Metro Pulse/Music/Widespread Panic

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What:
Widespread Panic

When:
Wednesday, Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m.

Where:
Civic Coliseum

Cost:
$27.50. Call 656-4444 for tickets.

Following the death of a founding member, Widespread Panic carries on doing what they love

by Clint Casey

Since the band's Athens, GA, inception in 1985, Widespread Panic has been swimming up the mainstream. While bucking almost every trend in the music industry, the band established themselves on their own terms, at their own pace, without the help of a major label. Seventeen years and 13 albums later, Widespread Panic commands a merchandising enterprise, a record label and an intensely loyal following comparable to the Grateful Dead.

The music is highly improvisational with songs often in excess of 15 minutes, blending a variety of musical styles ranging from bluegrass to funk and jazz to rock. Following the model of the Dead, the band changes its setlist nightly.

Percussionist Sonny Ortiz explains, "That's a mandatory thing for us. I remember when we only knew a dozen songs. That's when it got monotonous, when you have no place to go. We've worked really hard in creating new songs and learning new cover songs, just so we don't get in that rut of doing the same songs night after night. We look at it as a challenge for us in doing new and different things and do what this business is and that's being creative. The bottom line is that we're still having tons of fun doing what we do best. It's a challenge, because you always want to better yourself. You always want to better the previous night's performance."

Because of their penchant for incorporating as many musical genres as possible, Widespread Panic is frequently categorized with jambands Phish and The String Cheese Incident. When asked about comparisons, Ortiz explains, "It's great to be in that genre type of music that everyone can kind of classify instead of 'You guys, what category are you in?' Now there's an awareness of bands like ours and bands like Phish, because people realize that it's been going on for years, but people really haven't accepted it. There hasn't been a category like there is now with the so-called 'jam-bands.'"

As a celebration of the improvisational music scene, Jambands.com created an annual awards show called the Jammys. In the tradition of the Grammy Awards, the show features award categories (voted on by fans through the website), including performances, all star jams, and surprise guests. A regular nominee since its inception, Widespread Panic was awarded the 2002 Live Album of the Year for their recent Live in the Classic City release.

"It's cool to see that it's getting some popularity." Ortiz continues, "Whether or not it's getting acceptance, I don't think that the bands really care. We're just out here having fun. I think that's what all the bands are doing, whether you want to classify them as rock 'n' roll or jazz fusion or country western or easy listening. The main thing is that you have a group of guys playing in the band, having a good time doing some challenging things and the offset is that you get people who come out and support that live music genre."

Because of their devoted "spreadheads," Widespread Panic has been able to record and tour without a major label or hit single. Run a search on the Internet, and you'd be greeted with thousands of fan sites that meticulously, if not obsessively, archive setlists and pictures and give the "spreadheads" an avenue to trade bootlegged shows. "Fortunately, whatever school, or whatever job they may hold, they seem to take every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday off and re-coop on Mondays," Ortiz says. "It's a lifestyle. When you're in your mid-twenties or early thirties and you have that option to do that, I think that everybody needs a little r&r. If we can give them that release, then I think that it's a favorable position for us. It's a two-way street."

Ortiz says many Widespread Fans plan their summer vacations to coincide with the band's touring schedule.

"If I were young and adventurous, I certainly would take a summer off to check out the whole scene. It's definitely worth checking out one time. It's a great way to see the country—as long as you're not driving."

On Aug. 10, life changed for Widespread Panic when founding member and guitarist Michael Houser died of cancer. Houser remained devoted to his passion until the end, continuing to perform for the band's legion of fans. Before his death, he left an open letter on the band's website. "I have hopes of playing again soon, although I can't say for sure when or where, and I hope to see you all there. With much thanks and love, Mikey."

With no immediate plans to replace Houser, Widespread Panic is doing the only thing they know to do. The band will continue touring and recording in a therapeutic effort to heal both themselves and their fans. "We're happy with where we are right now. We just have to see what's right for Widespread Panic and the fans. There's been a lot of positive stuff and there's been a lot of negative stuff. People just don't realize that if it happens, it'll happen naturally without us saying who, what, when or where. Our biggest goal right now is to make this thing happen for everybody in a positive way." Ortiz continues, "We've been real fortunate and who's to say what the lineup is going to be. I can guarantee that it will still be fun. It will definitely be exciting as it always has been."