WIDESPREAD PANIC

"If I was to pass anything on to other bands, it would be find people you like and trust them," says John Bell (JB). If you're gonna listen to anyone, it might as well be JB. As lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for Widespread Panic he knows what it takes to make a band work. What started as a few friends picking guitars at the University of Georgia has evolved into one of the most successful rock bands in the world. In their 22 years together they've sold over 3 million albums and are consistently one of Pollstar's Top 50 grossing live acts. No relationship that lasts this long is easy, but the path Widespread Panic has traversed has been marked with challenges; none more difficult than the 2002 loss of co-founder and lead guitarist Michael Houser to pancreatic cancer. Great bands overcome tragedy by bonding together and using it to grow. And that's just what Widespread Panic has done.

Although the years following Houser's death were trying, the arrival of guitarist Jimmy Herring in late 2006 signaled the dawn of a new era. It wouldn't happen overnight, with hundreds of songs in rotation and a completely different show every evening it couldn't, but as we enter 2008 Herring has mastered the band's vast repertoire and is pushing Panic to new creative heights. While Herring's unique vocabulary allows the band to explore fresh possibilities, the euphoric feeling of adventure he has instilled reminds bassist Dave Schools of what has always made Panic so special. "It's like a stagecoach with a pair of horses that are crazy out of control running down a mountainside," says Schools, "and somehow, the wheels don't fall off." More

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Stay at the Double Tree Hotel, just a few blocks away. Get a discounted rate with your Widespread Panic tickets! A block of rooms have been reserved for November 20, 2009 - November 22, 2009. The special room rate will be available until November 1st or until the group block is sold-out, whichever comes first. RESERVE YOUR ROOM!

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FRIDAY:
Heavyweight Dub Champion

“Heavyweight Dub Champion restores all hope.” – KRS-ONE

“A shamanistic wall of hip-hop dubtronica that aims to topple the foundations of
modern-day Babylon.” – Westword Magazine

"Their genius is the great virtue of 70's dub - never overdoing it." – L.A. Weekly

“Heavyweight Dub Champion blend dub, dancehall, hip hop and throbbing
electronics into an intense dance floor beast”. - Festival Preview

SATURDAY:
J-Boogie

“San Francisco resident and world-renowned DJ/producer J-Boogie has continued to challenge the boundaries of the music world across genres, styles, languages and borders throughout his 15-year career. This truly unique artist speaks to his listeners through a diverse musical language that he has created, integrating various techniques and musical genres including dub, soul, hip–hop, reggae, funk, Latin, afro-beat, bhangra, dancehall, disco, electro and house. Constantly revolutionizing the game, creating new sounds, and always keeping fans on their feet, J-boogie has and continues to lift music to its full potential through his distinct approach and one of a kind style.

SUNDAY:
Stealin' Strings

Wisconsin’s STEALIN’ STRINGS, recognized for their lively performances, captivating song-writing, and dapper good looks are erupting on the national music scene. Intermingling American roots music with ethnic and rock sensibilities, blending and bouncing between electric and acoustic instrumentation, and generating a positive musical experience brands STEALIN’ STRINGS a “must see” act.