Show Review – 4.9.2008 Widespread Panic, US Bank Arena, Cincinnati, OH

Widespread Panic, john Bell
John Bell from Widespread Panic

Knowing I was going to be fighting rush hour traffic in downtown Cincinnati I arrived down at US Bank Arena at around 6:15pm. It didn’t seem too many people wanted to show up early, there were a lot of empty seats when Galactic started. But by the time Widespread came on the arena started to fill up. I was excited as this is the first Widespread Panic show I have seen since Jimmy Herring has joined the lineup. I honestly think by adding Jimmy to the lineup WSP has added an element that will take the band to even higher recognition. WSP has some great studio recordings, but like many touring bands Widespread Panic is meant to be seen in person and not just listened to through your stereo speakers in your home. I wasn’t too excited to see a show in US Bank Arena. I think its because I’m just used to seeing shows in a more theater type of venue. I soon forgot all about that as soon as the music started. Galactic played an exciting set before Widespread Panic.

I was happy to hear a familiar song to start off the first set, Highlights for me also included a great I’m Not Alone, and getting to see Ben Ellman (from Galactic) jam out with Jimmy Herring on Goin Out West was exciting as well. Stanton Moore, also from Galactic, came out during a drum jam to play right along side Todd. At one point Stanton was playing Todd’s drums and Todd was standing next to him with a shaker. A song I haven’t heard in a while Porch Song was a nice closer to the evening.

04/09/2008- Widespread Panic, Cincinnati, Oh
Set 1 – Lil Kin, Can’t Get High, Pickin Up The Pieces, Boom Boom Boom > You Got Yours, Flicker > One Arm Steve > Jam > Solid Rock
Set 2 – Good People > Bears Gone Fishin` > I’m Not Alone, Goin Out West* > Drums** > Jam > Blight > Greta, Walkin
Encore – Up All Night > Porch Song
* w/Ben Ellman ** w/Stanton Moore

here is a link to a recording of the show on digitalpanic.org – WSP, 4.9.08, US Bank Arena, Cincinnati, OH

Upcoming Widespread Panic tour dates:
Apr. 11, 2008 Chicago, IL Auditorium Theatre SOLD OUT
Apr. 12, 2008 Chicago, IL Auditorium Theatre SOLD OUT
Apr. 13, 2008 Chicago, IL Auditorium Theatre SOLD OUT
Apr. 15, 2008 Carbondale, IL SIU Arena This show has been postponed.
Apr. 16, 2008 Murfreesboro, TN Murphy Center
Apr. 18, 2008 Orange Beach, AL The Wharf
Apr. 19, 2008 Orange Beach, AL The Wharf
Apr. 20, 2008 Orange Beach, AL The Wharf
Apr. 22, 2008 Savannah, GA Johnny Mercer Theatre
Apr. 23, 2008 Savannah, GA Johnny Mercer Theatre
Apr. 25, 2008 Raleigh, NC Walnut Creek Amphitheatre
Apr. 26, 2008 Raleigh, NC Walnut Creek Amphitheatre
Apr. 27, 2008 Richmond, VA Landmark Theater
Apr. 29, 2008 Columbia, SC Township Auditorium
May. 01, 2008 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival
May. 02, 2008 Houston, TX Sam Houston Race Park
May. 03, 2008 Dallas, TX Nokia Theatre
Jul. 04, 2008 Rothbury, MI Rothbury Festival
Jul. 11, 2008 to Jul. 13, 2008 Masontown, WV All Good Music Festival
Aug. 24, 2008 San Fancisco, CA Outside Lands Music Festival
Aug. 28, 2008 to Aug. 29, 2008 Snowmass Village, CO Jazz Aspen Snowmass Labor Day Festival