Widespread Panic performed in front of a full house at The Orpheum Theater in Omaha, Nebraska on June 21, 2016.
My friend Lars first introduced me to Widespread Panic about 20 years ago and I have appreciated their music since then. Although I have listened to jam bands before, like Grateful Dead, I never really appreciated it that much. That changed on June 21, 2016 at The Orpheum Theater in Omaha, Nebraska when I was given this opportunity to cover and photograph them.
When they came on stage, there was a cool vibe throughout the house and everyone was doing some kind of dancing. People new the words to songs and the Orpheum rang with a crowd that knew all of the words to all of their songs. These are dedicated fans. I ran into my friend Lars at this show; as I expected. We talked and he told me that he has seen Widespread Panic 88 times! He said that by the end of the year it would be close to 100. I am stunned by that kind of dedication.
I have listened to studio tracks of Widespread Panic, but it paled in comparison to this show. The band as a whole performed magnificently, however Jimmy Herring was one of the keystones of the band along with John Bell. Herring’s guitar playing style fits well and his tone is so freaking cool. I stepped to the back of the house to photograph the entire stage and did not realize how good the production was. The lighting was fantastic and they had a great backdrop that changed with every song.
Please, enjoy the gallery HERE!
This was my first live Widespread Panic show, I had a great time and it will not be my last one. Next time I go, it will be as a dedicated fan as well.
Photos courtesy of Winsel Photography in Omaha, Nebraska. ©2016
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