Photo by Craig Taraszki

Widespread Panic performed at Reno, NV’s Grand Sierra Theatre last night. Fans were greeted with some unexpected extra security when Vice President Joe Biden checked into the same hotel where the show was taking place (his 2008 opponent Sarah Palin was also in town). The band’s performance was loose and exploratory, including early highlights like “Papa Legba,” a dancy “Blackout Blues,” a beautiful “I’m Not Alone” and a tight jam during “Ain’t No Use.” The band channeled the spirit of its late co-founder Michael Houser during the 80-minute set, especially on “You Got Yours.”

Set two picked right up where the first left off. Of particular note was a jam out of “Flicker”, “Gimme, “B of D>Conrad” and “Conrad,” which featured a Jimmy Herring-led jam.Widespread Panic plays again this evening at the Grand Sierra Theatre in Reno, NV.