Widespread Panic Goes Old School For Storm-Shortened Wilmington Closer

Jam titans Widespread Panic wrapped up a three-night stand at the new Riverfront Park Amphitheater in Wilmington, North Carolina on Sunday with a single-set concert that was shortened due to storms in the area. Panic played classic material throughout the Wilmington finale as each song dated back to Michael Houser’s tenure in the band.

The sextet took the stage at 9:08 p.m. as per PanicStream on keyboardist JoJo Hermann‘s birthday. Last night’s show was actually supposed to begin earlier than the first two concerts at the venue but intense weather led to a delayed start and truncated performance. “Thank you for your patience everybody,” guitarist John Bell exclaimed ahead of the “Tall Boy” opener.

A nicely extended “Space Wrangler” came next before the birthday boy had a turn in the spotlight on “Blackout Blues.” Next up was the first split “Stop-Go” since September 19, 2011 as Panic fit “You Got Yours” within the tune. A pairing of “Imitation Leather Shoes” and “Little Kin” followed and then Panic worked “Disco” into “Little Lilly.”

The one-set affair continued with “Pilgrims” and “Bear’s Gone Fishin’.” Panic then jammed “Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys” into JJ Cale’s “Ride Me High” before completing the Traffic cover. More oldies brought the set to a close as “Rebirtha” was followed by a run of “Big Wooly Mammoth,” “Henry Parsons Died” and “Ain’t Life Grand.” Bell played mandolin on the latter.

Widespread Panic ended the run with a three-song, 22-minute encore. “Dream Song” began the encore and was followed by Cale’s “Travelin’ Light” and a cover of Neil Young’s “Last Dance.” Panic heads to Asheville next for three nights at ExploreAsheville.com Arena August 6 – 8.

Watch fan-shot video from Sunday’s show captured by Squarepile 103:

Setlist (via PanicStream)

Set: Tall Boy, Space Wrangler > Blackout Blues, Stop Go > You Got Yours > Stop Go, Imitation Leather Shoes, Little Kin, Disco > Little Lilly, Pilgrims, Bear’s Gone Fishin’ > Low Spark of High Heeled Boys > Ride Me High > Low Spark of High Heeled Boys, Rebirtha, Big Wooly Mammoth > Henry Parsons Died, Ain’t Life Grand (142 mins)

Encore: Dream Song, Travelin’ Light, Last Dance (22 mins)