After a long history of successful multi-night summer runs at The Wiltern in Los Angeles, California, for unknown reasons Widespread Panic (WSP) moved venues for the summer 2007 three-night run to the Orpheum Theatre in the culturally diverse fabric district in downtown L.A. On the second night of the sold-out run, as hordes of Panic fans (a.k.a. Spread Heads) slowly made their way through intense security checks, many a Spread Head were uncertain about the new site and what they would encounter inside.
Giving a quick hello to their adoring 2,000 plus crowd, WSP opened their first set with a solid performance of the heavy keyboard and bass of “Old Neighborhood”, easing the crowd into the evening. Fans went wild as the band quickly blended song one into the Spread Head favorite “Stop Go”, which let loose John Bell’s (J.B.) enlivening vocals and Dave Schools’ (Schools) slamming bass. Transitioning flawlessly into Bob Dylan’s “Solid Rock”, the band’s extraordinary energy became apparent. The addition of lead guitarist Jimmy Herring, who replaced former bandmate George McConnell last September, has noticeably renewed the band’s onstage vitality and enthusiasm.
Throughout the show, J.B.’s signature voice beckoned all ears to listen closely as he brought fans into the band’s southern rock jam world. Musicianship in the first set was so tight and impressive it’s hard to highlight just two or three songs, but one definitely worth mentioning is “Pigeons”, the 11th and final song of the set. WSP broke out some seriously “dirty” jams during the song, drawing out every band member’s funky soul. Towards the end of the song, J.B. with perfect clarity and command loudly belted out the lyrics “Wake up – leave your body lying there. It’s like another – just another wrinkle in the sheets. Wake up – I’m gonna poke you if you don’t wake up. You remember how to fly?” Fans relished every moment of the closing song.
The second set had a very different flavor in comparison to the first. Starting off with the bluesy rock WSP/Jerry Joseph song “Time Zones”, JoJo Hermann on keyboards, Todd Nance on drums, and Sonny Ortiz on percussion laid down heavy rhythms sending audience members stomping. Getting deeper into the indisputably hard rock set with each song, WSP executed two remarkable renditions of Vic Chestnut’s songs “Protein Drink” and “Sewing Machine”, playing a slow but well done third Chestnut song (“Expiration Day”) as the first song of the encore. Out of “Expiration Day” into “Fishwater”, WSP went for a nice Brazilian-style percussion interlude melting into the classic to finish the show. Schools and Herring were on fire all night with Schools’ air fan sending his hair flying. The impressive stage lights backlit the bassist, creating a glowing halo around his head.
WSP lighting designer Candace Brightman took full advantage of the grandiose nature of the building’s shining lights around the two mesmerizing crystal and stained glass chandeliers. She added something spectacular and special to the night giving a great performance of her own and captivating many throughout the show.
In comparison to larger and stricter shows at The Wiltern, the Orpheum Theatre on most accounts offered a more personal and visually stimulating experience to concert-goers. Challenges such as fewer tickets and a practically nonexistent lot-scene combined with a disciplined security staff to disgruntle more than a few attendees. But from the heavily swaying dance balcony to the post-show beaming smiles and hoarse voices, the majority of Spread Heads appeared to have thoroughly enjoyed their experience at the venue. And from the look and feel of them, the band couldn’t get enough of the venue, the fans, and each other.
