What Mikey Houser means to me

What Mikey means to me?

I never got to see him.  I never saw Widespread Panic in the 90’s during their rise to prominence.  When they were becoming touring legends, Hell, I was in elementary school.  I was just a little wrangler when the band was selling out shows and scorching the highways across these great United States.  They were making a name for themselves.  They were amassing a following.  Jerry had the Deadheads, Phish has lots of phans, well, Mikey and the boys had the #HomeTeam in every venue they played.  I would come to find out that these #GoodPeople come from all walks of life.  What we share in common as fans of this band could be another post all on its own, so I’ll be concise.  First of all, we DIG a good time. That’s what it’s all about. Good times, good people, cold beer, GREAT music and spreading love, charity and kindness to the world.  Mikey was born in Boone and made his way to Athens, Ga in 1986 for some schooling.  He would cross paths with John Bell, budding a kinship and love of music that would open the door to what we now know as Widespread Panic.  In those days, and up until his untimely passing in 2002, Mikey liked to shred the now-discontinued Telecaster Deluxe with an Ernie Ball volume pedal. His lead subtly lingering behind the joyful melodies.  Mikey’s sound became a nostalgic reminder of those good times at a show.  The memories come flowing back; the crew you were with, the road trip to get there, those crazy chicks you stayed with, that one song you wanted to hear.. Widespread Mother Fucking Panic as they say.  All smiles thinking about it.  The smiles give way to sadness for many.  They miss Mikey. 

When he stepped away, it left the home team feeling an emptiness that can’t be described.  His impact reached far and wide.  For example, I never got the chance to see Mikey play, and this is my favorite band without a doubt.  I think that speaks volumes.  What he means to me is exactly this.  He started it all.  He was just living his life, unknowingly changing the lives of others.  Widespread Panic has allowed me to find myself and start to build a life around the person I am.  It’s more than just a party or a concert, it’s way more than that.  Each song perfectly placed within each set toys with your emotions and resonates within you.   Best feeling in the world. 

So I thank you Michael Houser, for doing what you did.  I will continue to delight in the memories I’ve made and the great times ahead seeing this band.   Mikey couldn’t be replaced.  Only filled in for, and Jimmy Herring has stepped up to the plate.  In addition John Bell, JoJo Hermann, Sunny Ortiz, Dave Schools and Todd Nance continue to tour on in Mikey’s memory and legacy.  And we are all so grateful for it.  

See all you good people on Fall Tour

#WSMFP

TD  

Widespread Panic spring tour closer: 2 nights in Nashville

Seeya face!

TWO SOLD OUT NIGHTS to close a Widespread Panic spring tour is nothing to just say, "meh, not worth it" or "nah, I have to drive by myself" or "It's going to rain ALL WEEKEND."  All lame excuses.  I tell you there wasn't one second of hesitation to enjoy another wonderful weekend of live tunes.  I headed up 85 North towards Chattanooga.  I was by myself on a rainy Friday afternoon, little did I know that rain would be the theme for the whole weekend.  I love the drive into Nashville, even on a rainy day.  Cruising up through Chattanooga is beautiful.  A lot better than the Oxford - Atlanta commute I did for 5+ years.  I arrived in 'Music City' around 3:30.  Normal people were still working.  My good friends Ross, Allison & Hayden were nice enough to extend their hospitality my way and let me crash for the weekend.  Thanks ya'll!  And what a weekend it would prove to be.  I had scored a ticket to Friday night before leaving town, so I was (almost) worry free for Friday night.  I hadn't heard of this Woods Amphitheater before.  It is now and will remain one of my favorite outdoor venues.

photo via Woods Amphitheater

The venue is out in the country surrounded by woods and farmland.  We  pulled into the lot that was full of cars but empty of people.  The Woods has a noise ordinance and bands can't play past 11, so the band had already started.
A nice Disco, Greta> Weak Brain, Narrow Mind to get things rolling.  Once on the grounds, you walk through the gates and you're still behind the stage.  A giant V cut into the forest faces the stage.  It reminded me of The Backyard in Austin, TX minus all the decks and seating area.  This particular show was all general admission so jump in where you want to be and there you are, with 4,000 other like-minded music fans ready for good times.  We grabbed beers and headed into the sea of spreadheads. Everyone there was toting a rain jacket, as the forecast called for 60% chance starting at 10pm.  None to speak of yet, so we jammed on as usual.  A funky back and forth from JoJo and Schools accented by Jimmy's unforgettable riffs.  The crowd was actively engaged from the first note, and we followed suit.

The bone-chilling first strum of the deep A chord in the song 'Pigeons' always greases the wheels.  People start getting DOWN.  Someone compared it to the likes of people dancing like they have bees on them, well not too far from the truth.  Halfway through the tune Dave Schools is dropping thunderbombs.  This may be new or may not, but an effect on Schools' amp makes it sound like those bombs are being dropped through a giant thunder tube.  An 8+ minute Pigeons was slowed into Ribs & Whiskey.  I started noticing a repeat of some songs from the previous weekend in ATL but TRUST me, I am no Panic snob, I was probably the most overjoyed person in the crowd.  So happy to be where I was, living in the moment. "Whiskeyyy makes my body feel hot!" the crowd shouts in unison with JB.  The song always reminds me of Matt Minyard.  Nug absolutely loves Ribs & Whiskey.

dark n' stormy: Night 1 with no screen rig

Boom! Papa Johnny Road.  Nicklaus Reed Ward's favorite.  Like I said some people were like "they just played this."  I couldn't have been happier.  "Laughed so hard that the devil got scared."  Loving it.  A few years back, they offered up the next tune, Visiting Day in a sped up version and it just lost some effectiveness.  So glad they played the slower version.  This JoJo tune has always struck a chord with me.  "Let's climb on up Thacker Mountain!" The crowd went nuts as he screamed "Up to Tennessee!!"  The next three songs were a gumbo of fast intense jams (Love Tractor) a singalong favorite (Surprise Valley) and a low and slow rocker that builds in intensity and peaks with Herring at the helm.  This band is masterful at doctoring the setlist to make connections with the fans and the city they are playing in.  "Oh kiss the mountain air we breathe!"  The last song of set 1 was Rock.  The crowd moves as one and gets down low, "Everybody's moving but me, everybody's moving but me, I'm gonna make it home piece by piece"

Set break allowed only enough time for a portopotty line and a very clutch roaming beer man much like the ones seen in baseball stadiums.  He was the only one I could find.  I also spoke to two middle school teachers in line.  I told them they were cool as hell.


The next 80+ minutes would prove the be pure Panic bliss.
Set 2:

Heroes
All Time Low
Junior>
Mercy>
Ride Me High>
Tie Your Shoes>
Papa's Home>
Action Man>
Last Dance
E:
No Sugar Tonight/New Mother Nature
End of the Show


There weren't any songs I'd never heard.  There weren't any crazy bust-outs or a first time played.  But, you see, that's not what this is about.  It's about this show, this place, this set.  This time that all 4,000 of us are getting to share with this legendary band.  I find joy in picking up little hints here and there during each set.  This was a tip of the hat to the fans that were here right now, and had been there previously on this tour.  A final icing on the cake.  I can't go on without talking about the weather.  It was one shade of sky away from Twister scene.  Just apocalyptic overcast rainy skies all weekend.  To those of you that stayed away due in any way to the weather, I'm truly sorry you missed it.  It was one of the best live music experiences I've ever had the pleasure to be a part of.  It's quite a site to see a band like this going full steam- not daring to hold back, during an all out down pour.  The bottom fell out 9:30 and showed no sigs of slowing.  It was raining like all hell and NO ONE cared, including the band.  As expected, the crowd got rowdy when JoJo started slamming the keys going into 'Ride Me High'  Another singalong "How high can you go?" Shout it to the heavens.  Schools then teased the hell out of Little Feat's 'Spanish Moon' during 'Tie Your Shoes.'  All of our hopeful little ears perked up.  It'll happen one day.  The encore couldn't have been rolled out in better fashion.  No Sugar has always been one of my favorite covers.  The crowd tipped their hats as the boys sent us away with fully saturated senses, grinning ear to ear.  JB-- "Seeya tomorrow night folks!"

my buddies, Gus and Nugget

Well it didn't stop raining all night or the following morning so we knew the all grass venue would look like Woodstock.  After Nugget
cold nosed me awake I immediately started working on a ticket.  Saturday had been sold out for a couple of weeks.  I needed a miracle! and after a little searching I found it!  Many thanks again to Shelley for allowing me to enjoy the rest of such a great weekend.

The afternoon was now a whole different story.  I had my ticket so I was able to relax and take in the scene and let it all come to me.   Many were searching the lot for extras with not much luck.  Everyone is dressed to the gills in ponchos, rain jackets and muck-lucks (except for one guy offering $40 to anyone that would sell him the jacket off their back.  We all came here for the same reason, and there damn sure isn't a rainstorm thats going to stop us.

This was maybe the closest I've ever been to the stage for a Panic show.  I'm typically a lawn guy.  But this night we would find ourselves stage left, right under Schools' nose.  The crowd hadn't quite reached capacity when we walked in so we grabbed our spot and waited in the rain.  The house music was on point again.  Rocky theme was playing as the band walks on stage.  JB greets the eager crowd with, "Alright, you buncha good sports!"

notice the wet stage

A few tuning notes later and the band dove into 'Give'.  The first lyrics to this heater, "Well it was pouring down!"  Herring wrangled his axe into submission and was blowing trees off the property from note # 1.  Good thing it was raining all weekend, Widespread Panic would have burned Woods Amphitheater to the ground.

With the band's decision to stream live from the soundboard all or most of their shows on this tour, I'd listened to every show on this spring tour (except Wanee & Jazzfest)  from Chicago to Columbia.  Finally, we got a 'Sharon' and I WAS THERE.  A favorite cover of many WSP fans.  And it's always played the second night of a 2 night run.  "Ya know the same rowdy crowd that was here last night is back again!" You better believe it!

from left: Todd, Dave and Sunny 

'Bears Gone Fishin' got the crowd moving.  JB told the crowd during 'C. Brown' "Just sit there in the MUD if it feels good." The last two songs of the set were Tall Boy> Sewing Machine.  Again, it perplexes me why they've been playing 'Sewing Machine' without it's usual counterpart, 'Protein Drink'.  The band is really flying in the last 2 minutes of 'Sewing Machine'.  Onward.

You'd be a hard pressed cynic to find anything wrong with set 2 and the encore of this tour closer.  "Thanks for hangin' around," says JB.  Schools' plays around with some bass effects and the crowd's brains.  Machine> Barstools FTW!  Here we gooo.

baskin' in the light

"The barstools are built for dreamers."  Always has been one of my favorite Panic originals.  Slow and twangy, but has the energy to speed up and tear your face off.  That brought us into Airplane.  "Sitting around watching the rain fall..." the crowd cheered amidst the hellacious downpour.  A 13 minute Airplane I might add with the band going in and out of jams and everyone trading licks.  Ending with a spaced out sleepy jam, Schools started on the bassline. "I'm your PUSHERMAN!"  A first time heard for me.    Once again, the next 65 minutes of the show they just didn't let up.  THIS is why I'm here.
Driving Song>
Low Spark of High Heeled Boys>
Driving Song>
Breathing Slow>
Big Wooly Mammoth>
Chilly Water
Encore:
Dream Song
Help Me Somebody>
Henry Parsons Died

This will go down as not only one of my favorite Panic runs, but one of the best show weekends I've ever been so blessed to enjoy.  I will always gladly come back to the Woods Amphitheater in Nashvegas.

from left: Jimmy, JB, and JoJo

April Recap + Widespread Panic - Alpharetta, GA 4/26 & 4/27

Written by Tyler A. Davis

For me, the month of April/first week of May was the best 6 straight back to back weekends of live music anyone could ever ask for.  As much as I complain about ATL traffic, living here has allowed me to enjoy all the shows one could bare in that time period, and I'll remember each experience for the rest of my days.

Lets start with the Final Four weekend.  They had arranged for a weekend of concerts to run alongside the NCAA tournament.  It was free, and with acts on the bill like Sting and Dave Matthews Band, I knew this was sure to be a big hit.  MARTA shot us all the way to city center.  It wasn't too crowded inside the gates at Centennial Olympic park where it was to be held.  We went and grabbed huge beers from the CNN Center.  We made our way to the stage for a set with My Morning Jacket.  I've seen them several times, once even at Red Rocks, and they never disappoint.  They started with 'Mahgeetah,' a salute to the fans that have been with them since the beginning.  Newer fans wouldn't have to wait long for the band to dive into "Circuital," released 2011.  It was to be expected (in a good way) as they haven't released a recent album together.  Jim James has been playing and promoting his solo stuff, which couldn't be more different. 

MMJ on stage 

The crowd, which the MC said had reached 75,000 at this point, (Thank God we were up front) got to share in the joys of the bands progression.  The band jumped back and forth between old hits and new.  "Outta My System" got the crowd going, as Jim James gallups the stage in a bright blue & orange cape.  They dug into the album "Z" which is one of my favorites.  'Wordless Chorus' and 'Off the Record' were big with the crowd.  I've always been a huge fan of the jam in the latter part of 'Record'.  Spacey jams that seem to stretch like a Grateful Dead song, but don't go quite that far out to space.  The crowd was pleased and knew all the words to 'One Big Holiday'.  They played one hell of a set to a sold out crowd that didn't pay anything to come see them, pretty impressive.

You could tell a handful of Zac Brown Band fans had shown up a little early and I saw many faces with the impression, "What the hell is this?"

Speaking of Zac Brown Band- we decided to stay.  Hell, it's loud and it's live, why leave? Don't remember many specifics about their set, all I know is they play more Skynyrd-type country rock and roll compared to the country music norm.  They played a smokin' bluegrass influenced song called 'Whiskey's Gone' and we were loving it.  The other song I remember was 'Devil Went Down to Georgia'.  Huge reaction from this crowd of Georgians.

Sunday brought us Sting and Dave Matthews Band.  Couldn't think of a better pair.  The fans of each band were pretty much the same people.  Sting, complete with a ripped t-shirt and leather pants played his staples.  'Message in a Bottle' 'Roxanne' etc.  Perfect for a nice Sunday afternoon of live tunes.  DMB followed.  If you've never seen a DMB show, get to it.  They always put on the best show possible.  Hence the legions of loyal fans that have followed them for many years.

Fast forward to Sweetwater 420 Festival.  We were in for a treat and had no idea just how sweet it would be.  Scroll down to my most recent blog post [below this one] to read the review/see photos of 420Fest.

Weekend of April 26th & 27th.

Night 1:  Widespread Panic was slated for two nights at what has become one of my favorite venues.  Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park in Alpharetta, GA.  It's a stone's throw from my house so I was pumped that the band was coming to me, as that's usually not the case.

Getting into the venue Friday was a headache.  Bottleneck at the entry gate with only 4 ticket takers.. come on, guys.  We got in two songs into  the first set.  GO TEAM! Beers, bathroom and onto the lawn.  I love VZW Amp's setup.  There really isn't a bad seat in the house.  The band hashtagged this weekend as a #homeshow given our proximity to Athens, the southern home and cultivating ground that built Widespread Panic.  25 years in the making.

  A 'Send Your Mind' opener got the crowd moving.  Jimmy Herring spiraled into a bluesy Chuck Berry riff that flew off the handle WAY high up the neck of Jimmy's custom axe.  It's a sound many WSP fans have grown accustomed to, and many like myself have grown to love.  You can't pretend to imagine the band sounds like they did with late founding guitarist Michael Houser, but the idea is the same; "an honest tune with a lingering lead has taken me this far."   A short pause, and the band started into 'Glory' an older more coveted gem for some from 1997's "Bombs and Butterflies."  "Every time we dance, brings us closer to Glory!" shouts frontman John Bell.  Perfect lyrics for this crowd who showed no signs of standing still.  A nice segue into 'Space Wrangler,' a personal favorite and actually the first of these honest tunes that entered my head years ago, and never left.

The band sounds pretty together, pianist JoJo Hermann was turned up just the right amount.  At 4 minutes in, the band takes off with Herring at the helm -- his guitar can change lives.  The crowd erupts as JB howls "found a place that pours the coldest beer!"  This sends the band into a much faster paced jame lead by Herring's octopus fingers.

They bring the energy down and drummer Todd Nance shows signs of a new classic, "Meat and booze!" someone shouts.  'Ribs & Whiskey' as its more commonly referred to. HEAT.  The rest of set 1 continued to impress.  A fun, easy listening 'C Brown'.  A rocking 'Flicker' into the  Dave Schools dominated 'Blight.'  Also a song I'm glad they've put into rotation is 'Tail Dragger' led by Herrings monster blues scales but allows JoJo to do some work on keys as well.  Ending set 1 on a high note, a cover of Jerry Joseph's 'Chainsaw City' left the crowd eager for set 2.

the sun 

Set 2 was one for the books.

Intro
Little Kin
One Arm Steve >
Bust It Big >
Sell Sell >
Machine >
Barstools and Dreamers >
Driving Song >
Arleen >
Driving Song >
Breathing Slow >
Pigeons


Good Lord just reading it brings me back to how awesome it was.  If you can't tell from the setlist, that's basically a 60 minute set.  A set highlighted by crowd favorites: Machine> Barstools &  Driving>Arleen>Driving. Or as some in the lot might claim as a "Driving>Arleen sandwich.  'One Arm Steve' sent JoJo and bassist Dave Schools into a funky jam battle.  All the while, Jimmy is staying on top of that lead.  A real treat and the exact reason people like myself come back for more.  "The boys" as many have come to call them continue to push the boundaries of what it means to constantly supply authentic southern rock and roll, with a jammy twist.

Encore Night 1 makes me chuckle.  WSP is one of the best at blowing your face off, and then bringing the energy right back down, getting everyone in a slow groove and before you know it, lift-off again.
'Old Joe' slowly brought people to their feet, and WSP ended the night with a 'Disco' > 'Red Hot Mama.'  No one wanted to leave after these two.  JB muttered his customary, "See you tomorrow night folks."

Before we could head home, the lights went back up and house music blared the intro drum beat of Talking Heads' 'Burning Down the House.'  Everyone knows and loves the song, and considering WSP HAD just burned the house down, fans flooded the exit wearing the typical WSP "permagrin."

Night 2:

Set 1 
Henry Parsons Died 
Proving Ground
This Part of Town
Thought Sausage
Saint Ex
Wondering > 
Sleeping Man
Aunt Avis >
Second Skin >
B of D >
Chilly Water 

Set 2
North >
Jack
Diner >
Surprise Valley >
I'm Not Alone >
Surprise Valley >
Drumz >
Fishwater
Ain't Life Grand 

Encore: 
The Take Out >
Pilgrims >
Porch Song


Just as the house music last night sent us home permagrinning, Saturday had us feigning for more by the time the band hit the stage.  Playing the theme music from Rocky set the tone initially that this was going to be a rager.  The band starts a slow creeping drum beat. 'Henry Parsons Died' opener.  Not very common.  The energy was going to be way up there from song one on.  'Proving Ground' was the second song out of the gate.  It's a cult favorite, JB's raspy voice stirs your soul when he screeches, "Find out just how tall I am, by jumping in the middle of the river!"  Halfway through the song, the band takes off into Herring's machine gun lick, but doesn't take it too far, as this is song 2 of set 1.  Herring really seems to have slowed down after the band's acoustic "Wood Tour" last year.   The crowd is fully immersed in the show at this point.  After a righteous 'Proving', they slowed things down with 'This Part of Town'  An almost sorrowful slow song helped along with Herring's masterful work.

That brought us into 'Thought Sausage' and then 'Saint Ex'.  Many WSP fans that have stayed with the band over the years, don't enjoy some of the new stuff with Herring as much.  But for me, songs like Saint Ex, just click.  It was also one of Nick Ward's favorite tunes.  Still can't believe he's gone.  This song makes me think of him every time.  That's another reason I think people like myself connect with this band so intensely.  The band experienced a crushing blow with the passing of Michael Houser.  Just about everyone has lost someone close to them and the fact that everyone in attendance (including the band) can share in the memories and celebrate new ones really creates an authentic experience.  It really humanizes these amazing rock stars and allows fans to connect on a spiritual level.  The fact that they keep it going in Mikey's honor I think just hits home for many people.  The music never stops!

After an emotional Saint Ex, the joys and happiness came flowing back instantly with the unmistakable drum intro going into 'Wondering' which quickly merged into 'Sleeping Man'  "You're a freak of nature!" yells Schools.  The crowd's loving it.  Aunt Avis > Second Skin > B of D > Chilly Water rounded out the first set.  I was surprised at the crowds reaction to Second Skin, as it is a newer song.  It rocked.  As always, beer and water bottles flying gets everyone a little damp during Chilly.  "It's just part of the show," explains one avid fan to a first timer.

Set 2 kicked off with 'North' and the band really seemed to be playing pass the jam and everybody took a turn.  The band flows like the Chattahoochee into 'Jack.'  Definitely a favorite.  This one went out to my buddy Sammy G.  He just lost his good ol' dog Lucky.  The words slip out of JB's mouth "There's one good dog sleeping filled with good ol' dog dreams." You see, certain songs just resonate with certain people.  That's why we love this band.  JoJo makes excellent work of this song.  Paired with JB's raspy vocals, it just makes sense to me (and them).  That led into the ever popular 'Diner.'  A Diner that clocked in at just over 21 minutes, and we were totally OK with that.  The fans were showing the band just as much love as this set was showing the fans.  Panic fans are the greatest.

The next 20 minutes would prove to be rather awesome.  Surprise Valley> I'm Not Alone > Surprise Valley.  An absolute feast for the senses.  WSP was quoted in an interview about having to keep their stage game up to par with the visual aspect of the show.  Not in my opinion, but hey it does add another aspect for the senses.  For the New Years Eve show in Charlotte this year, they debuted what is probably an 40 ft wide HD video screen as the focal point of their lighting rig.  It's all about the music and lyrics for me but I actually grew to like the new setup.  A funky piano jam teasing Ride Me High brought us back into Surprise, and straight into the drum solo.  The combo of Sunny Ortiz on percussion and Todd Nance also on percussion is second to none.  Well, maybe John Bonham, but for Panic, it works and it's as much a part of the show as Jimmy's licks or Schools' funky thunder-bombs.  

After an almost 12 minute 'Fishwater' they played the typical 'Ain't Life Grand.'  A staple at most shows, but always a good time.  Time to share in the joy with thousands of others that this life IS SO grand.  We have to enjoy each and every day here on this Earth, and this band just makes it a little easier.  

The encore brought nothing but smiles.  Three songs from an era passed.  'Pilgrims' is such a great song that just warms you down to your bones.  'Porch Song' closer is one that I'll always appreciate.  "Time to LIVE IT UP!" 

Thanks Boys for a great 2 night run.  We are so thankful for the work you do.  

Read my review of Widespread Panic in Nashville, TN the weekend after Alpharetta in the next blog post. 

Cheers

Sweetwater 420 Festival.

COVER ALERT: we got some good'ns

beer

The annual festival on Earth Day weekend, or April 20th or 420 if that's your thing- put on by our beloved Sweetwater Brewery, has become something I look forward to every year.  This year I was especially excited for Papa Grows Funk- a Nola standard that's anything but standard, Anders Osborne- swiss born rocker that also calls the Big Easy home, and a new favorite- also from Nola, Honey Island Swamp Band.  Now, understand that none of these artists were headliners.  All three played to smaller crowds on a smaller stage during the middle of the afternoon.  Perfection.. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Also joining the party as headliners, and not anything to be missed: Friday- George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Saturday- Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears and to close out the weekend on Sunday- Robert Randolph & the Family Band.  Sweetwater knows how to throw a party that's for sure!

Day 1:   Festivities began on a cloudy, the sky's about to crash down kind of Friday.  So, the crowds were thin.  We enjoyed the no beer/portopotty lines while we could.  We knew Saturday was supposed to be beautiful.  Showing up to the funky improv set from another Nola band Earphunk, I was presently surprised.  They were killing it.  The lead guitarist came to be known as white Hendrix(he was wearing a Jimi shirt.)  They had the small crowd rocking with original tunes and some covers. Their sound is a bit like the New Mastersounds, Galactic etc. Funky rocking tunes that make you want to shake your hips and headbang at the same time. Many people were doing just that.  They closed their set with 2 covers that left the crowd wanting more. A quick raunchy version of Dire Straits' "Money for Nothing" & David Bowie's "Fame." Pretty sure they gained a whole set of fans that day.  That sent us over the hill to the second stage to see Papa Grows Funk.

Papa Grows has been around since 2000.  Go hang out on historic Frenchmen Street in New Orleans for a week or two, and you're bound to see them blowing the doors off some place.  Frequenting the Maple Leaf, Tipitina's and the Howlin Wolf and all across the country.  You can tell these guys love what they do.  You can tell they're proud of their music and the city they come from.  If you havent figured it out the city of New Orleans evokes and produces wondrous music that I've come to love more and more since the first time I visited.  Big ol' guy on keys(Papa), a heart thumping bass, blistering saxaphone, the ever important drums and an asian guy (June Yamagishi) on lead guitar that will leave you perplexed.  With songs like Pass It! and Stanky  these guys keep on funking the hell outta wherever they're invited. We were five feet from the edge of the stage and absolutely lovin' it. Who doesn't like a mid afternoon funk session? With cold Sweetwater broos? Yes please.  They covered The Meters' (another Nola funk staple) "Ain't No Use."  I was having a blast.  Kudos on a great set guys ATL loves ya'll. (football rivalries aside) (RISE UP)

On to the next one.  Oh yea, George Clinton and his gaggle of a band are tuning up.  If you've never seen a Parliament show get to it.  It's a helluva good time.  A P-Funk show is like an urban circus.  There's people hanging from the rafters and coming out of nowhere.  And they rock.  Maybe we were far from the stage but it looked like there were 25 people up there.  Among the calamity was a tall skinny man in a white fur suit.  White fur hat and boots and all, no instrument, solely on stage for entertainment.  I think this man was having as much fun as ANY festival goer. They played "Red Hot Mama" a song made one of my favorites by Widespread Panic, originally recorded by Parliament in '74.   The crowd was loving it.  They also played a funky good "Up for the Downstroke"  & of course another song that WSP covers, Maggot Brain.  George is getting up in years and I'm sure their shows back in the day were legendary.  It's awesome he's still kicking after all these years on the Mothership.

Anders melting faces

Day 2:  This is the show I was waiting for.  Anders. Small Stage. Right up front. 'Nuff said.  Clearly the beautiful weather opened the flood gates and Saturday was PACKED.  Had to wait in line for 25 minutes.  Someone said, "you know you can go right in if you don't want a wristband."    "No thanks I'll be drinking many many beers today."  I heard Anders start his set and started to get antsy.  No worries, we got in and I made a B Line to the front.  Saw my buddy Tyler whip his head around looking for us.  We had a solid crew of about 8-10 friends right up front. 'Laissez les bons temps rouler' as they like to say in Nola.  The first time I saw Anders was at Warren Haynes' Christmas Jam.  Instant huge fan at that show which was a once in a lifer--  Anders played an hour and a half set with Warren's bassist and drumz.  So awesome.  As expected Anders & co. freakin' delivered.  He lead us through a blazing set full of raw blues and rock n' roll that rocks you right down to your soul.  His solos are just nuts.  Kinda like Anders, you never know what he's going to do next.  I know he's had drug issues in the past, and I'm pretty sure he's sober now but, unlike many artists, sobriety doesn't affect his music.  He's on fire.  But his solo, just unreal. Raw is the perfect word for it.  I found out he rocks an open tuning set up. He said in an interview "Stuff ringin' all the time, just very sonicly pleasing to me."  His bassist had mid-back length brown hair and a Marlboro 100 just a hangin'.  They really fed off each other. It was awesome.  I couldn't get enough.  And the drummer was a black dude with dark sunglasses that had so much enthusiasm.  He beat those drums to death!  Their energy was just unmatched.  Crazy that three dudes on a small stage can put on such a good show.  I like them even more now than when I saw them in Asheville a few months back.  They played "Ya-Ya" a feel good Anders original we also heard in Asheville.  They covered "Knockin' on Heaven's Door." Perfect. Relevant to my life. They played an Anders original, "Black Tar."  Fortunately I've never been involved with that.  But, shockingly, also relevant in my life.  I had a friend overdose recently, and THANK GOD, I was in the right place at the right time and brought him to the hospital and saved his life. If he reads this, Love you man! Anyway, I remain a HUGE Anders fan and will continue to see his shows whenever possible.  Thanks for a great set guys!

Day 3: Never miss a Sunday show!

We show up mid afternoon. Honey Island Swamp Band is one song into their set.  No line today. Gotta love Sundays at a festival.  We pursue the stage and make our way to the same spot we've been all weekend.  I only recently found out about this band and was extremely excited to see them.  Their style was unique from all the other Nola bands of this weekend.  They play slide-blues and swamp rock.  They use anything and everything as instruments.  The old country saloon style of keys just keeps the tunes rocking along.  We really loved the vibe they put off.  Great musicianship.  Great solos.  A lot of their lyrics seem to come from or are influenced by scripture.  Major cool.  Imagine the Allman Brothers if they were from New Orleans instead of Macon, GA. Slide riffs like these would make Duane turn over in his grave. (in a good way)  Check out Prodigal Son and you'll quickly see what I'm talking about.  These guys kill it.  I really hope they continue making albums. HUGE fan.

Robert Randolph and the Family Band had the stage to close out the awesome weekend.  I've seen them in multiple states (all in the south) They always put on a great show.  Randolph plays the pedal steel.  He learned to play growing up in church.  From Wikipedia: "The instrument is referred to in many African-American Pentecostal churches as Sacred Steel."  He can play the sacred steel all he wants.  He's incredible.

Robert & all the ladies 

As is customary for a RRTFB show, Robert invites the beautiful ladies from the audience up  onto stage for a little dancin'.  If you've never witnessed this, it's quite a site. Roberts starts picking a nasty rockin' blues riff.  Someone says "ZZ Top?" "Close! Shake Your Hips by Slim Harpo- covered by  the Rolling Stones."  Picture this: 50+ ladies jumping around stage while Robert and The Family shred through a song written nearly 50 years ago.  It makes for a great time.  I'll always be happy to see a RRTFB show.

HUGE thanks go out to all those hands that make weekends like this possible. We enjoy it more than ya'll will ever know.  Big thanks to Sweetwater, just another reason they remain my favorite brewery.  #HOMETEAM  See ya'll next year in Candler Park!

Written by: Tyler Addison Davis

Infamous Stringdusters

I've been needing to write for weeks.  Due to an onslaught of unfortunate circumstances one after the other I have failed to do so.  Today, I surmount that obstacle simply for the fact that I am on the verge of spontaneously combusting.  Both my faith in the Lord and love for raw, in-your-face live music have only grown stronger in the past 2 months.  As much as I complain about the traffic and sheer overcrowding of Atlanta, living here has provided me with so many wonderful opportunities to enjoy the sounds that soothe the ear and the mind.  Typically, in the past 2 months, its been all about  BLUEGRASS.  The music of Appalachia. The weapons of choice: the fiddle, five string banjo, mandolin, dobro, guitar and upright bass.  An original of American music.  Don't get me wrong, the blues is America's music, and Mississippi is the birthplace.   To that I have no objection, (it'd be hard to after going to school a short drive from Robert Johnson's famous [or infamous] crossroads.)  But Bluegrass was born in the Appalachians, reinforced and supported by the hymnals across the bible belt and continue to flow today throughout the country wherever an ear seeks a good ole fiddlin'.  I tweeted about seeing "the big 3" recently.  My residence in Atlanta has allowed me to see these smokin' hot bands reigning from Boston, Colorado and Kalamazoo, Michigan. They are 'The Infamous Stringdusters' (seen here at the Pink Garter in Jackson, WY)

this picture does no justice

The other 2 are 'Yonder Mountain String Band' (@The Tabernacle)   & last but definitely not least 'Greensky Bluegrass' (@Smith's Olde Bar)
More to come on YMSB & GSBG later 





Seeing the 'Dusters in Jackson was awesome, it set the stage and I knew what I was in for when I headed to Terminal West.
Listening to the Atlanta show right now via their website, I'm about to get up and do a jig.  They just have this crisp, resonating sound that makes you want to shake your body wildly until you burst at the seams.  The Dobro is the game changer.  It makes the crunchiest, bluesiest acoustic slide-guitar tone one could imagine.  To me, it perfectly bridges together the thumping bass line, the quick-picking of the banjo and the steady strum of the mandolin.  It comes together in perfect harmony and evokes a primal hoot-n-holler, all the while dancing away a bad memory or cheers'ing to better ones.  The crowd was a little stiff at the beginning of the first set.  I thought to myself, "Certainly the bass thumpers and young dubstep kids aren't gonna like these things with strings called instruments."  ICYMI Terminal West has an affinity for the "electronic music" popular of the day. Not my scene really.  That's why I was glad to see a stringband take their plunge into the thriving music scene at this great venue.  They played two steamrollin' sets containing several of my favorite tunes.  "Gettin Down the Road" "Steam-Powered Aeroplane" "Fork in the Road." One of my favorite parts of the entire show was a song in set 2. "Fire" A wahwah pedal induced jam that at times sounded like a more badass acoustic Phish song (much like YMSB's cover of 'Sand')  The song that followed was slow and drawn out in a good way.  "High on a mountain top, winds blowin' free, thinking about the days that used to be."  Sounding like a siren straight from Oh, Brother Where art Thou.  BTW the craft beers (in cans) were flowing like water at this point.  For me, this is all part of the bluegrass experience.  Great beer, great people, great music, this is what it's all about. They absolutely crush each and every song.  Individually, they are masters of their instrument. Collectively, they unite to bring a sound that's beauty can only be described or appreciated by using your ears, and embracing that sound we call music.  And finally, they played "He's Gone"
How ridiculously ironic.  Not only is it one of my favorite Grateful Dead tunes, but just having lost a VERY close friend of mine, this situation just made me close my eyes, look the sky, and say "thank you Lord."  Thank you for letting me live one more day on this Earth, Thank you for letting me be able to lift my spirits through YOU, AND through this wonderful music. Also, I said thank you to Nick.  I'm sure you had SOMETHING to do with this buddy.   "Nothin' left to do but SMILE SMILE SMILE."

So we listened, we sang, we grinned, we danced, we cried. It was freaking awesome.  Thank you to the Stringdusters.  I happily await our next meeting fellas.

I leave you with a link to the Stringdusters recording "He's Gone" Infamous Stringdusters - He's Gone

and another: Gettin' Down the Road

For Our Buddy, Nick Ward - A True Inspiration

He's one of the #GoodPeople

I'm writing this not in remembrance of Nick, BECAUSE THE GUY IS STILL FIGHTING FOR HIS LIFE IN SAVANNAH.  I started this to share laughter, joy, tears, good times we had and all the other emotions surrounding Nick's life.  He shared these emotions with each and every one of us in his own way.  Nick is a beacon of hope and good faith in a world where many have forgotten the way of the Lord.

Nick is a family guy.  He loves his family, and they love him back.  Family doesn't just mean kin or blood.  Family means those you associate with, your crew.  Everywhere Nick and I have crossed paths, he's always had a crew with him.  Good guys and girls coming together probably because they share the same passion for life that Nick does.  Nick is an all around good  guy.  He'd jump at the chance help out, give a hand and wasn't afraid to be a great friend. He touched my life as I'm sure he's touched all of ya'lls.  Let's keep praying and stay strong for our buddy.  LET'S HELP PULL HIM THROUGH THIS.  Please remember to pray for Jimmy, Cynthia, Drew and the rest of the family while they pass these difficult times. Keep Fighting Buddy.

"And it's real

Believe what I say

Just one thing that I gotta say

I need a miracle very day"     ~ The Grateful Dead

Nick loves music.  He loves playing it, head-banging to it, traveling mind blowing distances to see it played live.  Music has been one thing Nick and I connected on, became friends around and still share a passion for.  That being said, I collected some song lyrics.  They remind me of Nick and his current battle for life. For me, these lyrics are a way to remember great times we shared, and to look forward to the future with hope and faith.  It's a collection of lyrics from Nick's favorite band; Widespread Panic.  Also the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan and others.  Please enjoy them as much as we do.  Feel free to comment, add more lyrics or share a story about Nick of your own.

Widespread Panic:
"Old days come and go too soon

Old friends, heroes, lifetimes

Don't let a single memory ever fade away"  ::: Heroes

"May your family share laughter

Your songs always play

May your wishes come true

Even those left unprayed

Hand on my shoulder

Gentle cloud on the hill

May your heart's doors be open

Forever and ever, may your glass be filled"  :::May Your Glass Be Filled

"Cheers, to your friends so near

High, your dreams so clear

Raise another glass to the dreams so near"  ::: Space Wrangler

"The sun came out the other day

Through those dusty clouds

And in my mind I was a child

And it felt good!"                                      ::: Ain't Life Grand

"Travelin' Light, and you can catch the wind

Travelin' Light, better let your mind pretend

Get on down to paradise

Maybe once, now maybe twice

Travelin' Light, is the only way to fly"      ::: Travelin' Light

Grateful Dead

"Wake now discover that you are the song that the morning brings"

:::The Eyes of the World

"One way or another

This darkness has got to give"

:::New Speedway Boogie

"Keep on dancing through to daylight"

:::The Music Never Stopped

Jack White

                  Last Tuesday night, it was the eve of a show that wasn't on my radar, as much as I hate to admit it. Had it not been for someone's granny passing away,(prayers go out to that family) I would have just gone on with my life without looking back never knowing what had passed. Long story short, a buddy of mine had an extra ticket. TO JACK WHITE. AT THE FOX. “Sure maybe I can pencil that in to my extremely busy Tuesday night schedule.” Psshh. “I'm there,” was my response. We sat across from the fabulous Fox Theatre with two sultry young ladies, both friends of his, and had a light dinner while we awaited the auditory face-melting tunes we had come to hear. We finished our entrees and j-walked across Peachtree. If you've never been to the Fox, you're missing out. Its ancient and has hosted some of the greats. It has some of the best acoustics in the universe. But, really the interior of the place is breath-taking. The ceiling is concave in shape and painted this midnight blue with ominous lighting all around to make it look like the night sky. Awesome. Seen many shows at the Fox in my day and knew this one would never be forgotten. I knew only bits & pieces about Jack White from the days of 'Seven Nation Army'. Also from the days of my buddy Scott Ross blaring 'The Raconteurs' (who are freaking awesome) in kitchens across the Square in beautiful Oxford, MS. 

a sea of blue

The stage and lighting scheme kept with the eery blue “night sky.” The scene was set and the lights went down as we scooted to our seats with 2 beers a piece. The band poured onto stage. Shouts of joy and hoots n' hollers filled the crowded air. From what I could see, Jack White was wearing some weathered tuxedo like getup, probably white but doused in ocean blue from the lights. Also from what I could see, he was the only dude on stage. A whole band made up of Sheila's! They didn't come to mess around either. The drummer, God bless her soul, might have been the daughter of late John Henry Bonham (Led Zeppelin for you non music-freaks). The drummer keeps the beat, keeps things rolling and on schedule for the rest of the band. Well this girl made the experience of the whole show. They have her placed stage right. (left for the audience) Up in the front. It was like she was the engineer of the steam locomotive pulling the rest of the freight train down the track. Truly great rhythm and style. Next to her, (they formed a semi circle towards the back of the stage), was a stand up bassist. Amplified of course but just the thing to go with their style of music. To her left, another good looking lady, playing pedal steel. Also perfect for this old-school country blues rock vibe they have going. On around to the other side of the circle was a tambourine playing, picture taking, funky 60s/70s dancing do-it-all type of girl that moved around the stage more than a nervous comedian. Next to her was the backup singer, a black girl with a perfectly smooth voice accompanied by the ability to belt out lyrics in great contrast to Jack White's raspy vocals. Finally to her left, was the pianist. Both traditional piano, and keyboard in use. Rotating front and back like a pilot of the Millennium Falcon. Ultimately, the middle of the semi circle is punctuated with the man himself. Rocking back and forth to tunes like “Freedom at 21,” and “Sixteen Saltines.” Bluesy rocking numbers that will make your head spin, or like me, rock back and forth with a shit-eating grin plastered across your mug.

After a long first set, many great tunes and a non-stop, non-sit down type of pace the band took a short break. We ran to the bar to grab a last call Bronson. We were the last two to get served. Maybe overserved. We made it back to our seats and awaited the encore. At the end of the previous set I noticed a roadie bringing on stage and plugging in the ever famous resonator (Jack's.) It's a guitar that was developed by musicians in the 20's to be louder than traditional acoustic guitars They ofcourse lost some popularity by the age of amplification. However, blues and bluegrass (which gave rise to country) took a liking to resonators and they're still around today. Anyway, getting off topic. I knew Jack White played a resonator, especially when he would play “Seven Nation Army.” A song that topped the charts in 2003 from White's original band with sister, Meg, The White Stripes. Long story short I called the encore and must give credit where it's due to Scott Ross that alluded me to it. 

 As the bass drum became ever more frequent, we knew this was it. The encore, the climax , the finale. White and company blasted into fret-jumping power jam that rocks your face off. With the crushing blows of chick # 1's drum patterns and Jack White's sinfully good sounding resonator, they tore the roof off the place and left everyone in awe, with smiles all around and a standing ovation from the fabulous fans at the Fox Theatre. What a way to spend a Tuesday night in Atlanta.   I leave you with a video of that encore (Not actually from the Fox, but you'll get the idea.)   Don't Forget the Link 

Jack White - Seven Nation Army Encore (Catch Hell Blues Intro)