Today we look back to February 8, 2005.

Panic Petition

Widespread Panic fans who were unavailable to secure tickets to the bands Fox Theater run have initiated an internet campaign to allow them to hear the music from these three nights (March 24-26). Fans have created an on-line petition encouraging the band to pursue the option of providing an audio/video simulcast in select theaters in select cities across America. At present more than 1000 fans have added their assent to this entreaty, which is addressed to the group and its management, and offers the polite concluding remarks, As always, thank you for everything boys!’

Ozric Lotus

Two generations of electronic musicians will collide (or at the very least orbit) in March when Lotus opens a tour for Ozric Tentacles. The British Tentacles are more than twenty years into their career and US appearances have been infrequent. The group will cross the Atlantic for a show on the 17th at the Middle East in Cambridge, MA with dates confirmed through March 26 at the Abbey in Chicago. Former jambands.com new groove of the month Lotus is on board for all of these gigs.

More Maktub

Reggie Watts spent much of 2004 on the road, lending his vocals (and signature telephone microphone) to Soulive. However, in addition to these dates, he spent time in the studio with his band Maktub. The group will release the resulting Say What You Mean on April 12. The disc is produced by Bob Power (Erykah Badu, Ozomatli) with tour dates to follow. During the recording process the band posted a journal on its web site which chronicles the development of Say What You Mean.

Prescription For Peace

Fresh off his recent Headhunters tour, Mike Clark has announced four Prescription Renewal gigs starting this Friday at the Jewish Mother in Virginia Beach, VA. Joining Clark will be Skerik and Robert Walter, with Oteil and the Peacemakers opening all of these shows. It is quite possible that Burbridge will perform with Prescription Renewal at these gigs which will conclude at the Regattabar in Cambridge, MA on February 16.