it's initial 2016 Fall Tour Dates, as well as a three-night New Years' Run in Nashville.  Fall Tour will stretch across the northeast and down through the south for the month of September.  October dates will be announced soon.  The band's almost annual Tunes for Tots Charity Concert will take place December 29th at the Ryman Auditorium, followed by a two-night run at the Bridgestone Arena to ring in 2017. 

Stay tuned for future updates, as the band will be announcing more Fall Tour dates for October, as well as details on the band's annual Halloween run.  For further details on Widespread Panic's Fall Tour and New Year's Run, head over to the band's official website and Facebook page.

Sep. 6 2016 Washington, DC, USA WARNER THEATRE 

Sep. 7 2016 Washington, DC, USA WARNER THEATRE 

Sep. 9 2016 Brooklyn, New York, USA THE AMPHITHEATER AT CONEY ISLAND BOARDWALK 

Sep. 10 2016 Brooklyn, New York, USA THE AMPHITHEATER AT CONEY ISLAND BOARDWALK 

Sep. 11 2016 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA THE MANN CENTER 

Sep. 13 2016 Baltimore, Maryland, USA HIPPODROME THEATRE 

Sep. 15 2016 Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA TUSCALOOSA AMPHITHEATER 

 

Sep. 16 2016 Alpharetta, Georgia, USA VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATRE AT ENCORE PARK 

Sep. 17 2016 Asheville, North Carolina, USA U.S. CELLULAR CENTER 

Sep. 20 2016 Pensacola, Florida, USA SAENGER THEATRE 

Sep. 21 2016 Pensacola, Florida, USA SAENGER THEATRE 

Sep. 23 2016 St. Augustine, Florida, USA ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE 

Sep. 24 2016 St. Augustine, Florida, USA ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE 

 

Dec. 29 2016 Nashville, Tennessee, USA RYMAN AUDITORIUM 
VIEW MAP
Dec. 30 2016 Nashville, Tennessee, USA BRIDGESTONE ARENA 
VIEW MAP

 

Dec. 31 2016 Nashville, Tennessee, USA BRIDGESTONE ARENA 
VIEW MAP

 

 


Widespread Panic and Tedeschi Trucks Band Join Forces in Birmingham April 25, 2016 10:48

Photos by Jordan Kirkland: Live & Listen

Jam veterans Widespread Panic joined forces with the ultimate modern day supergroup, Tedeschi Trucks Band, on Saturday night for a double bill like no other at Birmingham's BJCC Legacy Arena.  While Widespread Panic is typically known for performing two sets of music, this was a unique occasion featuring far more than "just another opening band".  Tedeschi Trucks Band kicked things off promptly at 7:30 PM, featuring tunes like "Made Up Mind", "Bound For Glory", "Let Me Get By", and Derek and the Dominos' "Keep on Growing".  The highlight of the set came when the band took "Don't Know What It Means" directly into an emphatic cover of Joe Cocker's "The Letter" to close out the set.

Watch Tedeschi Trucks Band perform "Bound For Glory" here:

After a 45-minute intermission, Widespread Panic took the stage, and "Ain't Life Grand" kicked off the set.  Panic continued with originals like "Weight of the World", "Better Off", "Proving Ground", "Sell Sell", "Airplane", and "Papa's Home".  Drummer Duane Trucks and percussionist Sonny Ortiz provided the always entertaining "Drums" before the band busted back into "Papa's Home".  Pianist JoJo Hermann led the band through a rocking take on "Blackout Blues", which ultimately led into a cover of Vic Chesnutt's "Protein Drink" > "Sewing Machine" to close out the set.

Watch Widespread Panic perform Vic Chesnutt's "Protein Drink" here":

 As many expected, Saturday night's encore was an instant classic.  Panic returned to the stage with special guest, Derek Trucks.  This would be the first time Derek has performed with Panic since his younger brother, Duane Trucks, became the band's new drummer.  "Gimme" kept a mellow vibe and allowed Trucks to "warm up" a bit before a rousing take on "Surprise Valley".  John Bell then welcomed Susan Tedeschi back to the stage for a flawless cover of Robert Walter's "Me and the Devil Blues".  Many would think that a three song encore would be enough, but the band then welcomed Alecia Chakour and Mark Rivers (Tedeschi Trucks Band) to the stage for a massive family jam on The Rolling Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want".

The Panic faithful showed up in strong fashion on Saturday night.  Expectations for a Birmingham show are always high, because this band always finds a way to exceed them.  While the band plans to lighten their schedule in 2017, it's hard to imagine that Birmingham won't make it onto the list of "special occasion" shows that will surface in years to come.

Watch Widespread Panic and members of Tedeschi Trucks Band perform The Rolling Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want" here":

Tedeschi Trucks Band | 04.23.16 | Birmingham, AL

Made Up Mind, Laugh About It, Keep on Growing, Bird on the Wire, Idle Wind, Sticks and Stones, Bound for Glory, I Pity The Fool, Let Me Get By, Going Down to Mexico, Don't Know What It Means > The Letter

Widespread Panic | 04.23.16 | Birmingham, AL

Ain't Life Grand*, Weight of the World, Honky Red, Better Off, Proving Ground > Bust It Big, Sell Sell, Airplane > JAM > Papa's Home > Drumz > Machine Gun Jam > Papa's Home >Blackout Blues > Protein Drink > Sewing Machine (103 mins)

Encore: Gimme^ > Surprise Valley^, Me and The Devil^**, You Can't Always Get What You Want^

* JB on Tiny Guitar (mandolin)
^ Derek Trucks on Guitar / Susan Tedeschi on Vocals & Guitar
^^ Susan Tedeschi on Vocals & Guitar, Derek Trucks on Guitar, Alecia Chakour & Mark Rivers on Vocals