This past Friday, September 15th, Widespread Panic returned to the St. Augustine Amphitheater, bringing three nights of jams that hit close to home. Panic fans from all walks of life joined each other again this year, perhaps, as a more tightly knit community. One week following the devastating blow of Hurricane Irma, WSP didn’t leave their fans in the dark as the show went on following some anticipation of the canceled weekend.
Northeast Floridians and close neighbors enjoyed a cathartic Irma-themed first set Monday. The night opened with “Climb to Safety” into “Tall Boy” which provided melodic metaphors for the weathered crowd. The set finished poetically with “Pickin’ up the Pieces”, “Solid Rock” and “Chainsaw City”.
Saturday night the boys were at it again with a jam packed set list. Opening with “Disco”, the crowd knew they were in for a treat. The atmosphere was buzzing with with high spirits and vivid lights as crowd favorites such as: “Heros”, “Street Dogs for Breakfast”, “Driving Song”, and “Space Wrangler” were performed. Notably, during “Driving Song”, Jimmy gave a familiar southern rock vibrato with a slide solo. Many in the crowd paused to share a curious eye with one another- Would Derek and Susan join us, and brother Duane, again this year? Although it was one of a few teasers the crowd heard, the couple were absent this weekend. Warm wishes are sent to the Tedeschi-Trucks family and their local property following the storm.
Sunday, September 17th, closed out the weekend with crowd favorites like: “Ain’t Life Grand”, “Angels Don’t Sing the Blues”, “Cease Fire”, and a signature drum solo shared by drummer Duane Trucks and percussionist ‘Sunny’ Ortiz. The extended drum section touched on a Santana-like rhythm and had the crowd up and shedding their skin.
This weekend brought a much needed reprieve to Irma battered Floridians. Not a soul came out appearing the same or unshaken by the vibrations of a Widespread Panic.
View our FULL PHOTO GALLERY HERE and some favorite moments below:
(photos by Jen McKinnon)
