Panic en la Playa: What a dream!!!

June 21, 2011 - I received confirmation of successfully obtaining a room/entry for me, my sister, and my brother-in-law that we would be attending the first ever Panic en la Playa.  This confirmation came just a few days before I departed for a 3 night Panic run at Red Rocks, and I was so excited about it.  It seemed so far away, but I had plenty of Panic activities planned for 2011 to keep my mind off of how far away February was.  I knew that I had been given the opportunity of a lifetime for a legendary experience.  


Fast forward to January 2012.  The time had finally come.  I thought that if it was possible to die from excitement, that I was on my death bed.  :)  I've been to Cancun/Playa area on several occasions and even been to all inclusive resorts, so I knew what a grand experience that is.  However, my mind simply could not 'compute' the thought of a 4-night Panic run combined with an all-inclusive resort vacation in Cancun!  


Between the time I booked Panic en la Playa, the band announced that they would be doing a 4-venue acoustic Wood Tour that would sandwich the Mexico run.  Having started my Panic career in 1997, I was always intrigued by the Sit & Ski tour, an acoustic tour that the band did in 1996.  I'd heard the shows on tape (yes, on tape - back then, anyway) but aside from seeing the boys do a semi-acoustic first set on New Year's shows, I'd never experienced a fully acoustic Panic show.  I had to go - or at least try.


As with most things Panic these days, there were a LOT of people who wanted to go to the Wood shows.  I decided to try for tickets to the Atlanta shows and if fate would have it that I would get tickets, then I would be there.  It just so happened that the Atlanta shows were the weekend before the Monday that I already had my flight booked to head to Mexico a day before the shows.  Fate is a fabulous lady.  I got 2 tickets for Friday and Saturday (via the phone, no less).  I was more-than-pleasantly surprised when my best friend, Jennibette, said that she would like to go with me, as lately many of my closest Panic travel buddies have been busy with families, etc - which has resulted in me "flying solo" to see the boys.  While I have no problems with doing solo Panic shows, it's always better to have your loved ones by your side.  I was absolutely thrilled that JB was going to the ATL with me!  There will be a separate blog about the Atlanta Wood shows, but I couldn't write about the Playa trip without mentioning the "appetizer" of Atlanta Wood leading to the "entree" of Panic en la Playa.  Wanna see pictures of my ATL experience, go here.


After 2 nights of awesome, better-than-I-expected acoustic Panic in Atlanta, we flew back to Little Rock and I had a night at home to switch gears, luggage, and haul ass to Mexico.  I am so glad that I went to Atlanta - it was the perfect precursor to Playa Panic.  And while I loved the acoustic shows, I was ready for some plugged-in-Panic.  Some loud as hell electric ringing in my ears Panic.


Since I went a day early (ahead of my sister and her husband), I was able to meet several new friends and have a nice evening with a great dinner and tropical drinks on the beach.  I was nice and rested the next day, which was when the majority of the crowd arrived.........and show #1.





The mass of fans brought with them a surge of excitement and the reality (for me) that this was really happening.  As I waited on Brooke and Jay to arrive, I sat for about 30 minutes on the beach just staring at the stage that was set up.  It was so surreal, and just too good to be true.  In fact, there were so many things on this trip that seemed too good to be true that it still feels like a dream.


I won't do a daily blow-by-blow writeup of everything we did, but I will say that there is not a single thing/detail that I would change about this trip to make it better - because it could not have possibly been any better.  Here are a few reasons why this dream trip was absolutely the most fun, awesome, ridiculous, epic week of my life.

• Upgrade to first class going to and from Cancun (a little unexpected bonus that makes flying so much more tolerable)
• Oceanfront room that was a 1 minute walk from the stage, including a jacuzzi tub on the balcony overlooking the ocean
• Having an awesome room to myself for the entire week, as my 'guest' stayed in the room with his wife and her friend
• A resort which had several restaurant options with great food - all at no cost 
• Free drinks all.week.long................have I mentioned that I LOVE all inclusive resorts?
• A resort that was full to capacity - with like-minded people who were all there because we love Widespread Panic ('love' is an understatement)
• Meeting people from all over the world (yes, world - Go Team JAPANic!), many who I know will be friends for years to come

In addition to the overall experience, there are some highlights of the FOUR SHOWS that I have to acknowledge, in no particular order:

• Every single night, the band was having fun.  Not that they don't always have fun on stage, but you could tell how much they were all enjoying themselves.  I would get cracked up watching Dave and Jimmy jesting with each other.
• Though it wasn't my first, I've been chasing Vampire Blues for almost 2 years.  It's one of my favorites and it's been on my wish list for a while.  It was so good.
• The return of old Visiting Day - electric:  I got to hear the "old school" Visiting Day in Atlanta acoustic-style, but I thought it was just because they were playing it acoustic.  The crowd went wild when they played VD the original way, and though I like the new way too, I immensely enjoyed the throwback.  I think Jojo did too because he was preachin' it.  Maybe they'll keep it up!?
• Many Rivers to Cross:  they played this Jimmy Cliff song in Atlanta - another one that I thought would be a one-timer.  This was the first song of the encore on the last night, and I cried like a baby.  JB's voice is perfect for this song.
• Night 2 in general
• I'm not usually one to fight the crowd and make the commitment necessary to be a rail rocker.  However, we got down to the stage early enough that there was rail space directly in front of Jimmy and planned on hanging there for a few songs then moving back.  We stayed there all night, and I loved it.  Dave was really showing out that night and I had a front row viewing of it.  
• Sharon, Tortured Artist > Spoonful > Sleepy Monkey > Kinky Reggae > Sleepy Monkey > Stop-Go > Disco
• Did I mention Kinky Reggae?  JB has rapped it before during Sleepy Monkey, but never played the full song.  It was stellar!
• Protein Drink > Sewing Machine - they always rock this song out, but on this night, it was especially intense.  Jimmy nailed it and I headbanged for 10 minutes. :)
• Ballad of John and Oko; this was played first time ever at one of the DC Wood shows, but I figured it was a one time thing.  They opened with it on night 3.  Awesome.
• Bust it Big.......twice (night 1 and night 4).  I've always loved this song, but it's become even more special to me since finding out that I was going to Mexico.  Many people complain that they play it too much.  I can't get enough of it.
• Lawyers, Guns, and Money to end the last set of the final night.  They turned that place out during the song and the shit hit the fan!  
• The final song of the entire run - Postcard.  One of my all time favorites, and perfectly appropriate.

Cloud 9 Adventures definitely knows how to throw a "party."  Mad props to them for pulling off an event that will go down in history.  I know that coordinating such an event with so many people is not an easy task.  They nailed it, and I wouldn't have changed a thing.  Here's hoping that Panic en la Playa will be an annual event.  It was absolutely a priceless event.

The best part of it all?  "Doing" Panic en la Playa with my sister/best friend.  

Here are a few pics from the trip.  To view the entire album, go here.

I love to wear fake tats to shows, so it was mandatory that I created my own for this event.  I made enough to share with about 150 people, and it was awesome seeing people wearing them around the resort.

The lights were amazing all week!

The view from my room - chillin' in my new ENO hammock

Me, all smiles on the beach

My crew

The very talented Valentine Cranford exhibits her creativity on the beach.

Team FORREST CITY!!!

My family - Night 4

Me and my sister/best friend

Career highlights: Panic career, that is......

With my favorite band's hiatus looming and thoughts of Atlanta Wood and Panic en la Playa coming soon (I'm a lucky girl), I've been reflecting on some of my most favorite moments in the 15 years that I've been seeing Widespread Panic.  The following are some of the moments that will live in infamy in my mind, in sequential order, but by no means in order of significance:

• First show 7.18.97
• I had heard studio Panic before, but never live.  This was the summer after my senior year of high school and I was just following my crowd of friends to Mud Island for a concert.  Unfortunately, I was too intoxicated to remember much about the show.  But the mere fact that it is my first show means that it has to be in my list of highlights.
• Second show 11.20.97
• It had been a few months since the first show, but this was the show where I "got it."  I was a freshman in college and tagged along with a group of friends to this show in Little Rock at Robinson Auditorium.  Our seats were crappy, so I somehow managed to walk my way up to the rail and ended up directly in front of Dave Schools.  I must've had the noob look on my face, and Schools noticed it immediately.  He was making faces at me and then dropping bass bombs.  I remember looking around the crowd and seeing people dancing their ass off and smiling like there was no tomorrow.  I knew from that night on that this band and it's crowd was something I needed to be a part of.
• First solo show 11.25.98
• After seeing only 2 shows in 97, I saw them 10 times in 98 - which is pretty good given that I was also in college.  This particular show was in Chattanooga the night before Thanksgiving and given the holiday, I couldn't find anyone who could make the trek with me.  So I went alone.  I've always been a 'loner,' independent, and unafraid of trying things on my own.  This was my first solo Panic show.  And not my last.  It was the first of several solo trips.  After a smoker show, I drove my little car for 7 hours back to my Mom's house because her stipulation for me being able to go to the show was just that I be back in time for Thanksgiving dinner.  I made it.
• Encore:  Heaven > Coconut
• http://everydaycompanion.com/setlists/19981125a.asp
• NYE 98 - Fox Theater - 4 night run
• Ahhhh, the days of mail order.  My friend Sandy and I scored 2 tickets to all 4 nights of the shows leading up to NYE.  This would be my first NYE show.  Though I had jumped head first into the Panic community, I was still a noob.  These 4 nights BLEW.MY.MIND and I was officially hooked.  '99 would prove to be an even more 'productive' year for me Panic-wise.  
• Memphis Run Mid South Coliseum 2001
• Having grown up 40 miles from Memphis, I've always considered Memphis to be 'hometown' shows.  So as sleazy as the Coliseum is, I love seeing Panic there.  They always bring the place down.  This year, they burned it down.  Dirty Dozen Brass Band joined them both nights and I was surrounded by many friends, old and new.
• House of the Rising Sun (w/Dirty Dozen)
• Sharon > Christmas Katie > Arleen > Swamp (w/Dirty Dozen)
• Remember Bayou Lena!?  {miss that song!}
• http://everydaycompanion.com/setlists/20011123a.asp
• Oak Mountain 2002 run
• As rumors and speculations made their way through the Panic community about Mikey's illness, I wasn't sure what to believe.  I didn't want to believe, but I had this sinking feeling deep down that there was something terrible.  The electricity in the crowd was amazing, and the boys played 3 shows that sent the message to the crowd of "we're in this together and we love you."  Many a tear was shed that weekend, and the crowd cheered the boys on during what must have been a difficult run for them to get through.  Looking back, I don't really know how they did it.  They played so many songs that were raw emotion and we embraced them in return.  I left Pelham that weekend never having been officially told that Mikey was sick, but in my heart I knew it was true.  A sadness and uncertainty filled my soul because I didn't know exactly what was going on, but I knew it wasn't good.  
• Encore night 2:  Help Me Somebody > Don't Be Denied.  I don't think I've ever heard a crowd cheer as loud as when JB sang "pretty soon I met a friend, he played guitar.......we started a band, we played all night"
• Bonnaroo 2002
• This was the first ever Bonnaroo and I was lucky enough to be with about 25 of my closest friends.  Widespread was headlining 2 of the 3 nights.  Since I thought that Oak Mountain might have been the last time I'd see Mikey, I was thrilled to see his beautiful face on stage.  My favorite moment of the entire weekend was seeing the look on his face (ear-to-ear smile) as Dottie Peoples and the Peoples Choice Choir joined the boys for Tall Boy > Testify > Tall Boy.  I swear the crowd levitated and I had what is probably the closest thing to a religious experience.  It was as if this choir was singing him into heaven.  Ever cried during Tall Boy?  :)
• Red Rocks 2002
• Fast-forward to the next weekend and we headed to Red Rocks.  This would be my 4th year to attend Panic on the Rocks, but it was probably the most important as it was the last time I would see Mikey there.  Bless his sweet soul, he was so weak and frail, but he played his heart out.  I bawled like a baby during Waker (my last one).
• As it turns out, this would be my last Mikey show.  Having been to the amazing shows in 2002 that I had, I felt like I got as much as I could and in my heart, I said goodbye to Mikey in Colorado as I left that Sunday.  I just didn't know that he had such little time left.  I am very fortunate that I got to see 8 of Mikey's 10 last shows.
• Chicago 2009 2 night run with Allman Brothers
• I went to Chicago solo and went to both shows completely sober.  I've been a fan of Jimmy's since the beginning, but I think that it was this weekend that I realized I was officially was 'in love' with the sound he brings to the band (without feeling guilty because I will always miss Mikey).
• Highlight of that run:   Just Like a Woman (with Gregg Allman)
• NOLAween 2010 run
• My words won't do this run justice.  See links below.
• Lola  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OawGvQyJFPk
• Bring it on Home  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBVVcHcGogQ
• Right Place Wrong Time*, Dream Warrior*, Protein Drink > Sewing Machine  {HELLO Dr. John!!}
• Sunday Red Rocks 2011 second set



• I'm a sucker for covers.  Always have been.  Don't get me wrong, I love my Panic songs.  But there's nothing like my favorite band playing some of my other favorite songs.  Someone had the genius idea of playing an entire set of covers.  Each song is one that I would consider a 'chaser.'  But this time, they were all compiled into one set of awesomeness.  Fortunately, we chose Sunday night as the night to get in line early and were 2nd row for this madness.  
• http://everydaycompanion.com/setlists/20110626a.asp

I have no doubt whatsoever that 4 nights in Mexico will be on this list in just over 3 weeks from today.  However, if I died today, I would die a happy and Panic-satisfied woman.  I am undoubtedly lucky for all that I've gotten to experience in 15 years with the boys.  But I selfishly hope that they play until the end of time.

Long live Widespread Panic!

Stay tuned, as my next blog will most likely not be until after Atlanta Wood > Panic en la Playa.  I can only imagine the awesome stories I will have to tell after those shows.

A chilly breeze has blown my thoughts to what's to come......

There's a lot of hype lately.  Widespread Panic just kicked off their 25th Anniversary Summer Festival Tour.  After a short break between Spring Tour and yesterday, they played last night at Hangout Festival in Gulf Shores.  Thanks to a live stream, folks were able to experience a selection of the bands playing.  For some reason, all bands streamed were done in video, but Panic was audio only.  Whatever.  I was just glad to have something to 'witness.'

In the last 18 hours, I've done a lot of pondering about my favorite band, its habits, its heritage, and my perspective.  I am the first to admit that I am a 'Panic snob.'  It's not that I don't appreciate everything they do, but I do have higher expectations than most people I'm standing next to at a show.  I sometimes have an opinion about a selection that someone else thinks was the highlight of their night.

Do I think that I've earned the right?  Sometimes.  Last night, while streaming Hangout Panic, I had a couple of head-scratching moments where I couldn't understand why they chose (or didn't choose) a few that they did.  I will not go into specific details of last night's show because the details don't matter.  However, I woke up this morning, looked at the setlist again, remembered a few highlights of the night, and today my perspective is a little different than it was last night.  I'm also sitting here watching (for the 57th time) the Birmingham/Oak DVDs and remembering the big picture of why I love this band.

It is important that I remember that this band appeals to so many people.  Different people - with different flavors of musical tastes.  The cool thing about Panic is that - in my opinion - there's something for everyone.  At every show, there is something for everyone.  No doubt that there are shows that are - for each individual - better than others.  However, I can honestly say that in 126 shows, I have never left thinking "I should have stayed home."  I don't think I ever will.

In the last week, I've read several interviews with band members talking about the 25th anniversary, them taking a break, etc - and the reality of Widespread Panic taking a hiatus is really starting to sink in with me.  I've been mentally avoiding the subject for a while, but it is very much in my face right now and I'm scared.

I knew this was coming.  When they said months ago that they were going to take a break after this year, I made it my personal goal to see as many shows as I could this year.  Between mid-April and July, I will have seen them 11 times.  Not as much as I would like, but I am grateful that I can do this much.  I'm hoping to see them at least 5 - 6 more times in the fall for Halloween and New Years (hopefully).

2011 has been very good to me so far.  I've already made many new friends, went on a solo journey to DC (and had a BLAST), and had a for-the-books Panic weekend with my girls for the first time in way too long.  Just thinking about the next 7 weeks  (7 shows) makes my heart race.  [I'm a lucky girl.]

What exactly am I trying to say?  I just need to document (again) that I freakin' adore this band.  I think that just like any healthy relationship, there are always going to be things that they do (play) that I'm not head-over-heels for.  That doesn't mean that I love them any less.  There are most definitely regular occasions where they do things that make me feel like I can fly.  They know how to put a big 'ole smile on this girl's face.  And I am so very grateful for their eccentricity that allows so many different types of people to enjoy them as much as I do.

Here's hoping that the boys enjoy their break after this year - but not too much.  In the meantime, I will most definitely enjoy everything they do.  My Panic cup is more than half full - it's overflowing!

My name is Ashley and I'm addicted to Widespread Panic.

Capital Panic Adventures

Spontaneity is not something that occurs often for me - at least not of a large magnitude.  However, on a whim in February, I booked a 4-day trip to Washington D.C. because Widespread Panic was playing there.  I had been to D.C. the summer before my senior year of high school, but I was definitely interested in going back and seeing the sights (and, of course, Panic).  If you know me or have read my earlier blogs, you are aware of 1) my love for Widespread Panic and 2) that I'm not afraid to travel/go to shows alone if necessary.  This trip turned out to be another of my solo trips.

And so, this time last Monday, I arrived at the Little Rock airport as excited as a 6 year old approaching the gates of Disney World.  The gate attendant kindly asked me if I would be willing to take an alternate route to D.C. to free up a seat they needed for the flight I booked.  Given that I have more flying to do this summer and that the attendant gave me a $300 flight voucher, I was happy to go through Atlanta instead of Memphis.  I was excited that this was already a good start to what I knew would be a fabulous trip.

Going through Atlanta instead of Memphis, I ended up with a bit of a longer layover than I would have had, so I wandered through Terminal A to pass the time.  As the time finally neared for my ATL - DC flight, I made one last run for the restroom.  As I approached the women's restroom, I noticed a guy standing near the entrance guarding bags and obviously waiting on someone to exit the women's room.  I made it halfway through the entrance myself when I thought to myself - 'that guy looks just like Phil Lesh'!  Trying to play it cool, I did a quick turnaround and stood outside the restroom to check this guy out again.  As I remembered that Furthur played at the Fox Theater in Atlanta the night before, my heart started racing and I approached him.  "I don't want to be 'that person,' but would you mind if I got your autograph?"  He looked at me, puzzled, and said "well, I'll need something to write with."  As I fumbled through my purse (and my words), I realized that I had no pen.  However, I did have my camera (even better).  After taking the self-portrait of Phil Lesh and me, we made small talk about the Fox, how awesome it is, and how much he loved playing there.  He asked me if I went to the show and I told him that unfortunately I hadn't, but that I was just passing through Atlanta airport on my way to see Panic in D.C..  He said something about "what a great group of guys" and "tell them I said hi," and we went our separate ways.  My heart raced and my hands shook for at least 20 minutes after my awesome encounter.

And so, Day 1 of the trip, 4 hours in - my karma was definitely paying off. 

Because this particular week in DC is also Cherry Blossom Festival week, I was unable to find a hotel in downtown DC for less than $300/night.  So, I opted to stay in Alexandria and rent a car - which was still MUCH cheaper than staying downtown would have been.

Monday night, I had dinner with my cousin Holly whom I haven't seen since the last time I was in DC in 1997.  We had a lovely dinner and catch-up convo, then I headed toward downtown DC for a spin.  I watched the sunset while sitting at the Washington Monument and enjoyed the opportunity for some prime people-watching.

After a good night's rest, I awoke Tuesday ready to get out and see as much as I could.  Unfortunately the weather had different ideas.  Not only was it pouring rain, it was about 45 degrees outside and I was NOT prepared for cold weather.  Since I had a car, I took advantage and drove around downtown DC familiarizing myself with the area and checking out some of the must-see things that I wanted to come back to. 

When the rain dried up, I parked the car and began my trek.  I was completely amazed at the beauty of the cherry blossom trees that lined the many streets around the Capitol Mall area.  I visited the Jefferson Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, WWII Monument, and Vietnam Memorial.  They are all wonderful sights, and though I'm not a big American history buff, I did enjoy seeing the assorted 'tokens' of American tribute and pride throughout the city.

The primary place that I intended to visit was the Holocaust Museum.  The Holocaust is something that has always amazed me in many ways, so I reserved the entire day Wednesday for this very special place.  The museum is free, but they hand out tickets for specific tour times for crowd control purposes.  When I got my ticket, I had 90 minutes to spare, so I headed first for the children's exhibit.  David's Story, as the exhibit was called, was based on a book written by a man who was a Jewish child during the Holocaust and amazingly survived.  The exhibit is written from the perspective of a child and for the understanding of children.  I left that exhibit in tears and with a very heavy heart.

I spent another hour in another temporary exhibit that was based on Nazi propaganda and the role that it played in the Holocaust.  It was very interesting and a very good segue into the main exhibit.  I ended up spending about 3 hours in the main exhibit - contemplating every word, every picture, the lives that were taken.  I left the place with more questions than answers, but I knew I'd been exposed to something that would impact me forever. 

One of the common phrases stamped throughout the museum/exhibits is something that really stuck with me:

The next time you witness hatred

The next time you see injustice

The next time you hear about genocide

Think about what you saw

Just a few pictures of the families that were torn apart.  There are several hallways throughout the museum that have pictures from floor to ceiling of impacted families.

Piles of shoes that were stripped from the victims before they entered the gas chambers.  They were told that they were going to be given an antiseptic shower for good health.

Panic Time 

On a less somber note, I had 2 wonderful nights of Panic in a historic theater that holds 1200 people.  I had come a long way for these 2 nights, and I thought I was going to burst before the lights went down before the first night.

Tuesday night was the first show.  I think that at peak volume that night, there couldn't have been more than 60% of the seats occupied.  I took advantage and sat on the 2nd row of the balcony and looked down on the boys.  I don't think there is a bad seat in that place, but I really loved my spot.  The place was so beautiful and intimate - it was a venue that is definitely not the typical Panic venue, and I was soaking up every moment of it.

My highlights of Tuesday's show:

• Solid Rock
• Who do you belong to (always a favorite)
• B of D
• Gimme (included a nicely modified lyric to honor the band's recently deceased long-time equipment manager Garrie Vereen - "gimme a lift here Garrie")
• New Speedway Boogie (never thought I'd get to hear that one!)
• Junior

I met a couple of really cool guys from Atlanta on the first night who I hung out with both nights.  I didn't get their last names, but Mark and Brian were both super cool and I'm sure I'll run into them again someday.

Highlights of Wednesday night's show:

• Help Me Somebody > Saint Ex > Second Skin > Ophelia > The Shape I'm In > Porch Song (WOW)
• Postcard (this town is nuts, my kind of place......)
• Last Straw (sandwiched strangely in the encore between Up All Night and Give - 2 of my least favorite songs; at least it salvaged what would have been a terrible encore, IMO)

There were quite a few more people at Wednesday night's show than there were Tuesday's.  And the crowd was really rockin' Wednesday!  I met quite a few people from various states in the northeast.  Most of them hadn't seen Panic more than 5 - 6 times, but in talking to them during and after the show, I was certain that it wouldn't be their last.  Most people I encountered were astonished that I had come all the way from Little Rock, AR - by myself - to see this band.  I was happy that people could tell how much I loved this band.

This fella's shirt was getting a lot of attention.  He said he made it himself.  I think the shirt speaks volumes for how many fans feel about Panic.

Groovy crowd

The 2 nights at the Warner Theater only strengthened my love for Panic.  They were solid as gold both nights, and Jojo got several opportunities to show out (which I LOVE).  I left the show the second night feeling more elated than I've felt in a very long time; thankful to the boys for showing me a good time, and thankful to myself for following my spontaneous idea of getting my DC Panic on.

I have the fortune of jumping back on spring tour next weekend as a few of my best girls and I head to Oak Mountain - a venue that is a very special place for Panic fans.  Several of the most memorable shows I've ever seen occurred there, and one of the last times I saw Mikey play was at Oak Mt.

Can't wait to see all of my fellow spreadheads in the upcoming shows this spring and summer tour.  The boys are on fire and I'm ready to witness some of that heat!

"I spent a little time on the mountain, I spent a little time on the hill..........."