Everyday Companion PaniCast

Sunday morning, 10:45 a.m., Oct. 14, 2007, Boulder, CO
It 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 improv...

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 Chesnutt
February 16, 1997
Muffathalle, Munich, Germany
Blight
(authored by David Schools/Michael Houser/Todd Nance/Vic Chesnutt in a little band named brute.)
April 8, 1995
102.7 WNEW New York, NY
Interview ("I'm John Herman")
Can't Get High (Bloodkin cover)
Ain't Life Grand
Let's Get Down to Business (Vic Chesnutt cover)
July 4, 2000
Warfield
San Francisco, CA
with Jorma Koukonen
Bowlegged Woman
Genesis
October 11, 1998
Nashville Arena
Nashville, TN
Porch Song > (with Jimmy Dale Gilmore, Randall Bramblett)
Drums
(with Artimus Pyle from Lynyrd Synyrd and Jeff Reilly from Randall Bramblett Band)
July 21, 1994
Stop 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 #57
Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

Ted and Lisa (and Daniel Gold)
in Ben, Ned and Sasha's room
12/31/96
(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 #33
Vic Chesnutt and John Keane with
Widespread Panic 12/31/96
(photo by Thomas G. Smith)
Click here to subscribe through iTunes.

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, LA
I Walk on Guilded Splinters
Novermber 22, 1993 Tipitina's, New Orleans, LA
Just Kissed My Baby
October 28, 2000 Kiefer Lakefront Arena, New Orleans, LA
Junco Partner >
Mardi Gras in New Orleans
Lawyers, Guns and Money
Red Hot Mama >
Sharon
Trouble
Soul Kitchen
I found a great interview where JoJo talks about this version of Junco > Mardi Gras HERE
The 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 Campbell
Get the cast here:
Everyday Companion Podcast #17
Click here to subscribe through the iTunes Podcast Directory.

Jimmy Herring circa 1994 In 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 - 5
Saturday 7/16/94 drive 5.5 hours to Ames, IA - Widespread Panic, People's Bar and Grill
Sunday 7/17/94 - drive back to Chicago
Monday 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 Ampitheatre
Wednesday 7/20/94 - Grateful Dead, Deer Creek Ampitheatre
Thursday 7/21/94 - Grateful Dead, Deer Creek Ampitheatre
Friday 7/22/94 - drive back to Chicago, celebrate birthday at Martyrs'
Saturday 7/23/94 - Grateful Dead, Soldier Field, Chicago
Sunday 7/24/94 - Grateful Dead, Soldier Field, Chicago
5 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, 1994 The Vic Theatre Chicago, IL (set one opener) Heroes > Weight of the World,
Pilgrims
Porch Song
May 3, 1993
KTCZ 97.1 Studios
Minneapolis, MN
Interview
Wondering
July 14, 1994 continues
Little Kin,
It Ain't No Use >
Travelin' Light
May 10, 1993
WDET 101.9 FM