Widespread Panic Family

On the weekend of April 17-19, 2009 Widespread Panic performed a three-night run at the Wharf in Orange Beach, AL. Earlier that same week the band performed yet another three nights in Orlando, FL but these shows were the extent of their spring tour. Most seasons of the year the band performs two to three nights every weekend in varying cities around the U.S. and fits festivals in during the summer as well. They have chosen to continue with some festivals this summer but again, they are not really on tour for the season until Fall rolls around when they have chosen to entertain along with the Allman Brothers. It saddens me to have gotten into this band so late in their career because the patterns that are forming are showing their age. They are not old by any means but because of my age I missed out on a lot of their ongoing seasons filled with music. I am also in no way saying that they are not as talented because every time I leave a show I am satisfied and believe they are some of the best rock and rollers of our time. And I have to say I am not alone in this belief...

In attending the shows in late April this year I could make an easy comparison to the annual beach shows last year as well as sold-out Halloweens and New Year's Eves.. this weekend was really a Widespread Panic "Family." I can't quite explain it but it is just a great feeling when you know you are around good people (a title of a panic song I was fortunate enough to hear at my first show). In bigger cities and more crowded events with the band you get your randoms and those that are really just there to get messed up. This year was very drama free and the drug scene was overall fairly clean. It was a very reassuring feeling that each night was going to be a worry-free good time when you didn't turn your head and see numbers in cuffs or people being walked out on stretchers. Obviously there were some issues because weekends do not flow that smoothly but all in all I have to say that I never felt uncomfortable.

It is something to say that when a band has so few shows in a season the ones that make the effort to come are the ones that really care for the music and appreciate the band for what they are doing. In the house I stayed in there were people who came all the way from Colorado, others from Charleston, and some as close as Georgia.. we had a house full but again.. no drama! Surprising among our age group but having a common interest and enjoying something that we all love so much together, what can you honestly get upset about?! I love feeling like part of a family in loving my favorite band.. I hope they keep rockin' for years to come!