On Thursday afternoon, Widespread Panic took the stage for their highly anticipated set at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Despite a schedule shift necessitated by inclement weather in the region—which pushed their performance from late to mid-afternoon—the band delivered a powerful show that highlighted their improvisational prowess and deep connection to the New Orleans musical community.
The six-piece ensemble opened their set with “Ain’t Life Grand,” setting a celebratory tone for the afternoon. JoJo Hermann took the lead on a spirited rendition of “Greta,” which seamlessly transitioned into James Taylor’s “Knockin’ Round the Zoo.” The band then moved into “Surprise Valley,” providing a platform for Nick Johnson—currently filling in for Jimmy Herring—to showcase his impressive guitar work.
The performance continued with “One Arm Steve” and a sprawling version of “Saint Ex,” followed by a nod to J.J. Cale with “Travelin’ Light.” The setlist also featured “Thought Sausage” and the location-appropriate “King Baby.” In a poignant moment, the band honored the late Col. Bruce Hampton on what would have been his birthday, April 30, by performing the Cream-popularized “I’m So Glad.”
The energy reached a new peak when the band welcomed keyboardist CR Gruver to the stage. Gruver, a staple of the New Orleans scene, joined the group to accentuate “Bust It Big,” adding a fresh layer to the performance. This collaboration marked a return to the stage for Gruver, who previously sat in with Widespread Panic during their 2015 Red Rocks concert.
The collaborative spirit continued during “Fishwater,” which featured a sandwich of “Arleen” and included guest appearances from horn players Roger Lewis and Gregory Davis of the legendary Dirty Dozen Brass Band. This pairing was a nostalgic nod to the band’s history, as “Fishwater” originally appeared on 1994’s Ain’t Life Grand and was later featured on the 1999 live album Another Joyous Occasion, which the band recorded with the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.
Following their successful Jazz Fest appearance, Widespread Panic is set to take a brief hiatus before heading to Las Vegas for a three-night run from May 8-10.