Everyday Companion PaniCast

The final two nights of Playa contained many treats and amazing guest performances.The Jam out of Drums before Barstools that we open with in this podcast sounds to me like a new original instrumental.Enjoy!January 26, 2015Drums >Jam >Barstools and DreamersChristmas Katie,Mardi Gras in New Orleans(with Dirty Dozen Brass Band)January 27, 2015Time is FreeTurn on Your Lovelight(with Col. Bruce Hampton, George Porter, Jr. and Randall Bramblett)Red Hot Mama >Arlene,FishwaterVacation(with George Porter Jr., Grant Green Jr., Ivan Neville, Nikki Gillespie, Randall Bramblett)January 26, 2015You Can't Always Get What You WantEnd of the Show(with Bloodkin)DOWNLOAD the cast here(right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast 73Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

                                                               photo of Playa Cuatro on 1/24/15 crowd by Josh TimmermansWidespread Panic just finished four nights in the Dominican Republic at Panic en la Playa Cuatro - and to my ears it sounded like the boys were having a really fine time of it.... plus there were some sweet guest performances as well (more of that in part two).So I figured I would pare down the 12 hours of music to a two part PaniCast of highlights.Part one includes highlights from night number one, two and three... ENJOY!!January 24, 2015For What It's Worth >Sell Sell >Stop Go >Blue Indian(Fire on the Mountain jam during Stop Go)Waiting on the Bus >Jesus Just Left Chicago >Love TractorJanuary 25, 2015Coconut >Walk OnRebirtha(Not Fade Away and Jessica jams and China Cat Sunflower tease during Rebirtha)January 26, 2015Barstools and Dreamers >DrumsSOURCE INFO(all four nights of Cuatro)Bennett Schwartz1/24/15Schoeps ccm41>DinA>KC5>CMC6>analog>788T (HPF 0) 24/48FOB/DFC 40' back , stand and @ 9'1/25/15 and 1/26/15Schoeps ccm41>DinA>KC5>CMC6>analog>788T (HPF 0) 24/48FOB/DFC 40' back , stand and @ 8'DOWNLOAD the cast here(right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast 72Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Jimmy Herring circa 1994In the spring of 1994 the Grateful Dead were still touring, I got married and began my graduate studies at DePaul University. Working full-time in the printing and publications department of my alma mater and going to school full time left me with little time for live music or much of a social life.But in the summer of 1994, all I had to do was work full time... and take some of my precious earned vacation time to see some music.After 25 years of actively seeking out live musical experiences, the summer of 1994 stands out as a highlight. In particular, the ten day period of July 14 - 24, 1994 stands out as one of the most ambitious musical experiences of my life.Thursday 7/14/94 - work 9 - 5, Widespread Panic, The Vic (Aquarium Rescue Unit opened)Friday 7/15/94 - work 9 - 5Saturday 7/16/94 drive 5.5 hours to Ames, IA -  Widespread Panic, People's Bar and GrillSunday 7/17/94 - drive back to ChicagoMonday 7/18/94 - work 9 - 5, 3 hour drive to the Riverbend Campground outside of Noblesville, IN.Tuesday 7/19/94 - Grateful Dead, Deer Creek AmpitheatreWednesday 7/20/94 - Grateful Dead, Deer Creek AmpitheatreThursday 7/21/94 - Grateful Dead, Deer Creek AmpitheatreFriday 7/22/94 - drive back to Chicago, celebrate birthday at Martyrs'Saturday 7/23/94 - Grateful Dead, Soldier Field, ChicagoSunday 7/24/94 - Grateful Dead, Soldier Field, Chicago5 Dead shows, 2 Panic shows and 3 full days of work in 11 days.But you are here to hear about Widespread Panic.That July 14th show at the Vic was originally scheduled for a larger venue, the newly opened Skyline Stage on Navy pier. But Peter Frampton used his own PA a couple of weeks earlier which led to the venue not allowing Widespread to use their PA....  I'll add that this change in venue happened after the band and crew had arrived in the early morning of July 14 to set the stage.Several dozen people were turned away at the door of the Vic because of overcrowding and the air conditioning failed before the band even hit the stage.The Aquarium Rescue Unit (without Col. Bruce but with Kofi Burbridge on keys and flute and Paul Henson on vocals) opened for Panic. I wonder if Jimmy Herring ever had a sense of deja vu when sharing the stage with  Widespread Panic? Or perhaps being in the Aquarium Rescue Unit was like LIVING in deja vu!I featured the final two songs and the encore of Panic's one set show back in PaniCast #4....PaniCast #4 - Sweating to July 14, 1994 The Vic Theatre, Chicago.This week I bring you the opening of the first set up through the drum break in Papa's Home.I've also added a couple of great radio studio performances from 1993 and some silly interviews...July 14, 1994The Vic TheatreChicago, IL(set one opener)Heroes >Weight of the World,PilgrimsPorch SongMay 3, 1993KTCZ 97.1 StudiosMinneapolis, MNInterviewWonderingJuly 14, 1994 continuesLittle Kin,It Ain't No Use >Travelin' LightMay 10, 1993WDET 101.9 FMDetroit, MIInterviewHenry Parsons DiedJuly 14, 1994 continuesJunior,Stop-Go >Papa's HomeJuly 14, 1994 Aquarium Rescue Unit (opening for Widespread Panic)Vic TheatreChicago, ILFixin' to Die(calling out to 'Garrie' during the song... same Garrie?)Jimmy Herring on guitarOteil Burbridge on bass/vocalsApartment Q258 on drumsKofi Burbridge on keys/flutePaul Henson on vocalsLISTENER'S GUIDE:7/14/94Listen how Weight of the World starts with Dave melodically driving the song forward until Mikey takes control and leads into the third verse. This allows DAS to switch to a percussive slap bass technique, nearly teasing 'We Want the Funk....' at one point.The Pilgrims intro is so mellow, almost like they backing into the song. Feeling confident and conversational in the way they are playing....  - and so we listen, and if it's real good, and we shake.And then Houser takes a solo and the heat is on!Check out the jam that begins about 5 and a half minutes into Ain't No Use.... soaring, triumphant, lovely.And again around the 5 and a half minute mark in Papa's Home a graceful and confident jam. Houser's leads are reminiscent of a yet-to-be-written Surprise Valley.5/3/93 and 5/10/93Being asked by radio DJs about being from Athens and REM must've gotten old and you can't blame JB Jack the Jester for trying to have a little fun with them in the process. I just love JB talking about Sunny in the 5/10 interview; 'Sometimes he rubs them. Sometimes he shakes them.'7/14/94 ARUThe band calls out for "Gary" during Fixin' to Die.... leaving me wondering if they were somehow calling out to Garrie Vereen....SOURCE INFO:7/14/94Source: SBD > DAT @ 48.0khz > Analog(master)Transfer: Analog(master) > Tascam DA-45HR @ 44.1khz > Audiophile 24/96 USB > Cool Edit 2000 > CDwave > FLAC(level 6)Converted and edited by D.P. SwintSeeded by Patrick Wood5/3/93Source: FM > Cass (?) > CDTransfer: Pioneer CD-070 > HHB 800 > EAC (secure) > CDWave > MKWAct SHN v.3 flac 5/10/93Source: FM > Cass (?) > CDTransfer: Pioneer CD-070 > HHB 800 > EAC (secure) > CDWave > MKWAct SHN v.3 > flac7/14/94 Aquarium Rescue Unit Source: SBD > DA-P20 @ 48.0khzTransfer: Tascam DA-45HR > Audiophile 24/96 USB > WaveLab 5.01a > CDwave > FLAC(level 6)Converted and edited by D.P. SwintPhoto: screen shot from YouTube video of ARU in Jacksonville circa 1994https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7-dxV4_D-EDOWNLOAD the cast here(right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast 71Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Good evening Ladies and Gents! It is hard to believe it has been SIX YEARS since we stopped doing these little nuggets of goodness...For this next first time out of the gate I am including some tasty treats from the start of spring tour 1999.The band is feeling firey right of the gate in Philly - in particular, listen for JBs vocal embellishments during the second chorus of Let's Get Down to Business.The quintessential Pleas > Chilly from Salem features a lazy jammy intro to Pleas that was indicative of how the band would get things going in Spring '99.Get excited about 1999, because I am going to be featuring a few more tracks from this under-appreciated Spring Tour in future weeks!I finish everything off with a couple of selections from the Stockholm Syndrome tour of 2004 at the Gothic in Denver Colorado. Stockholm Syndrome is a side project of David Schools featuring Jerry Joseph on guitar and vocals, Eric McFadden on lead guitar, Wally Ingram on drums and Danny Dziuk on keys. Their version of North is driving and includes a ZZ Top tease while their funky version of Coudn't Get it Right features a Down on the Farm tease.And finally, please tell your friends and neighbors we are back. Believe it or not these 'casts take a good bit of time to produce and it would be a waste if people weren't sharing this wonderful music.And finally a BIG THANK YOU to all of the tapers and fans who make these recordings and this wonderful project called the Everyday Companion possible.Peace, TedApril 10, 1999Electric FactoryPhiladelphia, PA(set one opener)Let's Get Down to Business,Pigeons,B of D >Rebirtha >Red Hot Mama >Diner >Greta >Goin' Out WestApril 9, 1999Salem, VA(set 2 opener)Pleas >Chilly Water >Dyin' Man >Chilly WaterStockholm SyndromeAugust 6, 2004Gothic TheaterEnglewood, CONorth >Couldn't Get it RightSource Info:4/10/99Source: Schoeps MK4 > Reutelhuber > DA-P1 @ 48 kHzLocation: FOB / DFC / ORTF / 6ftTaped by Jim Finn. Clone courtesy of Carter Lyle. Transferred by BobbyHurley.4/9/99Source:  (fob/dfc) Schoeps mk4 (ortf @ 6.5 ft.) > Reutelhuber > DA-P1 @ 48 kHzTaped by:  Jim Finn  (clone courtesy of Carter Lyle)Transfer by:  BobbyHurleyStockholm Syndrome8/6/04Taped and transferred by Todd RamsdenSource:  FOB, 3' LoC, Drink rail:  Audix m1290 > Lunatec V3 (optical out) > Nomad JB3DOWNLOAD the cast here(right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #70Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

This 'cast continues to explore the influences of Widespread Panic's music.Michael Stanley's second solo album, Friends and Legends, is featured prominently this time around. The band Stanley was playing with on this album was a who's who of mid-seventies rock; Dan Fogelberg, Richie Furay, David Sanborn, Bill Szymczyk, and Joe Walsh (AND his band Barnstorm). J. Geils even got in on the act by producing the saxophone tracks. It also was produced in my current stomping grounds of Colorado... Let's Get the Show on the Road is one of my favorite Panic covers and Funky is the Drummer is a crazy jam/rap that JB has slipped into a couple of times.I really had alot of fun putting this one together - turn it up and invite the friends over... and tear the roof of the sucker!Let's Get the Show on the RoadMichael Stanleyfrom the album "Friends and Legends"She Caught the KatyAlbert Kingfrom the album "Lovejoy"Funky is the DrummerMichael Stanleyfrom the album "Friends and Legends"Give up the Funk (Tear the Roof of the Sucker)Parliamentfrom the album "Mothership Connection"Wang Dang DoodleKoko Taylorfrom the album "The Earthshaker"Can't Find My Way HomeBlind Faithfrom the album "Blind Faith"Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and BurningHot Tunafrom the album "First Pull Up, The Pull Down"Knocking 'round the ZooJames Taylor and the Original Flying Machinefrom the album "James Taylor and the Original Flying Machine"Shouldn't Have Took More than You GaveDave Masonfrom the album "Alone Together"TipitinaProfessor Longhairfrom the album "New Orleans Piano"John's OtherHot Tunafrom the album "First Pull Up, The Pull Down"Just Like a WomanBob Dylanfrom the album "Blonde on Blonde"SpoonfulWillie Dixonfrom the album "I am the Blues"GladTrafficfrom the album " John Barleycorn Must Die"Let's Get it OnMarvin Gayefrom the album "Let's Get it On"DOWNLOAD the cast here(right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #69Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Hi, yes, it's me again.Should I address the fact I haven't done a broadcast in a long, long, long time?Let's see if I can pick up where I left off.One open item:I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE the archive project that has been started by Horace Moore and the band (and Chris Rabold). This is a worthy project and one that every one of you should be helping support by purchasing the releases. September 8, 1997 is an amazing show and should will be one of the greatest Spreadhead stocking stuffers in recent memory.The archive project is depending on us, the fans, for it's success. By supporting the project through your purchase of an archive recording you are ensuring that MORE MORE MORE archives are released in the future. And who knows, perhaps the next release will be the one you've been wishing for!Now let's get down to businessDuring the time you last heard from me I was bitten by a musical bug - the vinyl bug. Last October I found a working turntable and about 20 albums. Today I've got 4 working turntables and a whole bunch of vinyl....As I was flipping through stacks of worn sleeves in the bins of Albums on the Hill and Twist and Shout I found myself meditating on how vinyl was heavily influential on generations of musicians. Rediscovering how the long format of an LP made each side of an album an event. Ruminating on how the ultimate expression of a musical artist's mastery (or indulgence) was the 'concept album.'The experience of listening to a vinyl album requires an immersion in the experience:Interpreting album art,removing the disc from the sleeve,placing it on the spindle,gently resting the needle down,hear the familiar crackle of dust and vinyl,the anticipation of the fist sounds of the first song....Take a moment to think about the last time you pressed a single button to listen to your music.Widespread is well known for their covers versions of songs... Songs that the band members would have experienced for the first time on vinyl.SO why not a "Panic Covers and Influences" podcast taken directly from the vinyl sources?!?Without further ado I present to you various covers and influences recorded directly from albums in my collection...Savor > JingoSantanafrom the album "Santana"Are You Ready for the Country?Neil Youngfrom the album "Journey Through the Past (soundtrack)"SuperstitionStevie Wonderfrom the album "Talking Book"Starship Trooper 1. Life Seeker 2. Disillusion 3. WürmYesfrom the album "The Yes Album"Space Truckin'Deep Purplefrom the album "Machine Head"PrettyLove Tractorfrom the album "Athens, GA. - Inside/Out (soundtrack)"For What It's Worth > Mr. SoulBuffalo Springfield from the album "Journey Through the Past (soundtrack)"All Along the WatchtowerBob Dylan from the album "Bob Dylan at Budokan"I WishStevie Wonderfrom the album "Songs in the Key of Life"Bowlegged Woman, Knock-Kneed ManHot Tunafrom the album "Hoppkorv"Dirty BusinessNew Riders of the Purple Sagefrom the album "New Riders of the Purple Sage"DOWNLOAD the cast here(right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #68Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Take a listen to how easily the band slides into Party at Your Mama's House after Rebirtha this week. The band had obviously worked on PAYMH over the course of the previous 6 months and this is a fine example of how the song had matured at his point in their career. JB then proceeds to completely blow the lyrics to Can't Find My Way Home, but I still enjoy the power the band is able to bring - JB follows this up with a solo acoustic version of Gradle, which we come back to at the end of the cast.A backwards Porch > Take Out pairing helps us dive headlong into a Driving sandwich featuring an epic Hope in a Hopeless World. Yes, epic.The Breathing Slow features JoJo (I think) saying "See you later" and Dave laughing maniacally before they hit the stride of that jam - I remember listening to this show once in the middle of the night and having that section of music give me the chills. I edited out the Mercy > Nobody's Fault and I urge you to seek this show out and listen to it as well as the first set... well worth the effort.Walk On > Chilly - does it get any more quintessential than that??And we finish the aforementioned Gradle - JB solo acoustic, pouring his emotions into the rendition.Make sure to check out the Flash player for streaming the 'cast - you have to let the entire 'cast preload before playing, but it should be worth the wait. Any how, let me know what you think...Many thanks to Steve Bullock for his help with that player.November 9, 1997Ann Arbor, MIRebirtha >Party at Your Mama's House >Help Me SomebodyEncore #1: Can't Find My Way HomeApril 21, 1996Boalsburg, PAPorch Song >The Take Out >Tall Boy >Driving Song >Hope in a Hopeless World >Driving Song >Breathing SlowWalk On >Chilly WaterNovember 9, 1997Ann Arbor, MIEncore #2:John Bell solo acousticGradleDOWNLOAD the cast here(right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #67Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Is it really November?Well I certainly did not intend to be away for so long...What have I been up to?Let's just say I've been busy.Let's hop back in by playing the rest of the second set from that 1996 Oak Mountain show we featured way back in March. And then we'll feature a few tracks from the November 2000 run through the Pacific Northwest. There are some sick jamming during that One Kind Favor and I ma not sure who keeps making the kissey noises, but all in all a very spirited version of that song. The Bowlegged features the obligatory JB rap, but this one includes a line about the events transpiring in Washington at the time (of course the recount and legal battle of election 2000 were in full swing at this point).We'll do our best to bring more music every week - sorry we were away for so long!June 28, 1996Oak Mountainwith David Blackmon on fiddleThe Take Out >Blackout,Proving Ground >Arlene >Hatfield >Porch Song(Pusherman tease by Schools before Hatfield)November 10, 2000Bozeman, MTAstronomy Domine Jam >One Kind Favor,Blue Indian(Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun tease by Schools before Astronomie)November 11, 2000And It Stoned Me >Bowlegged WomanDOWNLOAD the cast here(right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #66Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

This week we bring you some sweet music from the two night run of shows in 1992 at the legendary Ziggy's in Winston-Salem, NC.These songs of challenges, rising to meet adversity and remembering good times is a long distance dedication - to all the everyday feline and canine companions brightening our world.September 29, 1990Murfreesboro, TNThe Earth Will Swallow YouMay 24, 1992Ziggy'sWinston-Salem, NCDog Song >Walk OnWeight of the WorldIt Ain't No Use >Jam (with Brown Cat Rap)Tie Your Shoes >Red Beans Cookin'May 25, 1992Ziggy'sC. BrownJust Kissed My Baby (with Cissy Strut jam and Night People rap)DOWNLOAD the cast here(right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #65Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Energy = Mass multiplied by the Speed of Light squared.E = mc2.This week we've got a combination of energetic performances that, when mixed, prove the formula; WSP + NC + SC = Energy!December 30, 1995Spartanburg, SCHeroes >RockA of D1 x 1 >PigeonsMercy >JAM >Flat Footed FlewzyE: And It Stoned MeApril 9, 1996Wilmington, NCSleepy Monkey >Radio Child >JAMDOWNLOAD the cast here(right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #64Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

My pre-show ritual of drinking a Samuel Smith's oatmeal stout started back when I was seeing the Grateful Dead. A single 20 ounce bottle could sustain me for an entire evening. Too heavy to be chugged, it is a beer to be savored. For my money, a $3 bottle of Sammy's symbolizes summer afternoons of freedom and relaxation. In the summer of 1994, Lisa and I found a couple bottles for sale at the last store on the road to Denali. We sat on the side of a dusty road sipping an Oatmeal Stout under the midnight sun while listening for the bus that would take us into the wild.So when a podcast listener named Jeremiah wrote the following words, I felt compelled by mysterious forces to oblige his request;"Keep up the good work, I thrive on your podcast, its great music to listen to. Brings back memories of the good ole' days when I was in college. No bills, plenty of Panic, and a good Sammy Smith Oatmeal Stout!"He's asked for anything from 1996 through 2001 from Oak Mountain in Pelham (outside of Birmingham) Alabama. You pretty much can't go wrong with that date range with this band at that venue.So I went down to Liquor Mart today and bought a Sammy Smith Oatmeal Stout. I've cracked it open. And I am listening and relaxing, waiting to be taken into the wild. I suggest you do the same.June 28, 1996Airplane >Take Off Jam (with Dark Star jam) >And It Stoned Me >Henry Parsons DiedStop-G0 >Barstools and Dreamers (with Satisfied rap)September 25, 1999Surprise Valley >Bear's Gone Fishing >C. BrownJuly 29, 2001Wind Cries MaryDOWNLOAD the cast here(right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #62Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Happy leap year day every body!Despite their storied career spanning thousands of shows and three decades, Widespread Panic has only played on Leap Day once. February 29, 1988. Unfortunately I do not have a copy of this show to share with you.So what I did instead was start with something from March of 1988, since tomorrow is March 1. I then leapt through time on the hard drives and listened to sections of about a dozen shows to come up with this week's cast. March also marks the tenth anniversary of the infamous Australian and European runs of spring 1998. So I thought I would dust off a selection of songs from that tour for your enjoyment."Well come on back. I hope everyone's prepared."- JB, 3/31/1988 before Driving SongHere's how the Cast goes down this week:March 31, 1988Cat's CradleChapel Hill, NCDriving Song >Jam >Driving Song >Breathing SlowDecember 7, 1990Sonny's BistroAsheville, NCPushermanJuly 25, 1998World's Fair ParkKnoxville, TNAin't Life Grand >Diner >Don't Be DeniedMarch 10, 1998Gov. HindmarshAdeleide, AustraliaHappy >Aunt Avis >ImpossibleOctober 9, 1996Memorial Gym, VanderbiltNashville, TNL.a. >Travelin' LightDOWNLOAD the cast here(right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #62Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

U.S.S. Midway, docked at Navy Pier, San Diego, CAA recent business trip put me in the heart of downtown San Diego near the airport. My first night there I saw Atlanta's Black Lips at a club named Casbah. Maybe 125 people in attendance.Widespread Panic has played some small shows in San Diego, or more precisely, Solana Beach. We've featured some songs from the legendary Belly Up Tavern before (the first Pilgrims was performed at this venue in 1992). We'll also feature a few tracks from the Navy Pier appearance. Houser has some problems finding his voice during the Waker, but the jam into Arlene is worth every cringe.Here's how the Podcast goes down this week:November 12, 1993 Belly Up Tavern,Solana Beach, CAWho Do You Belong To?HatfieldJune 13, 2001 Navy Pier, San Diego, CAPleas >The Waker >Arleen >Driving Song >Genesis >Driving SongNovember 17, 1994 Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach, CAE: Get Up Early In The Morning >Chilly WaterNovember 12, 1993 Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach, CAE: PostcardDOWNLOAD the cast here(right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #61Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

The shuttered Paramount Theatre, Asbury Park, NJFeels good to be back in business.No santa claus surprises this year, but the ever benevolent Ground Hog seems have delivered.Tell your friends - we're back!April 22, 1997Asbury Park, NJPorch Song >Stop-Go >Who Do You Belong To? >Vacation >RebirthaMay 6, 1995Atlanta, GASmoke and Burn (aka Burned Faceless) >DinerJuly 9, 1995St. Louis, MOPilgrimsMay 30, 1998Santa Barbara, CAMakes Sense to meDOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #60Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

(picture of broken computer stolen from another site)This has been an eventful year but nothing prepared me for a crashed computer. Dead. in. the. Water. Fuck. Strapped by home expenses I find myself stalling the purchase and set up of a new machine as long as possible. If there is a christmas angel out there who loved what we do at Everyday Companion, please get me one of these new iMacs.I promise to be good all year and to bring the best jams and keep my brethren in Panic satisfied. And I'll get back to a weekly cast. Please, Santa, please!So, until I am able to successfully get the system back up in fighting shape, I am pointing back in time to some casts that have not received much of attention...I'll start it all off with the very first cast ever - the production value ain't there, but the tunes certainly are. ENJOY!Everyday Companion Podcast #1

October 12, 2007Loveland, ColoradoDriving Song >TIme is Free (with The End and Riders on the Storm teases)Driving SongEncore: End of the Show >Bowlegged Woman (with We Want the Funk jam)October 13, 2007Jungle Boogie Inspired Jam (to open the first set) >Red Hot Mama >One Armed Steve >Walk OnJam >Protein Drink >Sewing MachineEncore: Love and Happiness >Love TractorDOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #59Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Had an issue there folks - try this versionPaniCast #58October 12, 2007JAM to open first set >Action ManNorth >Nobody's Fault But Mine >Conrad the CaterpillarJAM to open the second set >Greta >Solid RockA of D >DinerDOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #58Click here to subscribe through iTunes.COMING LATER THIS WEEK - Loveland Happiness Episode 2 - PaniCast #59

Sunday morning, 10:45 a.m., Oct. 14, 2007, Boulder, COIt is drizzling and overcast and we are sitting in the basement watching Pee Wee's Playhouse. I got home last night around 2 a.m. just as the rain started falling. Jackson is proudly pretending with a new toy and Lisa is writing out a shopping list.Lost in a recipe, searching for an ingredient in the corner of her memory, she's twirling her hair. She glances up, reading the proclamation on the screen, "Fiesta!"My ears are still ringing from last night's onslaught in Loveland. My neck is sore, my eyes are tired and my dogs are barking. The sore neck is the direct result of dancing like an absolute maniac for the last two nights. It feels good to let my head roll from shoulder to shoulder.Yesterday morning, at about this time of the day, we were celebrating Jackson's soccer team's first win ever. There is nothing more exciting in the entire world than watching a gang of eight year old boys finally figure out how to pass a ball to one another. Better than being a first-hand witness to the Colorado Rockies winning a 13 inning nail biter in a rare tie breaking wild card game. More satisfying than successfully buying, selling and moving from one house to another. More visually pleasing than picking out paint colors for a new kitchen.And, yes, more exciting than seeing Widespread Panic realize their potential. You heard that right. Widespread Panic have found their groove again and life is very, very good.Let's get right to heart of the matter. I feel truly blessed to have so many people in my life who are caring and compassionate and not afraid to have a good time. So many great people around me who will put up with my antics, patiently allowing me enough space to stumble, but not fall.These same friends were the ones who heard me complain loudly about being extremely disappointed the band was playing a hockey arena in Loveland, CO. Outlet malls, Hooters and Harley Davidson stores betray the truth about the area of Loveland near the venue. Like a viking trying to lure real estate prospectors to "Green"land, the spread of strip development in Loveland is equally deceptive. It is a corruption of both parts of the alliterative compound word."I'm not going," I would say. My good people would nod and smile. They knew I was protesting too much. They knew I would be there and that I was just being a whiner.That doesn't mean I didn't try to get tickets the morning they went on sale. I tried and FAILED. That's right, shut out online. I think I ordered in the afternoon thinking that the venue wouldn't sell out. I told myself, "See that proves it! Besides it'll be such a long drive from the house." What a freaking martyr I was being!Of course as game time approached my heart pulled my head into line. The switch in my attitude came around the time I had to encourage a very insecure soccer player that his team mates were counting on him.I have a rule that I follow superstitiously; always buy a ticket and don't take anything for granted. But when tickets sell out quickly I am extremely lucky to have a couple of friends within the Panic organization who will help me out with tickets to a show. I reluctantly call on my write-in candidate for 2008, Garrie Vereen and the minster of the speakers, Chris Rabold who happily oblige.So after finding some road buddies to share the drive from Boulder I was set. Laura, Sandy, Diane and I met at Sandy's house for a little tapas and then we're driving north out of Boulder toward the venue. Upon entry to the parking lot we were greeted by a flier and a parking attendant. She happily informed us that the parking lot was being 'sponsored by the County Sheriff.' At the box office our tickets were faithfully waiting for us. The weather had changed during the day and as the hour of show time approached the northerly winds started gusting. With Johnny Law and Jack Frost both nipping at us we decided to head in.The Budweiser Events Center is basically a hockey arena that can be converted into a multipurpose venue by covering the ice with heavy duty foam floor tiles. Before show time you could hear the ice crack beneath your feet. I saw the Woobs up front and decided to cop a spot near them, about six rows from Jimmy. Dan and Candace joined me as well as Dan Bynum. Show time neared, DJ J. Boogie spun some music for the assembling crowd.The lights go down, while J. Boogie continues spinning tunes. David Schools mimics the bassline of the song and appears from behind his amps. The other members emerge and join the jam. Any reservation I had about having a DJ open for the band is erased in a matter of a few leads from Jimmy. To kick off a show with an improvisational jam takes confidence in your abilities and your audience. Widespread Panic of fall tour 2007 has both in spades.There is no denying that Widespread Panic is 'feeling it' right now. Their new single 'Up All Night' has been released via the internet for free and Jimmy Herring has settled right in as the new lead guitarist. Strike the word 'new' from that sentence; settled right in as THE lead guitarist. It is difficult, if not impossible, to compare Widespread '01 or Widespread '05 with Widespread '07. The chemistry on stage right now is undoubtedly sincere and the healthy heart beat of honest improvisation is being heard on a nightly basis.And the crowd responds... after opening with Action Man it seemed as if every one of the 8,500 assembled in the Event Center let out a hoot and a holler. Even a year ago you were guaranteed to hear tempo problems and dropped cues plague a set at least once. Widespread '07 rolls right over mistakes. All good improvisation requires equal doses of technical ability and chance. If you play your cards right, any mistake could potentially become inspired musical space.Luckily for us, chance reared her head in the first set. After leading the band through the relatively uncommon Nobody's Fault But Mine, JB found himself steering the band through Conrad with a broken stringed guitar. He just slung the guitar on to his back and leaned back, singing with a grin on his face. Jimmy tore through the climatic changes of Conrad while JB stood there smiling in admiration - the back lit traveling troubador, singing about pain, and life, and growth. And Love.Later, during the second set, JB seemed to forget the words to Time is Free. His lyrical improvisation led us down the hallway of Jim Morrison's 'The End.' Instead of the lizard king's ending, JB's take was a much more humorous, if not truthful, approach;"And I walked down the hall,came to mama and daddy's room.and I said,'Father, what are you watching on T.V.?'and he say'I'm watching the Colbert Show that came on after the Daily Show.'and I said,'oooh, father why do you do that?'he said,'Because I blanket myself with the truth.'Don't know why we do it!Never any reason to be not free."These Doors riffs inspired JoJo to tease the intro to Riders on the Storm. Soon David joined in and we had a mini- Riders jam on our hands. Melding perfectly with Time is Free, the Riders came and went but left the nasty weather behind.These are the moments I chase. That is why I found myself working for a spot down front again the second night. I had to get close so I could watch the band connect with one another on stage, feel the audience respond to the nuances, and hear the intense results. It is an experience almost as good as seeing a team of 8 year olds leap for joy after making a pass and scoring a goal.Jackson called me at one point, before the second show. I wandered backstage trying to find a spot where I'd get good reception and enough silence to hear. He was excited about a new toy and wanted to explain every detail. As I reentered the venue through the back door I noticed some tape on the floor. Stage directions for the crew. The note on the arrow pointing south toward the stage read "Everything."I found myself singing to myself 'Loveland Happiness' later that night in the backseat of Joe and Melissa's VW. Indeed, my 'everything' lay south of Loveland... but hearing this band hit their stride with a group of friends helps me appreciate just how blessed I truly am.Here's a few All-Stars from this weekend:Jackson, Lisa, Sandy, Laura, Diane, Curtis, Danny, Candace, AnneMarie, Bennett, Garrie, Ryan, Chris, Adam, Jen, Joe, Melissa, Tricia, Whim, Dan, Cindy, Joe, Rebecca, Dennis, ValHere's a few of the highlights, divided into TWO Episodes:PaniCast #58October 12, 2007JAM to open first set >Action ManNorth >Nobody's Fault But Mine >Conrad the CaterpillarJAM to open the second set >Greta >Solid RockA of D >DinerDOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #58Click here to subscribe through iTunes.COMING LATER THIS WEEK - Loveland Happiness Episode 2 - PaniCast #59

PanicStream user Col. Braddock asked for a request that I will not be playing, at least not this week. It occurred to me that his suggestion would make much better fodder for a future themed cast.... but there were some songs from the same show featuring the same guest that would be worth a listen. As I revisited the famous Jorma performance from 2000 I also ran across a relatively recent download of Vic Chesnutt and became inspired. Guests and covers of songs by friends.So away I went, finding a killer FM broadcast that I was not acquainted with featuring some priceless interview tom-foolery by the band. Delving into shows from 1994 I was reminded of one of my favorite Chilly Water performances featuring a 15 year old Derek Trucks on guitar.A very pleasant surprise awaited me when the Everyday Companion pointed me to a benefit show featuring Jimmy Dale Gilmore, Randall Bramblett and Artimus Pyle of Lynyrd Synyrd. The interplay between Houser and Bramblett during Porch Song is nothing short of brilliant.Anyhow, I am rambling - ENJOY - this is one of those 'casts that features something for everybody so turn it up loud.And remember; "I'm John Herman, and I play keyboards."Vic ChesnuttFebruary 16, 1997Muffathalle, Munich, GermanyBlight(authored by David Schools/Michael Houser/Todd Nance/Vic Chesnutt in a little band named brute.)April 8, 1995102.7 WNEW New York, NYInterview ("I'm John Herman")Can't Get High (Bloodkin cover)Ain't Life GrandLet's Get Down to Business (Vic Chesnutt cover)July 4, 2000WarfieldSan Francisco, CAwith Jorma KoukonenBowlegged WomanGenesisOctober 11, 1998Nashville ArenaNashville, TNPorch Song > (with Jimmy Dale Gilmore, Randall Bramblett)Drums(with Artimus Pyle from Lynyrd Synyrd and Jeff Reilly from Randall Bramblett Band)July 21, 1994Stop Go >Entering a Blackhole Backwards >Chilly Water** 15 year old Derek Trucks on Guitar(with 'Thank You Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin' jam)DOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #57Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

This one is for Justin and his friends and family.Some really tasty selections this week. Chosen for the quality of guitar work by Houser primarily. Thanks to Kevin Hopkins for the suggestions.Sorry for the quality of the New Orleans show, that is the best I've got. And the cut in that Vacation from Australia is unavoidable but Houser's jamming is top notch....July 14, 1995Before show banter, Michael HouserOctober 28, 2001New Orleans, LASandbox >ConradDecember 1, 2000Carbondale, ILJackMarch 11, 1998Melbourne, AustraliaAirplaneVacation (missing about 10 seconds in the middle)November 20, 2001Johnson City, TNTrouble,Love Tractor >PigeonsJune 21, 1997Kansas City, KSPilgrims >Ain't Life GrandDOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #56Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Craig Thomason - September 6, 1976 - September 6, 2007This cast is dedicated to the memory of Craigy T.He was diagnosed with melanoma in August and died three weeks later. He had no health insurance so his friends and family are putting on a fund-raiser, Craigstock, next weekend September 22 and 23 in Winter Park, CO. If you cannot make this event I strongly encourage you to help out with a donation to the Craigy T Fund. It is enough of a shock to lose a son suddenly without having to pay huge medical bills.If you'd like to send a donation, mark your donation to the Craigy T Fund and send it to the Grand Mountain Bank, P.O. Box 429, Fraser, CO 80442.More info about Craigstock on Sept 22 and 23 found here.Craig was a great guy, a passionate musician and a first class Widespread Panic fan.He attended the University of Kentucky and graduated in 1999. So I've chosen some selections from his alma mater as a tribute to him. We then finish things off with a request from Joe, a Four Cornered sammy from 2001.April 23, 1999University of KentuckyLexington, KYSpace Wrangler >ArleneDinerVacation >Greta >Travelin' LightJuly 4, 2001Harmony Park Music GardenGeneva, MNFour Cornered Room >Heathen >Four Cornered RoomDOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #54Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

This 'Cast consists of 100% listener requests -and I must say you folks have good taste!We start things off with a little snippet of an interview from 1993 in Minneapolis."Well, 'No' is a big word..."We then bounce forward to 1999 in JB's hometown of Cleveland. Pay attention - 19 minutes into the 'cast JoJo hooks up with the drummers and starts incessantly teasing a Big Chief jam. Dave follows suit, the horns get in synch and soon we have a giant Big Chief marching around the venue. That's a request of an anonymous listener!Then we have a special treat - a Barstools rap from July of 1986, six months before it appears in the setlists as a song!That Barstools rap segues into Coconuts, but I decided to switch things up and play the Coconuts encore of that Cleveland 1999 date.Then another treat - Cardboard Box. Thanks Chris Whitestone for the request. A rare Mikey instrumental... really love the tension that is built mid-way through that song. It seemed to fit perfectly as a segue into our next selection.Low Spark > Dream Song > Low Spark - this is the encore from a show in May of 1998 in Santa Barbara, CA. It takes some serious kahonas to slow things down and play Dream Song during an encore and this one does not disappoint. Thanks to Stuart Chandler for the request.No matter what some people say, Dream Song is one of my favorite encore songs. I find it gives me a physical and mental breather. Perhaps even a little head space to reflect. In any case I believe JB when he sings, "You know you can, because you've lived so many lives before, in your dreams."And finally another anonymous request. I am a sucker for Let's Get the Show on the Road but when paired with Tie Your Shoes I am an ALL-DAY sucker... wow!Thanks for listening, tell your friends about us and keep sending those requests - if I've got it and it is from before 2002 I will do my best to play it for you.May 3, 1993 KTCZ 97.1FM Studios, Minneapolis, MNInterviewJuly 23, 1999 Nautica Stage, Cleveland, OHwith the Dirty Dozen Brass BandChristmas Katie >Big Chief JamJuly 14, 1986 Uptown Lounge, Athens, GAAiko jam >Barstools RapJuly 23, 1999 Nautica Stage, Cleveland, OHwith the Dirty Dozen Brass BandCoconutsOctober 20, 1986 Uptown Lounge, Athens, GACardboard BoxMay 30, 1998 County Bowl, Santa Barbara, CALow Spark of High Heeled Boys >Dream Song >Low Spark of High Heeled BoysApril 27, 1999 Moran Theatre, Jacksonville, FLLet's Get the Show on the Road >Tie Your Shoes >Mr. SoulDOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #54Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

WHEW! That took some time...I hope you are all still waiting patiently - I promise the next few weeks will be worth the wait!I turn around and May has turned to September. What happened to our summer?As an ode to our lost summer I put together some selections from August in Panic History for your enjoyment. I literally went through the archives and pulled an August performance from each of the years we had on the hard drives through 1999. We are missing some critical August performances from 87, 88 and 91 but the examples we have here are good ones.Bird Song features Kelly Jo Davis on vocals. Normally I am not a big fan of Bird Song as performed by Widespread, but this version shines - JB's vocal play with Kelly Jo is subtle and Houser's playing is unhinged.The 1989 selection from the Wetlands is pure five piece Panic - And I've always had a soft spot in my heart for it. It happens to be the very first live performance by the band I ever heard on tape or otherwise.What can you say about a 1990 Holden Oversoul other than tempo, tempo, tempo! Some serious funky Panic happening mid-way through this one.Sunny is feeling it after It Ain't No Use and JB is feeling it during Last Straw... Todd is firing on all cylinders, Dave and Houser intertwine nicely and JoJo finds some interesting fills during this awesome matrix recording of a HORDE performance from 1992.Flat Foot Flewzy from a Oak Mountain HORDE date in 1993 featuring John Popper on harmonica may be the highlight of this broadcast... Really sick - partly because Popper refused to give up the lead and Dave's vocal antics. "Holy shit" is right.Pilgrims is from the encore of a show in Lubbock. JB says something way in the background (before Dave yells, "Lubbock") that I can't make out. Something about tractors... if anyone can make out what he is saying, please share. Plus listen to what Garrie is talking about at the end there.... you could take your ticket across the street to a bar and drink all night for free?! I'd be willing to bet that bar lost money that night!Can't Find My Way Home was the encore of the second night of a two show run at the Vic in Chicago. "Thank you, good night!""I'm gonna cut myself and forget about her!"Although the Last Dance from Germany has a missed cue part way through it is well played - plus hearing Dave count to four in German is worth including it, don't you think?"Eins, zwei, drei, vier!"I hope you enjoyed this week's cast - TELL YOUR FRIENDS WE'RE BACK!Thanks.Intro Garrie Banter fromFebruary 21, 1992, September 6, 1992, April 9, 1993, April 20, 1993, and October 27, 1993.August 18, 1986 Athens, GABird SongAugust 5, 1989 New York, NYDisco >Jam (with Tie Your Shoes tease) >Driving Song >B of DAugust 16, 1990Seattle, WAHolden OversoulAugust 8, 1992Charlotte, NCIt Ain't No Use >Last Straw >Tie Your Shoes >WorryAugust 15, 1993Pelham, ALFlat Foot Flewzy (w/ John Popper on Harmonica)August 4, 1994Lubbock, TXPilgrimsAugust 5, 1995Chicago, ILWest Virginia >Can't Find My Way HomeAugust 16, 1999Bielefeld, GermanyEnd of the ShowLast DanceWe would love to hear from you, so please click 'Comment' below and let us know what you think or if there is something you' like to hear.DOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #53Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Well it is official - Lisa and I have purchased a home in Boulder and will be moving this month. We currently have our lovely home on the market in Longmont - we've poured alot of love and sweat into this place. Check it out here.Meanwhile, on Sunday night while Lisa was working to get the house ready she sliced her left index finger. Nearly took the tip clean off... here's what it looked like 24 hours after the incident. [puke]As we've been packing and moving and painting we've been facing our past in a very concrete way. Our history is right in front of us as we load those boxes and cover over old paint. As we sweat, fret and work ourselves so hard we draw blood, we are reminded of why we moved to this place and to this state. It all goes back to one weekend in 1996 when we visited a friend in Boulder and also saw Widespread Panic at Red Rocks.Lisa, Maureen and I flew out to Denver from Chicago the morning of May 31st and rented a car. I remember driving up I-70 into the foothills of the Rockies getting excited to finally see the fabled venue. As we turned south on US 6 we saw a young and lonely looking guy hanging out at the first entrance. We stopped and introduced ourselves. It was Daniel Gold. That first entrance is never open for concerts and so we proceeded into the venue and parked past the trading post but near the East entrance to the venue. And happened to park next to Gabby who had been on a mountain bike riding trip in Utah. We sat in the shade of the rocks and drank Sammy Smith's and Budweisers. We met up with Danny and Leigh and Chris and Trudi and Gardy and had a wonderful show. After the show Maureen hooked up with Mike Remmers to catch a ride to the next show in Utah. He bounded down the seats at Red Rocks like an excited mountain dog. What a great guy he was.This trip was the seed, the catalyst for our life's journey to Colorado. We've made a home here and spread out our roots. So it is on the occasion of moving from our first home in Colorado that we look back and remember that day 11 years ago....May 31, 1996Red RocksPleasPigeonsTall boyDriving Song >Walkin' (for your love) >Jam >Driving Song >Holden Oversoul >Jam >You Got YoursAin't Life GrandWe would love to hear from you, so please click 'Comment' below and let us know what you think or if there is something you' like to hear.DOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #52Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Podcast #51 is the first of our second year doing this - and when I say 'our' I mean 'my.'This week features selections from the February 27, 1992 show at the Masquerade in Atlanta. This show has no keyboardist and is an interesting view of the band in transition; a year earlier T. Lavitz had just joined and in a matter of days JoJo would join the band. I've heard some refer to this period as the 'five headed monster.'This show is also notable because it features some new tunes including Diner (2nd time played, featuring JB's original lyrics about building a rocket to the moon), Better Off (2nd time played), Hatfield (3rd time played), and Wondering (2nd time played). It also features the return of L.a. and Walk On to the repertoire.Check out this link for a torrent of Feb 27, 1992:The Masquerade ShowI may end up missing a week or two in June / July so take that opportunity to check out the following links from last year's Red Rock's special broadcasts:May 31, 1996September 14, 1991June 25, 2000 part 1June 25, 2000 part 2June 24, 2001June 26, 1997Here's how it goes down this week!Intro musicWalkin' Jam, Red Rocks, May 31, 1996February 27, 1992Atlanta, GAL.a.DinerFishwaterThe Take Out >Porch SongBetter Off >Stop GoNovember 21, 2000Louisville, KYSend Your MindRed Beans CookingLast DanceWe would love to hear from you, so please click 'Comment' below and let us know what you think or if there is something you' like to hear.DOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #51Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

This week we celebrate our one year anniversary of the Podcast... hard to believe, really. Thanks for listening each week and allowing me to spin a few selections for you.I recently saw some previously uncirculated Widespread on bt.etree.org and thought I would share it. I recommend listening to the following loud and with your eyes closed.The material from 1992 has been selected because the band is just TEARING through these songs. In particular I enjoyed listening to Todd beating the skins like a madman and Mikey burning through the leads on these songs. The Flewzy is an interesting one and features some adjusted lyrics - for those fans who were around in 1997 you might just recognize what Dave is singing about there. I might bring you more from this 10/15/99 Warfield show in the future, but this is what would fit this week, so it'll have to do for now.Thanks for listening - I look forward to doing this each week, so knowing you are all listening and reading means alot. Make sure to click comment below to let us know how we can improve your listening enjoyment!July 10, 1992Syracuse, NYState Fairgrounds, HORDE TourAquarium Rescue Unit - Widespread Panic Jam >Love TractorSeptember 9, 1992Durango, COContentment Blues >Bowlegged WomanNovember 8, 1997Oxford, OHFlat Foot FlewzySeptember 19, 1997South Bend, INParty at Your Mama's House >ArleneOctober 15, 1999San Francisco, CABlue IndianWe would love to hear from you, so please click 'Comment' below and let us know what you think or if there is something you' like to hear.DOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #50Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Last week we featured tracks from the end of spring tour 1997, this week we'll bring it back to present day Widespread Panic. By many accounts the band played some amazing stuff on Spring tour and seemed to gain confidence as the tour developed. This week we're bringing you some highlights from a few of the final shows of this spring tour.I especially like the Protein Drink > Sewing Machine with Vic Chesnutt and John Keane. These brute. tunes are performed with gusto. Mr. Michael Houser would be proud.Enjoy!April 23, 2007Athens, GAThe Take OutI'm Not Alone >Tie Your ShoesApril 27, 2007Orange Beach, ALThank You Jam (Intro to second set by DJ Logic)Let it RockApril 25, 2007Athens, GAProtein Drink >Sewing Machine(with Vic Chesnutt and John Keane)April 27, 2007Orange Beach, ALTroubleWish You Were HereApril 25, 2007Athens, GACan't Find My Way HomePostcard >Porch SongWe would love to hear from you, so please click 'Comment' below and let us know what you think or if there is something you' like to hear.DOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #49Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

This week marks the tenth anniversary of the end of the infamous Spring Tour 1997. I had the good fortune of seeing six of these shows and look back on this time in my life with fondness and more than a little nostalgia. Along with classic shows at the Vic and Aragon in Chicago, I braved more than a little sleepiness to attend the end of the tour stop in St. Paul, MN. This taught me an important lesson; if there is nothing stopping you but a lack of sleep, GO!Alot of ground has been covered from this time period (April - May 1997) in our podcasts this past year so I tried to steer away from the more obvious highlights from some of the classic shows - but I couldn't resist the Jingo Jam from 4/27/97! Sections of music like the Sleepy Monkey, Tie Your Shoes combo from 5/8/97, the Stop Go > Wondering from 4/27/97, B of D > Goin Out West from 5/10/97 and many others should be sought out and listened to. Do yourself a favor and find any show from April and May 1997 and I dare you to find a dog in the bunch. The band was in fine form and each and every one is played with effortless high energy.Here's how it goes down this week:April 27, 1997Burlington, VTJingo Jam >Space WranglerMay 3, 1997Pelham, ALJust Kissed My Baby (with Night People rap)May 7, 1997Louisville, KYBowlegged WomanWalk OnMay 9, 1997Chicago, ILLittle KinAin't No UseMay 8, 1997Chicago, ILShe Caught the KatyWe would love to hear from you, so please click 'Comment' below and let us know what you think or if there is something you' like to hear.DOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #48Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

By Request - remembering good times with some old friends.Intro MusicApril 20, 1999GimmeNovember 24, 2001Mid-South ColiseumMemphis, TNThis Part of TownTallboy >Papa's Home >Fishwater >Papa's HomeBlight,Walkin' (For Your Love) >Stop-GoHOLY SHIT - I got the date and location wrong for this in the cast itself...! SORRY!April 24, 2007Athens, GAWondering > China Cat Sunflower teaseMake sure to click COMMENT below to let us know what you think -DOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #47Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Earth Day is upon us and I strongly suggest each of you pick up the following double disk of live music goodness - Music for the Planet. In collaboration with bands such as Widespread Panic, Phish, The Grateful Dead and thirteen others Nugs.net has produced this exclusive compliation to benefit Rock the Earth, a non-profit environmental advocacy group.Do something for yourself, get some great music and help secure a sustainable future for us all - pick up the CD here.Did you know it's April 20th today?!I figured I would go back and find what I had from performances on April 20th and present some highlights. April 20, 1990 makes the cut here for intro music with Snorkle Search. This is a free-form jam that was named by Larry Acquaviva, a former roadie who took extensive notes during shows. We've kept this piece of 'Larry's Code' in the database as a tribute to Larry's contribution to the project, which is extensive. I also had highlights from 4/20/1993 but frankly they just weren't very good...So here's how this week's cast goes down:Intro musicApril 20, 1990Murfreesboro, TNSnorkle Search (free-form jam named by Larry Acquaviva, roadie for Widespread Panic)April 20, 2002Raleigh, NCRainy Day Women #12 & 35April 20, 2001Knoxville, TNPusherman >Rebirtha >PushermanApril 20, 1996Buckhannon, WVDirty Business >Love Tractor >Dirty BusinessApril 20, 1997Washington, D.C.And It Stoned MeApril 14, 2007Huntsville, ALElectric Funeral Jam >Flat Foot FlewzyMake sure to click COMMENT below to let us know what you think -DOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #46Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

April 1, 2007 - photo by Thomas G. SmithTen years ago I attended the first of the nearly thirty shows I ended up seeing in 1997. It was in St. Louis at the American Theater (now named the Roberts Orpheum Theater).Lisa and I drove down with Maureen and Valerie Dahl, stayed with Lisa's parents in Bridgeton, MO and had a wonderful time at the show. I hooked up with Garrie Vereen after the show and he handed to me a garbage bag full of setlist notebooks. These notebooks are the ones he had been keeping since 1992, and I used them to check information against the Everyday Companion published in December of 1996.SO I thought I'd present some highlights from that show as well as some recent highlights from thew April 1st show in Albany, NY. Ned Stein did such a wonderful job writing about this show I thought I'd check it out and sure enough his words were true! I was going to also feature the Do What You Like from this show as it features a Take Five tease from Jimmy and JoJo but ran out of time... make sure to go to LiveWidespreadPanic.com and download the show to listen for yourself!Make sure to TURN IT UP LOUD!April 15, 1997St. Louis, MOIntro music - Train kept a rolling jamImpossible >C. BrownHappy >PushermanPilgrimsApril 1, 2007Albany, NYRibs and WhiskeyFixin' to DieMake sure to click COMMENT below to let us know what you think -DOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #45Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

photo by Curtis George, from Houston, 3/23/07This week we feature some brand new material from Spring tour and then some ten year old material from San Francisco.Since everyone has great access to recent material through LiveWidespreadPanic.com as well as sites like PanicStream.com and DigitalPanic.org I try to steer away from featuring too much new stuff - Being able to pick up a soundboard of the show within days of it happening is to me an offer none of you should refuse....SO, make sure to pick up some of tasty soundboards of the recent action at LiveWidespreadPanic.com.I am very excited to see the band bringing out some new originals this spring, and among them I find Shoes On Tight to be my favorite. I also enjoyed listening to the Guilded Splinters (and the jam that followed) from Kansas City. Finally, this past week marked the tenth anniversary of some epic Panic, including a two night run at the Warfield in San Francisco, so I am featuring some tracks from one of those shows.So here's the selection this week:March 25, 2007Nokia TheatreGrand Prairie, TXShoes on TightMarch 27, 2007Uptown TheaterKansas City, KS(I Walk on) Guilded SplintersMarch 29, 1997Warfield TheaterSan Francisco, CAGimmeRadio ChildStop-Go >ConradGalleonHope in a Hopeless World >Cream Puff WarMake sure to click COMMENT below to let us know what you think -DOWNLOAD the cast here (right click to save to hard drive):Everyday Companion Podcast #44Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

For little Gabriel.Welcome.May 3, 1993KTCZ StudiosMinneapolis, MNSpace Wrangler (acoustic)March 21 1997Roseland TheaterPortland, ORLittle KinDisco >Diner >I'm Not AloneArleneBowlegged WomanMake sure to click COMMENT below to let us know what you think -DOWNLOAD the cast here:Everyday Companion Podcast #43Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Well folks, we've got a treat for you this week. Discovering a previously unlabelled jam is actually a song is a rare reminder that anything is possible when you are dealing with a band who has played over 2,000 shows over the course of 20+ years.This past week a fan pointed out that there is a song on Michael Houser's MySpace page labelled Analyze. That fan went on to say he had also discovered another version of the song. We have no idea who maintains the MySpace page but there is no doubt that there was something to this information. As it happens I had just listened to the 7/27/94 show as I was doing research for the Rarities cast and recognized the song Analyze from MySpace - we had had it labelled Havin' a Ball. What we've found is that Havin' a Ball has a related jam - similar song structure but different melodies.After some deliberation with some of my friends and the community over at Digital Panic I am proud to present to you Analyze and Havin' a Ball.Here's how it goes down this week:July 9, 1994Wilson TheaterBozeman, MTHappy Child >I'm Not Alone >Anaylze >RockJuly 16, 1994People's Bar and GrillAmes, IAHavin' a Ball >Guilded SplintersMarch 14, 1997Wolf Mountain ArenaPark City, UTDirty Business >Junior >Dirty BusinessB of DThere is some SICK SICK jamming this week, so warn the neighbors and turn it up!Make sure to click COMMENT below to let us know what you think -DOWNLOAD the cast here:Everyday Companion Podcast #40Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

March 27, 1997Reno Hilton, Reno, NVPleas,Let's Get Down to Business,Machine >Barstools and DreamersFebruary 6, 1996Snow King Center, Jackson, WYDown on the FarmJune 13, 1996Backyard, Bee Cave, TXPorch Song > Rebirtha > Papa LegbaWe've featured portions of the second set of the '97 Reno show in the past - this week we start the show with the first set opener.Then an epic 11 minute Down on the Farm from Sit and Ski tour. Returning to the playlist for the first time since the infamous Carrol Farms Pasture Partyin 1989, the song's 1,000 show absense is one of the longest lapses in the band's history. 'Bout time they let Jimmy have at it with this song, don't you think?Make sure to click COMMENT below to let us know what you think -DOWNLOAD the cast here:Everyday Companion Podcast #42Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Ted and Lisa (and Daniel Gold)in Ben, Ned and Sasha's room12/31/96(photo by Dave Bredal)Ned Stein has just posted a great review of these shows on his blog - as always his review is well informed and entertaining to read. He also has a review of 12/30/06 up there for all of you missing the festivities in good ole A T L.Just behind the Orchestra Pit 12/31/96(photo by Thomas G. Smith)I hope you have enjoyed this YEAR'S offering of the Everyday Companion PaniCasts. I've had alot of fun bringing them to you - and am looking forward to bringing you MORE MORE MORE in 2007. May your family share laughter and your glasses be filled!Houser and Nance 12/31/96(photo by Thomas G. Smith)Make sure to click COMMENT below to let us know what you think -DOWNLOAD the cast here:Everyday Companion Podcast #33Vic Chesnutt and John Keane withWidespread Panic 12/31/96(photo by Thomas G. Smith)Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

We're brewing up another blizzard here in Colorado, but in Atlanta it is 60 degrees. This NYE Special is dedicated to those who have been before and cannot make it to the New Year's festivies this year (like me). For those of you who were planning on it but physically could not leave Denver International Airport, for you I dedicate part 2!1996 was a memorable year for me and the Everyday Companion. In spring 96 I received my Master's degree and in Winter 1996 we published the first Everyday Companion. The New Year's Eve shows at the Fox Theatre would be the debut of this first hand made, home made volume. I had the good fortune of seeing Panic at a small intimate gathering at the Morton Theater in Athens on December 28th but did not realize the best was yet to come! Lisa and I had good fortune looking down on us, or maybe a guardian angel. Third row in front of Houser for all three nights at the Fox in Atlanta in 1996.After the shows I wrote on Spreadnet that I thought some part of me 'would always be in row CCC' and I still feel the same way. I met so many great people at these shows, folks who would end up being even better friends. I feel a warm glow sweep over me whenever I remember the fog in Athens on the night of the 28th and when I recall hugging Lisa in the swaying orchestra pit.Without further ado - New Year's Eve run 1996 brought to you in two parts.PART ONEHighlights 12/29/96 and 12/30/96Fox Theatre, Atlanta, GA12/29Jack,Last Straw >Wondering (with David Blackmon)Greta >Diner12/30Junior >Ain't No UseJAM >Good Morning Little Schoolgirl >Dream SongMake sure to click COMMENT below to let us know what you think -DOWNLOAD the cast here:Everyday Companion Podcast #32Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Happy Holidays eveyone!There have been a few requests that I have been meaning to get to lately -And here they come. I tried to find extra special versions for people to consider and in each case here long jamming was the criteria.January 19, 1996 Boulder, COWaiting for the Wind to Blow the Tree Down in My BackyardJuly 1, 1999 House of Blues, West Hollywood, CABlightMay 5, 1999 House of Blues, North Myrtle Beach, SCTall Boy (with Time is Free, China > Rider and Norwegian Wood teases)>Don't Be DeniedJune 1, 1996 Wolf Mountain Arena, Park City, UTDream SongWerewolves of LondonMay 5, 1999 House of Blues, North Myrtle Beach, SCBowlegged WomanMake sure to click COMMENT below to let us know what you think -DOWNLOAD the cast here:Everyday Companion Podcast #31Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Trips to the midwest, family visiting from out of town...now that the holiday hangover is over, it's time to deal with the leftovers.This cast features leftovers from previous casts - put them together and they make for a nice little musical meal! ENJOY!10/30/93 Nampa, IDGarrie's introSpace Wrangler > Walkin' (for your love)November 7, 1996 Gainesville, FLVacationJuly 9, 1995 St. Louis, MORockMarch ??, 1988 Blacksburg, VAHolden OversoulMay 26, 1996 Atlanta, GATime is Free (with Col. Bruce) >Red Beans Cookin'Make sure to click COMMENT below to let us know what you think -DOWNLOAD the cast here:Everyday Companion Podcast #30Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

A Pilgrim on his JourneyHappy Thanksgiving.This week I thought I'd get a little cute and feature songs that have something to do with thanksgiving or the words in 'thanksgiving.'12/30/99 Philips Arena, Atlanta, GAC. Brown >Walkin' for your love >BlightC. Brown is an obvious choice for thanksgiving - his animated holiday specials have become a tradition in many American households.12/31/96 Fox Theater, Atlanta, GAEntering a Blackhole Backwards >Chilly Water >Thank You falletten me be mice elf agin >Chilly WaterBeing thankful for the refreshment of water and thankful for just being......10/31/99Happy Child >Pilgrims5/10/97 St. Paul, MNB of D >Goin' Out WestAn epic 20 minute Pilgrims is probably the most obvious choice for this cast. B of D was at one time called 'Giving', and then those Pilgrims had to 'go out west' to find people to appreciate.Make sure to click COMMENT below to let us know what you think -DOWNLOAD the cast here:Everyday Companion Podcast #29Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Bo Schembechler(left), Woody Hayes (right)This cast is dedicated to Polytoxic, and the Ohio State and Michigan rivalry.If you are in the Denver area on November 22, 2006 I suggest you head out to Cervante's and see Polytoxic perform "The Last Waltz." Tori Pater, C.R. Gruver, Chadzilla JohnsonMay 8, 2006Smith's Olde Bar, Atlanta, GAPolytoxic with Danny Hutchens performingMakes Sense to MeMay 24, 1992Ziggy's, Winston-Salem, NCAint No Use >brown cat rapOctober 24, 1996Michigan TheaterAnn Arbor, MIGenesisApril 13, 1999Mershon Auditorium, Columbus, OHPapa's HomeMake sure to let us know what you think -DOWNLOAD the cast here:Everyday Companion Podcast #27Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Widespread Panic fall 1996October 29, 2000Other One JamOctober 25, 1997 Opening the first setGreensboro, NCProving Ground >Flat Footed Flewzy >Proving GroundSeptember 7, 1997 end of the first setBoston, MALove Tractor (with Branford Marsalis and DJ Apollo)March 12, 1997Vail, COEncoreMaggot Brain >Henry Parsons Died (with Other One jam)1997 was a great year for Panic and here are a few highlights. I put this Cast together with a guiding principle of "interesting starts or stops." Here are but a few for your consideration.Make sure to let us know what you think -DOWNLOAD the cast here:Everyday Companion Podcast #27Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

On June 18, 1998 JoJo Herman sat down with an unidentified French reporter and answered a few questions. This week's cast will feature sections of that interview as well as selections from the show that night. Here's how it will go down:6/18/98 La Laiterie, Strassborg, FranceJoJo Interview (Basketball and Dr. Doolittle)Greta >CoconutJoJo Interview (Professor Longhair)Last DanceJoJo Interview ("Je veux votre poulet")3/25/95 East Lansing MichiganContentment BluesGet the cast here:Everyday Companion Podcast #20Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

October 31, 1994Evanston, ILOmni Orrington Hotel BallroomLinus and Lucy ThemeSpace Wrangler >Guilded Splinters >Maggot BrainCoconut >Mr. SoulIt was a dark and stormy night in Illinois. No kidding.Cold horizontal rain coming down in sheets. Reports of plane crashes. In the hotel bar on the big screen the Bears and Packers on Monday Night Football are playing in 'throw back' uniforms. A girl in a grass skirt and a coconut top floats by. Are we in some sort of weird time-warp?If that seems strange, imagine showing up for a halloween show and buying tickets at the door for $12!Northwestern's fall ball in a hotel ballroom featuring Widespread Panic was a truly memorable experience and the last small scale halloween the band ever played.Turn this one up loud !Get the cast here:Everyday Companion Podcast #25Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Barrymore Theatre, Madison, WIOn October 25, 1996 Lisa and I presented the first edition editor's copy of the Everyday Companion to the band and crew. The show itself was memorable and then to have the treat of getting books into the hands of those responsible for the music was a memory I will not soon forget.Let me know what you think about the Cast by clicking 'Comment' below!THANKS for listening!October 25, 1996Tall Boy >Tie Your Shoes >Do What You Like >PigeonsRaise the RoofGet the cast here:Everyday Companion Podcast #24Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

I've been obsessively downloading and listening to as much of the recent Jimmy Herring Widespread as I can possibly get my hands on. The recent House of Blues run in Orlando looked like a series of smokers and from what I've been able to hear the setlists don't lie! David Schools, Macon 10/7/06, photo by Michael SabaThere were so many highlights that I found myself with more material than one Cast could contain - so it has been extended to an hour! The band is by no means playing perfectly, but they sure are taking chances and letting the music play the band.Highlights in this cast include:C. Brown with Jimmy Herring on Acoustic guitarthe Barstools is the first with Jimmythe Hatfield rap is freakyand JB continues his antics during the FishwaterFinally - what can I say about Little Wing?!!Let me know what you think about the Cast by clicking 'Comment' below!THANKS for listening!October 9, 2006This Part of Town >Contentment BluesOctober 10, 2006C. BrownRadio Child >Barstools and DreamersOctober 11, 2006Hatfield >FishwaterOctober 7, 2006Macon, GALittle WingGet the cast here:Everyday Companion Podcast #23Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

This week's Cast features music from a classic show in New Orleans and some recent heat with Jimmy Herring.May 1, 1999Municipal AuditoriumNew Orleans, LADriving Song >Wish You Were Here >Driving Song > Breathing SlowOctober 1, 2006From the CradleIt Ain't No UseFor Eric - I Wish You Were Here.Get the cast here:Everyday Companion Podcast #22Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Jimmy. Herring.Sounds like the boys are starting to feel the groove.But take a listen and decide for yourself.September 22, 2006Boston, MAChilly Water >Jack >Chilly WaterApril 5, 2000Mobile, ALTears of a Woman >Surprise Valley >All Time LowEncore: City of DreamsGet the cast here:Everyday Companion Podcast #21Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

9/14/06 Radio City Music HallRebirthaArlene4/18/92 Catalyst, Santa Cruz, CADog Song >Stop GoE: Space is the Place Jam >Travelin LightBig thanks this week to the folks at Digitalpanic.org andBENNETT SCHWARTZ!Bennett, otherwise known as Coloartist, taped the Thursday night show and had it posted to digitalpanic.org for bittorrent download by 2:30 EST! As of midnight on Friday night over 1,200 people had downloaded this show!Thanks Bennett for working so hard for us fans. After hearing this I have no doubt we are in for a WILD tour! Bennett Schwartz, Outformation, Cactus Jack's, Evergreen, CO August 20, 2006Get the cast here:Everyday Companion Podcast #19Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

'Where's Wayne?'-unidentified crew or band member, Studio recording 9/92John Keane StudiosSeptember 1992Love TractorJB and FriendsSeptember 18, 1994Impossible >Werewolves of LondonFebruary 12, 1994Little John Coliseum, Clemson, SCC. BrownThe Take Out >Porch Song(with David Blackmon)Just sorting through some new found old recordings -Each of these I've listened to before, but only on an old analog tape.The JB and Friends show from Sept 94 is a MUST HAVE - seek it out.Get the cast here:Everyday Companion Podcast #18Click here to subscribe through the iTunes Podcast Directory.

City of New Orleans Special(aka the GREAT cover song review)This is by no means a true 'best of' New Orleans - but enjoy some selections from the Crescent City.July 28, 1994 House of Blues, New Orleans, LAI Walk on Guilded SplintersNovermber 22, 1993 Tipitina's, New Orleans, LAJust Kissed My BabyOctober 28, 2000 Kiefer Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, LAJunco Partner >Mardi Gras in New OrleansLawyers, Guns and MoneyRed Hot Mama >SharonTroubleSoul KitchenI found a great interview where JoJo talks about this version of Junco > Mardi Gras HEREThe 10/28/00 show fetaures some great Panic moments. JB's flub of Junco Partner leads to a spirited Mardi Gras jam; yet another example of how the band's philosophy of improvisation and allowing songs to be in the moment can create some unexpected magic. The bust outs of Lawyers Guns and Money, Trouble and Soul Kitchen almost overshadow the fine Red Hot Mama > Sharon. I find myself thinking of this show when I think of New Orleans - probably because of the Mardi Gras jam.May the spirit of the music of New Orleans and, more importantly, the entire gulf coast live forever. Painting of 10/28/00 by Scramble CampbellGet the cast here:Everyday Companion Podcast #17Click here to subscribe through the iTunes Podcast Directory.