The crowd roared when Widespread Panic ripped into Warren Zevon’s “Lawyers, Guns and Money.” John Bell and Company killed it.


In fact, the band’s entire show (especially the second set) was lightening charged.  This first night of a two show run at Brooklyn’s newly renovated Kings Theatre was a treat on many levels. The setlist, the sound, the band’s energy and timing, the crowd’s participation, the venue and, as anyone who was there will tell you….,the light show was creative and over the top epic (see show nugget #7 below).


Walking through the Flatbush section of Brooklyn (thank god for the nearby Q-line train) I didn’t know what to expect from the venue.  It is the nicest looking theatre I have ever been too. There is a unique “largeness” to the entire stage and surrounding area.  Most theatres that have such a wide and big look lose the band, but the King’s Theatre provides a drive-in movie style look which is especially highlighted with a big rock and roll show like Widespread (or the Allman’s).


From the lights to the ornate wall carvings and color scheme (historic purples and greens with gold columns), the decor is big and beautiful. 

Even the slightly pitched floor where I was standing (row Y) provides an uninterrupted view of the stage. Small detail (but super convenient), there are cup holders in front of every seat!


A few thoughts from my notes, and yes, I forget my standard issue show notebook and managed with a flimsy notepad from the hotel…

Thank you madman Jay P (who flew in from Houston just for the show) for setting it all up. Our late dinner at Katz’s deli on Houston was a perfect end to the night.


Here a few nuggets worth mentioning: 


1) Widespread bassman Dave Schools  is a crazy beast. His “step out” during “Chilly Water” made me think of Jaco Pastorius.  The wind generated from his bass amp thumped my chest and breezed my hair.


2) Although it was 30 degrees outside (wtf), the water spray coming from all directions during “Chilly Water” to close out the first set was welcome and refreshing.  It was funny seeing everyone wiping down their seats and brows at half time. Reminds me of a Gallagher show!

3) I really enjoyed the intimate “Aunt Avis”. Vic Chestnutt’s writing is such a nice fit for John Bell.  Bell’s sweet voice singing “How to remember how to be good? How to continue when I feel I really shouldn’t” was a nice pause before “Chilly Water”.


4) No one gets your “dance on” like Widepread Panic. When Dave School started yelling “Yee Ha” like a cowboy, the place erupted (again) and made me feel like I was at a cosmic rodeo.


5) Although “Sewing Machine” is such a powerful rocker, the name still really bothers me.  The song’s guitar riff is very unique and funky. I was amped to hear it played so well.


6) I love “Up All Night” and the line that goes “The best part of New Year’s is the Christmas lights.”


Here’s the set list:

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7) Can’t say enough about the light show.  Over-the-top; even better than the expose at MSG’s Theatre two years ago. A few lighting schemes still etched in me head include…


*) the 360 degree swirling white cans


*) the purple outdoor forest scenes (see pic above) 


*) the fluorescent lava flow of color.  




Although the Capital Theatre lights are the best (venue) in the business, Widespread’s light and sound guys (Pulse Lighting) are as much an artist as the band. They transform the stage into a “rock and roll spaceship” with John Bell as Captain Kirk.