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Review: JB and Friends
1/8/00 - House of Blues, Orlando, FL

by Andrew H. Newman

Setlist: Gradle, Life We're Living*, Radio Child, Space Wrangler, Ribs & Whiskey, Body and Soul*, Dog Song, Me & The Devil *new songs

"Telling stories the old folks know so well."

Still trying to recover from the recent New Year's Eve festivities, Widespread Panic fans were treated to something extra special in Orlando, Fl., on January 8, 2000. For the first time in 5 years, JB played a solo acoustic set. As if that wasn't enough, he brought along Barbara Cue (Todd Nance's solo project) and Bloodkin (long time Panic influence) to create a night full of music. And this time, the music had a cause.

Paired w/ an afternoon golf tournament (deserving of its own review), the weekend's festivities were an effort to raise money to help fight SMA, a genetic disease which has stricken Hannah, JB's god daughter (for more info, check out www.fightsma.com). Needless to say, excitement was at an all time high as friends and family congregated in Orlando. This cause brought freaks in from all over, including Chicago, Atlanta, Texas, and Colorado. And Orlando was the perfect setting. The warm, Florida environment allowed everyone to take advantage of the surroundings during the day, whether it was a visit to the theme parks or a round of golf (regular or miniature).

After the fun filled afternoon of golf w/ JB and friends, the House of Blues in Disneyworld provided the backdrop for the night's festivities. This intimate venue filled in a hurry as no one wanted to miss a note of music, especially since no one knew what to expect. Naturally, there was lots of discussion leading up to the show concerning what would be played, who would show up, etc. However, all this banter was thrown out the window as the curtains pulled back to reveal JB and Hannah sitting on stage, hand in hand. This poignant reminder that we had come together for such a worthy cause was the perfect start to the night.

JB's opening 40 minute set covered a wide array of musical selections. The situation appropriate "Gradle" started things off and the crowds participation made it seem like a sing-a-long at times (can't really blame anyone for being excited). Next up, a previously unplayed tune by JB, "Life We're Living". served to quiet the crowd and let JB's voice shine through. An unexpected "Radio Child" came next as JB attacked the guitar parts with foot stomping intensity. Needless to say, the vocals were right on. After a stellar rendition of the classic "Space Wrangler", JB gave the crowd the treats they were hoping for. First, "Ribs & Whiskey", a bluesy tune w/ killer lyrics not played since 1994, featuring JB on slide. Second, a new tune entitled "Body & Soul." Hopefully this one will work its' way into Panic's rotation sometime soon. Third," Dog Song." This tune has reached cult-like status as it was essentially scrapped from WSP's rotation during the 1990's, only to appear during the rare JB acoustic set. From the first note of this one, the crowd was in a frenzy as JB sang " I was a good dog today. Waggin my tail, knocking shit over." This song has special meaning for many dog owners (long live Scout), thus it is no surprise that fans were declaring Jan 8th, National Dog Day. The set closed with a soulful rendition of Robert Johnson's "Me and the Devil" featuring Buck Williams (Panic's Manager) on harmonica.

Barbacue took the stage next, playing a solid set full of tunes from its debut release. The man of the night, JB, joined in for 2 songs, including a cover of Al Green's "Love and Happiness." Bloodkin closed out the night with a long set full of familiar tunes , such as "Who Do You Belong To,"" Can't Get High,"" Henry Parsons Died" and "Success Yourself" (w/ JB on vocals). JB's final appearance of the night was with Bloodkin, as they performed the always moving "End of the Show", a perfect way to end a perfect night.

Overall, Saturday 1/8/00 was a great day to be a fan of Widespread Panic, its music, and what it represents. The opportunity for friends and fans, old and new, to come together for such a good cause and one helluva good time was a great way to start the year 2000. It was especially nice to see JB and friends having such a good time supporting a cause that means so much to them. Let's hope it was just a sign of things to come. Rumors abound concerning another golf/music charity weekend, perhaps involving Panic at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach this spring.

Thanks again to JB, Hannah and her family, and everyone else who worked so hard to make this such a wonderful weekend in the Magic Kingdom. Raise it high...