Widespread Panic
4/12/13
UIC Pavilion
Chicago, IL
I: From The Cradle > Imitation Leather Shoes > Bowlegged Woman, C. Brown, Carmelita, Papa Johnny Road, Second Skin > Goin' Out West > Proving Ground
II: Pigeons, Can't Get High, Pleas > Ride Me High > Driving Song > St. Louis > Climb To Safety > Driving Song > Protein Drink > Sewing Machine
Encore: Me & The Devil Blues, Conrad
postshow P.A. music was Frank Sinatra "Chicago"
On Friday I worked during the morning and was on the road for Chicago by 1:45. The traffic was horrible getting into the city. Fortunately, I was able to find a parking spot in front of Jenny's apartment. I took the Blue Line train from Wicker Park down to UIC. I took a quick stroll through the Shakedown Street and from the look of it there was a lot of gas. I found a spot fairly close on the floor with some familiar folks from moe. tour. Also, behind us was the z-man and his front of board taping operation.
I liked the way the show started from an energy standpoint. However, the setlist is not too impressive on paper. Not my favorite songs. JB got going with the rapping per usual during Bowlegged. Todd did a good job with Carmelita even though that song is lame. Second Skin was one I actually wanted to hear. The first set was a decent start to the run.
The second set they stepped it up with Pigeons right off the bat. Can't Get High was an odd choice in this slot but it worked. It was extremely warm on the floor. Pleas > Ride Me High had some solid jamming. The driving sammy with St. Louis and CTS also had a lot of improvisation from Schools and Herring. Protein/Sewing worked well to close out an impressive set of Panic. Me and the Devil in addition to Conrad was a better than average encore. Sinatra's ode to Chicago sent the crowd off into the night after a strong Friday offering at UIC Pavilion.
Widespread Panic
4/13/13
UIC Pavilion
Chicago, IL
I: Heroes, Space Wrangler > Stop Breakin' Down Blues, This Part of Town, Saint Ex, You Got Yours, Happy > Hatfield, Chunk of Coal, Henry Parsons Died
II: Love Tractor > Who Do You Belong To?, Good Morning Little Schoolgirl, Action Man > Jack, Stop-Go, Surprise Valley > Pilgrims, Chilly Water
E: Blue Indian, Ophelia > The Shape I'm In
postshow P.A. music was The Talking Heads "Burning Down the House"
On Saturday I got up and watched Arsenal v Norwich on Fox Soccer Channel with my sister's boyfriend. At this point I took the bus over to the Red Line and then up to Wrigley Field for Giants v Cubs. I had a bleacher ticket and conditions were in the 40s with gusty winds. However, for most of the day the sun was shining and I enjoyed myself despite the outcome. Navarro's pinch hit home run was by far the highlight. I'm glad I got to see Jeff Samardzija start though he was far from his best. For dinner I ate at the new Big Al's #1 Italian Beef location in Wicker Park. I met up with two of my friends from high school and we hung out before the show. I watched the first set on the floor but joined them in the seats on the Herring side for set two.
The playing and song choices were excellent on the second night. Heroes was appropriate given my activites for the day. Baseball, heroes, lifetimes. I always enjoy This Part of Town. Saint Ex is my favorite tune off that album. It's a quality representation of the band in this incarnation. I recognized the transition from Happy > Hatfield pretty early. Chunk of Coal appeared to end the set before they dropped a fiery HPD that was marred by an encounter with an encroaching youngster.
They tacked a nice jam onto Love Tractor before going into WDYBT? I was surprised by the placement of Good Morning Littleschool Girl but it worked as a brief interlude. It seemed like they took it up a notch right around Action Man. This was a particularly upbeat version that was also extended before eventually becoming Jack. Before Stop-Go Schools was teasing Little Drummer Boy. SV has always been a favorite of mine ever since I heard 'Til the Medicine Takes. Pilgrims was fitting with my friends and I having made the pilgrimmage to Chicago for Widespread Panic. That final trio was what clinched the victory in my mind. Chilly Water was the classic song I really wanted to hear before I rode onto another that night. Blue Indian isn't one of their big guns but its a tender tune that brings out some of the best in JB. The Band pairing to finish off the run worked. As the house lights came on they blasted The Talking Heads "Burning Down the House" on the P.A. while many in attendance remained to dance long after the band had left the stage. This was my 88th time seeing Widespread Panic and they continue to be a fun experience.
