Widespread Panic electrifies the Orpheum

November 9, 3:58 PMLA Indie Music ExaminerMichele McManmon

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John Bell of Widespread Panic

Brooke Barlow (Celebrity from VH1's "My Antonio")

Sunday Nov. 8th. Los Angeles. The Orpheum.
Widespread Panic packed the Orpheum Sunday evening despite the culmination of a three night run. Energetic and spontaneous, the band cajoled the crowd to life. Touring since October. John Bell (Guitar, Vocals) lead off the first set with “Rock” rolling right into “Party & Moms”. Communicating through their instruments, this band glides into unknown territories making this one of the most spontaneous jam bands around. Withstanding the test of time and the untimely death of guitarist and co-founder Michael Houser, Widespread surfs turbulence in the 24 years of playing together as easily as they switch tempos in a song.  Proven to have sold more than $1 million in recordings, their success is based on the incredible experience of their live performances.  A grass roots fan base allows these musicians the independence and longevity most bands do not enjoy.

They are consistently listed as Pollstar’s “Top 50” grossing live acts carrying on the jam band tradition started by The Grateful Dead in the 1960’s. Using a set style is similar to the Dead’s, percussionist Domingo S. Ortiz and drummer Todd Nance stripped down to a tribal drum solo performance. After a hard earned 45-minute break, the natives and group were refreshed and prepped for the second set. “Holden” kicked off the 2nd half with vigor as the crowd exploded into a groove. Electricity filled the second set as guitarist Michael Boyd (Black Crows) joined in. Adding a refined blues element to the song, he returned to do the same for the two encores. Playing an incredible version of Blind Faith’s “(I’m wasted and I)Can’t find my way home”, Widespread Panic delivered an incredibly unique and memorable experience at the Orpheum.

http://www.widespreadpanic.com/
http://www.rhapsody.com/widespread-panic

Set List:
Rock                                                         Holden
Part & Moms                                            Imitation
Ribs & Whiskey                                      Jack
Can’t Get High                                        T.P.O.T.
Diner Sleep                                             Monkey
3 Candles                                                Driven
Take Out                                                  Disco
Wrangler                                                  Ain’t No Use
Henry P.                                                   Driven
                                                                   Fish2o
                                                                  (I’m Wasted and I) Can’t find my way home

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