Despite the best efforts of the rain to keep the party from happening, Mempho Festival 2021 was a grand time! Panic played two really great one set shows on Friday and Saturday, kicking off each show with a high energy opener, building even higher during the set, and sending us all home with big smiles. Billy Strings joined the boys for a killer four song sit in on Friday night, including a massive “Dirty Business,” while the Saturday highlight was probably the raucous “Arleen.” We go over both shows in detail and are joined by a special guest, Jeff’s better half, Jennifer, who attended her first, but hopefully not her last Panic show on Saturday night. She notices details that the rest of us miss, and gives us a breakdown of how one lucky couple experienced the physical act of love inside the porta pots. No, I am not making that up. We end with the obligatory tribute to Fall 1996 and, I kid you not, open up a pack of 1988 Topps baseball cards. In the non-profit world, we would call that “mission drift.” We’d love to share some clips from Mempho, but there was no taping allowed, so we’ll give you some 96 and 99 fall tour heat instead - enjoy!****Links below go to whole show streams from Relisten powered by Panicstream*<07 October 1996 - Gainesville, GA - Georgia Mountain CenterMachine > Barstools and Dreamers, Papa’s Home07 October 1999 - Santa Monica, CA - Civic AuditoriumJunco Partner > Diner > Rebirtha  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Despite the best efforts of the rain to keep the party from happening, Mempho Festival 2021 was a grand time! Panic played two really great one set shows on Friday and Saturday, kicking off each show with a high energy opener, building even higher during the set, and sending us all home with big smiles. Billy Strings joined the boys for a killer four song sit in on Friday night, including a massive “Dirty Business,” while the Saturday highlight was probably the raucous “Arleen.” We go over both shows in detail and are joined by a special guest, Jeff’s better half, Jennifer, who attended her first, but hopefully not her last Panic show on Saturday night. She notices details that the rest of us miss, and gives us a breakdown of how one lucky couple experienced the physical act of love inside the porta pots. No, I am not making that up. We end with the obligatory tribute to Fall 1996 and, I kid you not, open up a pack of 1988 Topps baseball cards. In the non-profit world, we would call that “mission drift.” We’d love to share some clips from Mempho, but there was no taping allowed, so we’ll give you some 96 and 99 fall tour heat instead - enjoy!****Links below go to whole show streams from Relisten powered by Panicstream* Barstools and Dreamers, Papa’s Home07 October 1999 - Santa Monica, CA - Civic AuditoriumJunco Partner > Diner > Rebirtha  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Bluest Tape

117: Mempho in the Rear View

It’s Mempho Time! ------------------------------The 2021 Mempho Festival is FINALLY here! What a couple of months since the last Panic shows - the Wilmington shows were epic, the Asheville shows serviceable, and then Napa and NYC got canceled, and JB got COVID. But, everyone is healthy and the fans are ready for the Memphis heat! Aside from the Panic, the festival lineup is pretty great, with the Avetts, Nathaniel Rateliff, Black Pumas, Liz Brasher, City Champs, and more gracing the stages at the Memphis Botanic Gardens. We are so excited to have you come to town! Check out this episode for a Mempho preview, some setlist wishcasting, and Jeff’s very extensive dining, drinking, doing, and watching recommendations to keep you and yours occupied during a busy SEC Saturday. Go visit that Stax Museum of American Soul Music, too! Even though Harvey only listens to JRAD these days, Jeff has a couple of Panic show recommendations for you from fall 94 and 99 - enjoy! ****Links below go to whole show streams from Relisten powered by Panicstream*27 September 1994 - Jacksonville, FL - Memorial AuditoriumMaggot Brain > Chilly Water26 September 1999 - Clemson, SC - Littlejohn ColiseumPapa Legba > PAYMH > Pleas > Conrad  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Wrangler>Walkin' in Memphis

Harvey and Jeff recap the scorching hot Wilmington run and discuss the state of the US Olympic Team. Harvey is joined by The Penguin's Beau Gunn to recap how things went in Wilmington and discuss what the future might hold at Live Oak Bank Pavilion in downtown Wilmington. We also preview how the rest of 2021 looks for Panic, previews Jeff's attendance at a PHISH concert and Harvey's trip to Connecticut to ostensibly visit his in-laws (while also visiting Treehouse Brewery and seeing JRAD at Westville Bowl in New Haven).  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

115: Wilmington Runs This Now

Harvey and Jeff are joined by Ted Rockwell to recap the (((wet))) Red Rocks Run. Then, we talk to Geoff Hanson from The Earth Will Swallow You and Beau Gunn from the Penguin in Wilmington, NC as we preview the upcoming three night run in Wilmington as Widespread Panic perform the first shows at the Live Oak Bank Pavillion at Riverfront Park in Wilmington, NC.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

114: Find Out Just How Tall We Are

Harvey and Jeff get the band back together for a in-depth Red Rocks + Tunes for Tots preview and lay down some not-so-hot takes and predictions for the shows ahead. Special guests Jay Strasberg and Ted Rockwell bring their love of Panic and their excitement for the weekend ahead to the pod, and preview the incredible vibe that awaits the 10,000+ fans headed to Colorado. And yes, to stay to the original inspiration for the Bluest Tape, Jeff drops some solid recommendations from 96 and 98 that you can see below. 13 June 1996 - Bee Cave, TX - The BackyardPorch Song > Rebirtha > Papa Legba18 June 1998 - Strasbourg, FRA - Le LaiterieSpace Wrangler > Diner25 June 2000 - Morrison, CO - Red RocksDriving > Stop-Go > Driving  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Gotta Get Back to the Rocks

Good Lord, we certainly take our time between episodes, don’t we?Episode 112 features a massive spring 1996 recap and breakdown (with recs below), plus some Panic 3.0 news and tour dates, along with sound financial advice from Harvey. If you have listened to our pod before, spring 1996 holds a special place in our collective heart - take a listen to any of the shows and you will certainly see why. From the “Little Rock” in North Little Rock on 3/22/96 to he “Fishwater > Help Me Somebody” encore in Charlottesville on 4/28/96, the tour has some of the highest highs that the band ever reached. Plus, we are less than FOUR months away from Panic 3.0 retaking the stage - we can’t wait!Top 5 Spring 1996 Recommendations:3/28 Johnson City: Vacation > Rebirtha > Porch Song3/29 Columbia: Cream Puff War > Hatfield > Arleen4/1 Augusta: A true greatest hits setlist plus a David Blackmon sit-in4/3 Huntsville: The #1 all-time Panic show according to The Bluest Tape4/4 Statesboro: Driving > Chunk of Coal > Driving > Dream Song > Knockin’ Around the ZooThis week's musical selection:21 April 1996 - Tussey Mountain Amp., Boalsburg, PADriving Song > Hope in a Hopeless World > Driving Song > Breathing Slow  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

112: JFC, 25 Years? Spring 1996 Recap and Panic 3.0 News

 “I’m From Texas, So I Didn’t Ski...I Watched Perry Mason” Sit n Ski, 25 Years Later JFC, can y’all believe - Sit n Ski was 25 YEARS AGO! A truly monumental event in the history of the band, it was really a pivot point for what the band would become in 1996 and the remainder of the Houser years. The tour started off with a unique format of solo performances by JB and Houser, new songs and covers, along with a heavy dose of David Blackmon on fiddle, but eventually settled into a groove of stomping, hard-driving Panic with the chairs and acoustics cast aside more often than not. While we have talked about the tour a bunch, and played several selections over the years (episodes 42 and 43 from 2018), we will take you through the tour on a show-by-show basis, offering up our respective top five tour moments (only one overlap) and delving into such important issues as insurrection, inauguration, Justin Timberlake, and Raisin’ Cane’s chicken strips. 11 February 1996 - Steamboat Springs, CO - Sheraton Ballroom The Take Out > Proving Ground > Orange Blossom Special > Proving Ground > Porch Song (with David Blackmon on fiddle)  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

111: I'm From Texas, So I Didn't Ski, I Watched Perry Mason

We’ve Been a Long Time Gone My lands, we were gone a long time, weren’t we? Great to see you all again, everyone. Harvey and Jeff play a little catchup on life, Panic, politics, and such, and then sit down with Scott Whiddon, a Professor of Writing at Transylvania University in Lexington, who also happens to be a damn fine musician. On December 27, Scott will release his new single, “The Ballad of Chris Bell,” about the Big Star founder and Memphis-born singer-songwriter who died way too young in 1978. The guys talk about Scott’s new record and talk a lot about Panic, using Scott’s first show, 12/30/95 in Spartanburg, SC as the jumping off point. While NYE 1995 deservedly gets a ton of praise, the night before is damn fine as well, featuring a lengthy sit-in by John Keane, and some darkness before the New Year’s joy of the next night in Macon, GA. We promise to see more of you in 2021, but until then, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! Buy Scott's music and hear more here 30 December 1995 - Spartanburg, SC - Memorial Auditorium West Virginia > You Got Yours > Stop-Go (w/John Keane), A of D, Wondering, Maggot Brain (w/John Keane) > Chilly Water  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

110: We've Been Gone a Long Time

Jeff and Harvey discuss the return of the NFL (a few weeks late - time stands still in the quarantine). And then Sam Holt comes back to the podcast to play some scorching hot tunes and also discuss HOME TEAM and what it means. We also talk some more about Todd Nance and discuss his classic tune "Check Me Out (with a Cheeseburger). We would include a song list, but it's too damn long. Just know it's all top-notch. You've waited a long time for this episode - it's a long one, enjoy it. Home Team is a feeling. It is a mindset. We have it,and we like to share it. It is knowing and being proud of who you are, and where you come from. It's what you represent. It is where you are now, and where you are going from here. Home Team is as universal as love, music or art, transcending boundaries of language and vocal expression. Something Home Team is not is a f**k you, negative attitude while walking through this life. Home Team represents moving forward and being positive. Not to the side, not backward, not negative...you help yourself; move forward. We are aware of speed bumps in this life, but at these times your mind, heart, spirit and soul continue to expand forward; representing Home Team. Ask yourself this question; If you don't have Home Team, what do you have? And remember in your answer, YOU are Home Team as WE are Home Team. You may call it useless propaganda, you may take it to heart. If you doubt it, let it go without being a detractor. If you embrace it, take the ball and move forward for the Team, and be positive along the way. But no matter what... don't rip us off. Be a part of us as we are a part of you. Look for us as we look for you. Make things happen. Live. Love. Get up. Get down. Be. Be music. Be art. Be positive. Be conscious. Be alert. Be aware. Be balanced. Be heard. Act. React. Construct. Know. Do. Think. Achieve. MoveForward. Maintain. Represent. Know that wherever you are, wherever you go, whatever you do, you are representing Home Team. Maybe not under our or others ideas, but under the ideas of a Home Team somewhere.  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

109: Holt Team

 That High Hat Sam Holt joins to discuss Todd Nance Add the loss of Todd Nance to the list of terrible things that have happened in 2020. Jeff and Harvey knock off the rust and discuss how important Todd Nance was to the Widespread Panic sound. And then friend of the pod, Sam Holt, joins Harvey to talk some more about his friendship with Todd and then play some raging Jerry Joseph & Friends stuff and then some great early 90s Panic (what else would you expect from Sam?). Jerry Joseph & Friends 15 September 2001 - Athens, GA - 40 Watt Fastest Horse in Town, Light is Like Water, Gloryland > Drive > Whole Lotta Love > Drive > Climb to Safety (w/ Michael Houser and Todd Nance) 14 February 1992 - Athens, GA - Georgia Theatre Chilly Water 2 October 1994 - Lexington, KY - Red Mile Racetrack Love Tractor  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

108: That High Hat

A Patchwork Quilt of a Life: Jerry @ 25 It is impossible to believe, but it has been 25 years since we lost Jerry Garcia on August 9, 1995. His life and music paved the way for bands like Panic; his passing may have meant even more, elevating them to bigger tours, bigger venues, and more notoriety as Deadheads looked and longed for a new home. In this episode, we reflect on Garcia’s legacy, what he meant in our own lives, including “where we were” when we found out Jerry had died, and certainly what he meant to Panic. We close out the show with a couple of choice clips featuring two of his longtime collaborators, fellow Grateful Dead founder Bob Weir and bluegrass fiddle legend Vassar Clements. In between, we talk about the ongoing “natty” between 4/3/96 and 10/28/00, Panic’s upcoming “Never Miss a Sunday Show” webcasts, and a few other things as well. As the yahrzeits of both Jerry and Mikey, August 9 and 10 are bittersweet days in the jamband world, but they also give us a chance to reflect and say a quiet note of gratitude. Thanks guys - the world is a better place for having you here. Please make your voice heard and help us pick the winner for the Panic Sweet 16 for COVID-19 - vote on Facebook and on Twitter! #1 - April 3, 1996 - Huntsville, AL - VBCC Arena #3 - October 28, 2000 - New Orleans, LA - UNO Lakefront Arena 08 August 1999 - Aspen, CO - Aspen Harmony Festival Me & the Devil Blues, Pusherman, Jam (w/ Bob Weir, Rob Wasserman, and Jay Lane) 25 October 2003 - Antioch, TN - Amsouth Amphitheater The Take Out, Pickin’ Up the Pieces, Porch Song (w/ Vassar Clements)  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

107: A Patchwork Quilt of Life

The Natty Is Set My God, have we FINALLY reached The Natty? By God, we have! It is set. A consensus #1, all time show in 4/3/96 Huntsville, AL vs. the “People’s Champ,” 10/28/00 New Orleans, LA. A sensational standalone show on a sleepy Wednesday night in “The Rocket City” vs. a get-down Saturday night on Halloween weekend in “The Crescent City.” This matchup is really like choosing between your two kids (Harvey and I both have two boys - some days it is easier to choose one you like, though) and will force you, the voting public, to make a tough decision. Other than that, it’s another Bluest Tape, talking domestic bliss, college sports, old TV, and Harvey again berates Jeff for not yet watching “Hamilton.” Oh, and we threw in a killer clip from Summer 99 - I say “HAT-FIELD!” Please make your voice heard and help us pick the winner - vote on Facebook and on Twitter! #1 - April 3, 1996 - Huntsville, AL - VBCC Arena #3 - October 28, 2000 - New Orleans, LA - UNO Lakefront Arena 24 July 1999 - Columbia, MD - Merriweather Post Pavilion Hatfield > Bear’s Gone Fishin’ > Sleeping Man  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

106: The Natty is Set

 A Fantabulous Final Four + An Interview with Marq Spusta We are super good at recording interviews - and episodes - weeks and/or months ago and dropping them on you all weeks and/or months later. You would think that during the pandemic we’d both have nothing to do but work and yell at people for not wearing masks, but that has not been the case. Life has been hectic, y’all! This week, Jeff and Harvey catch up on things, breakdown the Panic Final Four (chalk, chalk, chalk, and chalk), wax poetic about “Wednesday” shows, and present to you an interview Jeff did with renowned poster artist Marq Spusta, his lifelong friend, basketball teammate, and occasional concert companion. Learn about Marq’s career, his artwork, his inspiration, his time with Panic, that one time he met Solomon Burke, and some recommended listening for troubling times. Admittedly, we did this interview way back in March, but I’ll be damned if we still don’t have this pandemic going on. I guess we can’t just wish it away, can we? Please make your voice heard and help us pick the winner - vote on Facebook and on Twitter! 4/3/96 Huntsville AL - VBCC @ 5/7/97 Louisville KY - Palace Theater 5/5/99 N. Myrtle Beach SC - House of Blues 10/28/00 New Orleans LA - UNO Lakefront Arena @ = official band release, automatic selection 20 June 2008 - Los Angeles, CA - Orpheum Theater None of Us Are Free (w/Solomom Burke on vocals) 22 June 2018 - Morrison, CO - Red Rocks Happy > B of D > Love Tractor  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

105: A Fantabulous Final Four + An Interview with Marq Spusta

 The Elite 8 Unveiling + Jupiter Coyote Okay, we are down to the Elite 8 in our “A Panic Sweet 16 for the COVID-19” bracket to determine the “best” Panic show ever. We recap the results from the last matchups in the tourney and preview the monsters coming up, including the Battle for Alabama, Jeff’s best show ever vs. Harvey’s best show ever, NOLAWeen 2000 v Sit n Ski, and just maybe, quite possibly, the “best” Panic show ever from May 1999 v a classic NYE show. Whew! After the bracket breakdown, we share the long overdue interview Harvey conducted on NYE with the band Jupiter Coyote who, after well over 20 years in the game, are still making some great music and treating their fans to fantastic live shows. Stay tuned for the interview plus a super special treat that the band shared with us just for you. Enjoy! Please make your voice heard and help us pick the winner - vote on Facebook and on Twitter! T. Lavitz Bracket 1. 4/3/96 Hunstville AL 9. 7/29/01 Pelham AL Todd Nance Bracket 4. 5/7/97 Louisville KY 5. 12/1/00 Carbondale IL George McConnell Bracket 3. 10/28/00 New Orleans LA 6. 1/20/96 Boulder CO Danny the Sound Man Bracket 2. 5/5/99 N. Myrtle Beach SC 7. 12/31/97 Atlanta GA Music: Jupiter Coyote, Visulite Theatre, Charlotte, NC 12/31/19 Breckenridge > Cindi > Everytime Train Song > Amorous Lucky Day > Franklin's Tower  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

104: The Elite 8 Unveiling + Jupiter Coyote

 A Panic Sweet 16 for the COVID-19: The George McConnell and The Danny the Angry Sound Man Brackets Here’s the right side of the Widespread Panic Sweet 16 bracket, eight killer shows that, if you haven’t heard them or don’t know about them, why are you reading this and listening to us? You must not get any of our terrible jokes, or any of our snarky references to “Dark Day Program,” “Coach,” and “Sparks Fly.” This is a recording of a Facebook Live we did a week or so ago, so apologies if our references are already dated. Enjoy! Please make your voice heard and help us pick the winner - vote on Facebook and on Twitter! George McConnell Bracket 6. 1/20/96 Boulder CO 11. 9/28/95 Knoxville TN 3. 10/28/00 New Orleans LA 14. 11/20/01 Johnson City TN Danny the Angry Sound Man Bracket 7. 12/31/97 Atlanta GA 10. 11/17/98 Northampton MA 2. 5/5/99 N. Myrtle Beach SC 15. 4/27/99 Jacksonville FL* = official band release 27 April 1999 - Jacksonville, FL - Moran Theater Driving > Weak Brain > Jam > Driving > Jam  See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

103: Panic Sweet 16 part 3

A journey through the live catalog of the band all the way from Athens, GA, Widespread Panic with your hosts, Harvey Couch and Jeff Kollath.

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Bluest Tape

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