Article Contributed by Jamie Huenefeld
Published on November 26, 2025
The Southern jam rock titan Widespread Panic returned to the iconic Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY on November 21, 2025 for only the sixth time in their prolific career. They also kicked off their second three night stand at the intimate, eighteen-hundred person capacity Westchester theatre to a very sold out crowd. The fans came from far and wide as forty-nine out of fifty states were represented in the ticket sales, along with Canada and the UK. The band delivered an electrifying mix of old favorites, new tunes and covers, and also honored their former band mate Todd Nance, poet/philosopher Todd Snider, and musician Daniel Hutchens of Bloodkin.
The show began as the band emerged from the green room smiling and soaking up the crowd’s anticipatory energy. They wasted no time and jumped into “Wondering.” They morphed into the first cover of the night, “Send Your Mind” by Van Morrison, which sent the band into a blues rock funk, lead by bassist David Schools.
The band took a psychedelic turn into “Good People,” which unfurled the first musical remembrance of the night for their friend and Southern beat poet Todd Snider, who passed last week. They stopped playing mid-song to invoke the spirit of Snider’s spoken-word story-telling style, which unleashed an emotional response from the crowd. Snider was part of the original Athens, GA crew and a significant inspiration to all members of the band. The song “Good People” referenced Snider’s famous spoken monologue, “The Story of Good People.”
The quintessential “Space Wrangler,” from their 1988 release of the same name, flowed next. Guitarist John Bell’s soulful vocals elevated this tune as the band sunk their teeth into a tight groove. Percussionist Domingo “Sunny” Ortiz shined as guitarist Jimmy Herring joyfully exploded the familiar guitar riff. Drummer Duane Trucks pushed the drum beat, and the band hit their first glorious peak of the night. A stellar transitition followed into another vintage tune, “Walkin’ (For Your Love),” from their 1991 self-titled album. Keyboardist John “JoJo” Herman decorated this upbeat tune on the organ.
Herman continued to lay the organ on thick during a laid-back, swampy “Down,” which also served as a musical salute to their fallen band-mate Nance, who passed in 2020. This tune represented one of the deepest musical fingerprints that he left on band, including his groove, energy and era. Nance would have celebrated his birthday on November 20, which was the day prior.
The tribute vibes rolled on as the band covered “Trashy” by Bloodkin in honor of Daniel Hutchens, who passed in 2021. He co-wrote many beloved original WSP tunes like “Can’t Get High” and helped shape their early song writing. One man’s trash’s is another man’s roller-coaster, indeed. Like Nance, Hutchens was also a Scorpio, and would have celebrated his birthday on November 9. The jam delved into a profound psychedelic groove highlighted by Herring’s melodic licks.
John “JoJo” Herman | Widespread Panic
A raging segue lead into “Big Wooly Mammoth” included a joyful singalong. Herman was once again on fire, albeit this time with the clavinet, as he dialed up the funk during this feel-good ten minute jam. A face-melting transition landed the music in the dark “Imitation Leather Shoes,” and ended the set with an affirmative bang.
The band returned for round two, starting with “Pigeons.” Ortiz had some great percussive moments as Herring unleashed his fury during this funky, blues rock inspired jam. Herring used a slide guitar effect during “Little Lily” that was reminiscent of the Allman Brothers, which included a “Third Stone” tease. The band slid into an elevated “Worry,” as Brown delivered fiery vocals.
Herman contributed vocals to “Tackle Box Hero,” which also clocked in as the longest jam of the night. Schools delivered a funky bass-line. Trucks wound up this jam as Herring brought on the climax via guitar. “Smokestack Lighning” by Howlin’ Wolf followed, which included more piano niceties from Herman. A vibrant build up ensued that saw Herring and Brown face off in a guitar rage-off. This segued into a face-melting “Harry Parsons Died,” by Bloodkin.
“Saint Ex” brought a dark, Southern rock jam which gave way to “Honky Red” by Murray McLauchlan. The mellow “Blue Indian” gifted folks a few minutes to catch their breath. The disco swamp funk energy was dialed up during the set-ending “North,” by Jerry Joseph. This team effort was truly Widespread Panic at their best. Venue owner Peter Shapiro was so excited that he tossed his cap from the Presidential boxes to a lucky attendee on the floor. The band encored with the heart-felt “Expiration Day” by Vic Chestnutt, along with the consummate “Ain’t Life Grand.”
Widespread Panic burned down the Capitol Theatre during their sure to be legendary run. They are back in action for a three-night stand in Atlanta, GA at the Fabulous Fox Theatre on December 29 – 31. Tickets are sold out, but can be procured on cashortrade.org. They will return January 20-23 for their international Panic en la Playa Trece at the Riviera Maya, Mexico. Fans can spend their Valentine’s Day with the band in Austin, TX on February 14-15 at Moody Center. Finally, the Athens, GA squad will headline the rebooted All Good Now festival in Columbia, MD on June 13-14 at Merriweather Post Pavilion. Keep tabs on their tour page for more exciting 2026 show announcements.
Check out more photos from the show!
Date: November 21, 2025
Band: Widespread Panic
Location: Port Chester, NY
Venue: Capitol Theatre
Set One: Wondering, Send Your Mind [1], Good People, Space Wrangler > Walkin’ (For Your Love), Down, Trashy [2] > Big Wooly Mammoth > Imitation Leather Shoes
Set Two: Pigeons, Little Lily [3] > Worry, Tackle Box Hero, Smokestack Lightning [4] > Henry Parsons Died [2], Saint Ex, Honky Red [5], Blue Indian, North [6]
Encore: Expiration Day [7], Ain’t Life Grand
Notes:
1. Van Morrison
2. Bloodkin
3. Third Stone tease
4. Howlin’ Wolf
5. Murray McLauchlan
6. Jerry Joseph
7. Vic Chestnutt
Set list via everydaycompanion.com
