A Moment to reflect on WSP!
Who's turned up your favorite Panic studio album in a respectable home audio system? Well, I'll admit it's been along time or maybe never since getting finely precisioned speakers and a comfortable living room setting to rock a few of the old goodies that Widespread Panic released.
Through the 
early years of production these guys were hard at it or hardly with it while exploring a creativity locally and at the studio of producer John Keenes in downtown Athens. The first record the band spun together was their 11 tracks that had been making local bar and weekend fraternity listening appearances for several years that came packaged together in a tight 1986 ensemble titled "Space Wrangler." So much about this album carries a presence that reflects the long standing tradition of Widespread's music that will forever resonate with the fans. This amazing album set a stake in the ground for what this group of talented four founding members were capable of and the milestones that they were destined to surpass.
One tap of the play button tunes you into a heavy bass intro from Dave Schools that sinks you back and then lifts you into the soothing sounds of Chilly Water. The irony of this song being the first from their first album is the amazing rotation that it has woven into their live concerts for twenty-five good solid years. They've opened, closed, segued, reprised, sliced and diced Chilly Water so many times. It's a staple of where things got started and how the band chooses to operate. The fans can't be thankful enough on hearing Chilly live. It reckons a transcendence beyond the melodic beats and sound of the song to the anticipation of where the music is headed as one can expect the tempo to pick up and the party to begin. The guitar rhythm in the last half of the song coupled with a prominent bass and congo drum routine blends a harmony that typifies what the band is all about. And lets not forget this is only song one from their first studio album.
The musical selection that Widespread has profusely brought to their long time fans and recent admirers is a vast trove of originals, covers, and collaborations that imbues a sense of togetherness among the six current members that has not ceased to impress. So until further description of yours and my favorite band make it's way from this memorandum, I encourage you to pull the CD sleeve of Space Wrangler, Everyday or Mama's Kitchen from the shelf and relish in the moment of Widespread Panic.
Summer Music Joy!
Lets take a few moments to reflect on the music that's popping up in a multitude of locations across the country which unfortunately make spur of the moment travel a mission impossible. But atleast knowing what events are going on despite not having the means to jaunt to these weekend destinations may offer some solice and keep you informed of what's cooking concert wise this summer. The music festival season brings a unique joy that caters to the whole palate of senses when one is able to be first hand to experience it. The manic anticipation of the weekend always leaves concert goers in highly charged attitude while making last minute itenerary changes, calling friends, sharing thoughts on the coming agenda, and checking with strangers online to hash over the excitement. Whether it's the bluesy, jam, improv scene such as Further, Hangout or Suwannee Fest that you enjoy; an explosive electronic meliu such as the Daisy Carnival in New York, a more ecclectic ensemble of today's hot acts at Bonaroo and Coachella or the more traditional half century old NewPort Folk Festival in Rhode Island, a similar appreciation for what's involved can be had by those who attend.
Once you're wheels are set in motion and travel's commenced to get there, that great comarederie with travel partners is bliss. Moods are lightened, energy is charged, humor is spot on. The count down on the living room clock for start time, approaching road signs of your destination, or sardined public transport with other's keeps you intuned to what lays ahead for the party. Upon arriving, the scene is most always bustling with what you hoped for, and the mood awakens even more as the short duration of time unfolds before it all begins. So for those that aren't able to get out and exhilirate in the fun, atleast take a few minutes to observe those forethinking attendees who are taking in some of the best of what summer has to offer. The next best thing to being front and center with the crowd of people, is to be in the comfort of your home with the speakers turned up, drink in hand and visions of the experience as if you were there.
Top Summer Concert Festivals:
Lollapalooza Aug 3-5
This weekend's music attention will be tuned nationally to Chicago, Illinois for Lollapalooza the road show festival that began in 1991. Responsible for popularizing the live alternative rock events where artists come together, it began by attracting sensations like The Smashing Pumpkins, Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden and others of the 90's grunge rock scene. The event has been held across the country but since 2005 it's called Chicago it's home. Some memorable events from the years past include the record setting 43 dates that the festival scheduled in 1994 many of which were in honor of Kurt Cobain. 2003 returned the event from a five year hiatus that included Incubus, move forward to 2009 and recall the stellar showing from "Radiohead" and "Rage Against the Machine".
This year a notable array of acts will include the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Black Keys, Jack White, Franz Ferdinand, Afghan Whigs and others that are sure to a draw spot light of attention from the crowd. Many other's whose names aren't so main stream but are reckognized by the informed clique of college music and hipster enthusiasts will be all the rave of the attendees. From this second tier category of performers many of the 144 bands will enthrall their devoted fanbase and look to boost their acclaim and record sales as several have released new albums in the last few weeks.
2012's top female performer, Sharon van Etten of Williamsburg Brooklyn, will pack the stage with her calm angry rock ballads from her new album "Tramp." The record released earlier in the year has been a sensation with the popular track, "Serpentine" making airwaves.
Son of the Beatles guitarist George, Dhani Harrison will have another go at the festival with his band TheNew02. The release of their second album, "The Fear of Missing Out", released July 31st provides a bag of new songs to introduce fans to including the potential for Ben Harper to join on stage for a song he collaborated on in the studio.
Another group taking on a newly released record is "JEFF the brotherhood", who cut eleven tracks in the studio of Black Key's Dan Auerbachs in Nashville. The Black Keys front man will have a chance to join a up and coming folk performer, Michael Kiwanuka, on stage for the song, "Lasan", where Auerbach provided vocals on the studio cut.
The indie rock outfit "Passion Pit" comes around after a disappointing cancellation of six concert dates due to problems with the lead singer but should be anxious to the take stage with their upbeat British, light rock style of play.
The techno, dance sounds can be heard from the other side of the venue that is sure to last late into the evening with performances from a few of the scheduled acts such as EDM, Bassnectar, Justice and the renowned top DJ, "Avicii", spinning on Sunday evening. Last year's headline performance was "Deadmau5" who steered the crowd's energy amidst a heavy downpour while at the same time, "The Foo Fighters", played cross stage also extinguishing a heated crowd with their lively performance. This year the headlining performance is "Black Sabbath", who after four decades of rejuvenating their strength in on and off tours is a tribute to the efforts and influence that they've created since 1968.
It sure to be a craze filled time with after show acts going on around town including "Jane's Addiction" on Saturday at Aragon Ballroom. Last week saw the first time Lollapalooza South America fest took place in Brazil.
NewPort Folk Fest: July 27-29 Newport, Rhode Island
Taking the lead as being the longest ongoing popular music fest that I'm aware of, Newport Folk Fest has a tradition of memorable acts and debutes for some of the best musians to have played like Bob Dylan, and a remarkable lineup over it's history. Joan Baez, Dylan's girlfriend and influential female folk artist who wrote songs often rehearsed by the Band, first introduced Dylan in this national performance in 1963. Since then breakthrough performances have been made by up and comers hoping to get national attention and crowd pleasing concerts by the more established acts have become the norm. In 2009 a lightning storm knocked out power so the then playing band, The Felice Brothers jumped off stage and finished an hour long acoustic set on a muddy field. They also joined the late Levon Helms last year in a touching performance with the late Levon Helms of The Band and a few others to play I shall be Released. This year a strong list of big name folksy rock artists will take stage for scheduling that follows a traditional early afternoon start time that winds down by before midnight. Headliner on Friday was Wilco and recorded performance can be heard here. Other performances are Alabama Shakes, Iron and Wine, Deer Tick, My Morning Jacket and many others.
See additional news articles on Newport Music Fest below.. 
