PaniCast 71 - "Well, 'no' is a very... that's a big word."
Jimmy Herring circa 1994 In the spring of 1994 the Grateful Dead were still touring, I got married and began my graduate studies at DePaul University. Working full-time in the printing and publications department of my alma mater and going to school full time left me with little time for live music or much of a social life. But in the summer of 1994, all I had to do was work full time... and take some of my precious earned vacation time to see some music. After 25 years of actively seeking out live musical experiences, the summer of 1994 stands out as a highlight. In particular, the ten day period of July 14 - 24, 1994 stands out as one of the most ambitious musical experiences of my life. Thursday 7/14/94 - work 9 - 5, Widespread Panic, The Vic (Aquarium Rescue Unit opened) Friday 7/15/94 - work 9 - 5 Saturday 7/16/94 drive 5.5 hours to Ames, IA - Widespread Panic, People's Bar and Grill Sunday 7/17/94 - drive back to Chicago Monday 7/18/94 - work 9 - 5, 3 hour drive to the Riverbend Campground outside of Noblesville, IN. Tuesday 7/19/94 - Grateful Dead, Deer Creek Ampitheatre Wednesday 7/20/94 - Grateful Dead, Deer Creek Ampitheatre Thursday 7/21/94 - Grateful Dead, Deer Creek Ampitheatre Friday 7/22/94 - drive back to Chicago, celebrate birthday at Martyrs' Saturday 7/23/94 - Grateful Dead, Soldier Field, Chicago Sunday 7/24/94 - Grateful Dead, Soldier Field, Chicago 5 Dead shows, 2 Panic shows and 3 full days of work in 11 days. But you are here to hear about Widespread Panic. That July 14th show at the Vic was originally scheduled for a larger venue, the newly opened Skyline Stage on Navy pier. But Peter Frampton used his own PA a couple of weeks earlier which led to the venue not allowing Widespread to use their PA.... I'll add that this change in venue happened after the band and crew had arrived in the early morning of July 14 to set the stage. Several dozen people were turned away at the door of the Vic because of overcrowding and the air conditioning failed before the band even hit the stage. The Aquarium Rescue Unit (without Col. Bruce but with Kofi Burbridge on keys and flute and Paul Henson on vocals) opened for Panic. I wonder if Jimmy Herring ever had a sense of deja vu when sharing the stage with Widespread Panic? Or perhaps being in the Aquarium Rescue Unit was like LIVING in deja vu! I featured the final two songs and the encore of Panic's one set show back in PaniCast #4.... PaniCast #4 - Sweating to July 14, 1994 The Vic Theatre, Chicago. This week I bring you the opening of the first set up through the drum break in Papa's Home. I've also added a couple of great radio studio performances from 1993 and some silly interviews... July 14, 1994 The Vic Theatre Chicago, IL (set one opener) Heroes > Weight of the World, Pilgrims Porch Song May 3, 1993 KTCZ 97.1 Studios Minneapolis, MN Interview Wondering July 14, 1994 continues Little Kin, It Ain't No Use > Travelin' Light May 10, 1993 WDET 101.9 FM Detroit, MI Interview Henry Parsons Died July 14, 1994 continues Junior, Stop-Go > Papa's Home July 14, 1994 Aquarium Rescue Unit (opening for Widespread Panic) Vic Theatre Chicago, IL Fixin' to Die (calling out to 'Garrie' during the song... same Garrie?) Jimmy Herring on guitar Oteil Burbridge on bass/vocals Apartment Q258 on drums Kofi Burbridge on keys/flute Paul Henson on vocals LISTENER'S GUIDE: 7/14/94 Listen how Weight of the World starts with Dave melodically driving the song forward until Mikey takes control and leads into the third verse. This allows DAS to switch to a percussive slap bass technique, nearly teasing 'We Want the Funk....' at one point. The Pilgrims intro is so mellow, almost like they backing into the song. Feeling confident and conversational in the way they are playing.... - and so we listen, and if it's real good, and we shake. And then Houser takes a solo and the heat is on! Check out the jam that begins about 5 and a half minutes into Ain't No Use.... soaring, triumphan
