The kings of swampy jam rock and roll in Widespread Panic settled in at The St. Augustine Amphitheatre in St. Augustine, FL for a scorchin’ Saturday night special. Teases, segues, non-stop rock, bending guitar notes, and hard-hitting percussion, the hits just kept coming last night as WSP showcased three compositions that many expect to be featured on the band’s forthcoming studio album. John Bell came out with a backward hat, the crowd went nuts, and it was on to the races, business as usual for W.S.M.F.P.

After Dave Schools added a short Allman Brothers Band tease, Widespread Panic detonated the second night with “Up All Night” before turning up the heat early with consecutive classics, “Ain’t Life Grand” and “Big Wooly Mammoth”.  JoJo Hermann’s piano overflowed into “Hatfield”, setting JB up for a sultry improvised rap. (“Make believe / Just get better for something… / Through the house / The smell of bread coming through the windows / Mrs. Hatfield and her three-string banjo…”)

The veteran band’s immaculate synergy was on full display as a mellow “Sleepy Monkey” swung into and landed softly amid an ethereal “Blue Indian”. The rabid crowd made their voices heard as they accompanied JB with an unbridled enthusiasm typical of the Panic community (“We got a party going on / Many spirits strong!”). Saddling up for one last ride into set break, WSP reined in on “Space Wrangler”. Halfway through, Jimmy Herring kicked his spurs into his trusty steed to finish the first frame with style and a familiar grace.

Past the point of no return, Panic showcased its new material in the second set, breaking the silence of set break with “Little by Little” for the since time since its debut in Huntsville, AL last summer. “Tie Your Shoes” accelerated the tempo and featured a quick tease of Little Feat’s “Spanish Moon” until slowing it down for a dreamlike “Jamais Vu”.

The steady beat of “Diner” wreaked havoc on the patience of anxious fans who shrieked with excitement during the rolling drum introduction. After an intense peak and subsequent breakdown, JB channeled the powers of his backward cap to execute the second improvised section of the night. (“It’s cold at night / Had a little trouble sleeping on this bench / The screws come out / Heat up some of yesterday’s / Whatever’s left….”)

A furious progression rebuilt the melody with speed, deliberation, and squealin’ guitar solos until the floor dropped out and Dave Schools diabolically hammered out the well-known rhythm to Parliament-Funkadelic’s “Red Hot Mama”. Monster measures rained from the sky like a barrage of artillery shells as JoJo’s clavinet sustain wavered like psychedelic thunder.

JoJo then slid over to the organ for a soaring “Saint Ex” before rolling up his sleeves and taking lead vocals on “Blue Carousel”. Another cut from the band’s new material, last night’s performance marked only the fourth time since its debut during Wilmington, NC’s spelling lesson last September.

Sticking to its own catalog, WSP dished out two fan favorites to close out the second set. A heavy “Papa’s Home” set the stage for an extended “Pigeons” finale. John Bell was particularly zealous, yapping, yipping, and yelping like a man possessed by unseen deities.

Ambling back onstage, Widespread Panic showed no mid-run fatigue as the band loaded up a three-song encore. Like the second set, Panic cut into its new material with an emotionally charged rendition of “We Walk Each Other Home”. The song was inspired by the loss of a dog and, as anybody who’s lost a pet or loved one knows, even though routines change, the presence of the dearly departed is still felt by those who remain. A classic Panic good ‘un, the band delivered a gut-punch rock and roll tune to share the pain that so many can relate to.

Then, for the second night in a row, Widespread Panic encored with a Tom Petty tune. Last night “Honey Bee” delivered that sweet nectar before ending Saturday night’s smoker with Jerry Joseph and Glenn Esparza’s “Climb to Safety”.

Enjoy the beaches, the sunshine, the pools, the cocktails, or non-alcoholic beverages, whatever tickles your fancy. Drink some water and get ready for Sunday Service cause Reverend JB’s cooking up more than a sermon for the lucky congregation. Until tomorrow, folks.

Widespread Panic — “Little By Little” — 3/23/24

[Video: Fred Ramadan]

Widespread Panic — “Diner” — 3/23/24

[Video: Fred Ramadan]

Widespread Panic — “We Walk Each Other Home” — 3/23/24

[Video: Fred Ramadan]

Widespread Panic — “Honey Bee” (Tom Petty) — 3/23/24

[Video: Fred Ramadan]

Setlist: Widespread Panic | St. Augustine Amphitheatre | St. Augustine, FL | 3/23/24

Set One: Up All Night, Ain’t Life Grand > Big Wooly Mammoth > Hatfield, Sleepy Monkey > Blue Indian, Space Wrangler (61 mins)

Set Two: Little By Little, Tie Your Shoes > Jamais Vu > Diner > Red Hot Mama (Parliament-Funkadelic), Saint Ex, Blue Carousel > Papa’s Home, Pigeons (79 mins)

Encore: We Walk Each Other Home, Honey Bee (Tom Petty) > Climb To Safety (Jerry Joseph, Glenn Esparza) (20 mins)