The “Spread” Comes to the BIG D

This thread goes out to BB from Hotlanta.

I went to Widespread Panic on April 1^st, 2005 at the State Theatre in Detroit. I have seen Widespread at Bonnaroo as well as at the State Theatre before. I do not consider myself to be a true fan of Widespread Panic – in fact, there are times where I would rather sit in a lawn chair and listen to the music, as we did at Bonnaroo. I hoped that a return to a smaller setting would change my opinion of the Spread. Either way, Spread is definitely not Phish nor was this show as impressive musically as moe. I really liked being at the State Theatre, and having floor seats, and chilling with some great people including my good friend KP and the heady bunch JH, eJ, bJ, and even silly (a kid who I once witnessed accuse every person in the room of being a narc). TW, a kid that I had gone to SPAC with last summer was also there.

I left GP to go down to the BIG D around 6pm. We parked at the CoPa and double-timed it down to the Town Pump. I was greeted by my good friend Bell’s Oberon who I had not seen fresh in many a month. A Jager bomb was downed, acquaintances were made, and we trekked down to the State. The outside security at the State was run by some rude folks, standing in stark contrast to the security on the inside, but whatever. The State theatre is a great party venue, perfect for the true Widespread fans that live it up.

04/01/05 State Theater, Detroit, MI

1: Travelin' Light, All Time Low > Little Lilly > Rock, Wondering > Junior, Mercy > Thin Air (Smells Like Mississippi) > Henry Parsons Died

2: Give > Hatfield > Pusherman > Let Her Cry > Greta > Drums > Papa Legba, Imitation Leather Shoes, Ain't Life Grand

E: May Your Glass Be Filled > Tall Boy

[Only 'Let Her Cry'; Everyone remained on-stage during 'Drums'; 'The Other One' jam after 'Mercy']

Honestly, I had a good time at the show. I was just not very impressed by the music. I didn’t hear or feel enough bass, I didn’t hear enough spacey or funky exploration (my tastes), and I thought the lights behind them didn’t fit Panic. I know they used to have a different setup, but somehow the equalizer lights didn’t go with their southern style. Regardless, I danced hard and had a great time. I ran into some high-school friends as well including SD, his bro, TS, and JW.

After the show, we took our time making the short journey across the street to see Smokestack at 5^th Avenue (a bar attached to Comerica Park). Our group was a raucous bunch – some of them took it upon themselves to take a short nap on a limo right in front of the State. When we finally got across the street, we spent almost 2 hours listening to Smokestack which often sounded a lot better than Widespread. My good buddy KP seemed to be having a good time.

We went back to the Athenium, one of the best hotels in Detroit to chill with some of KP’s friends who had a room there. We decided to hit up Greektown Casino where I didn’t leave a winner, unfortunately. Finally, we headed back to the eastside late and called it a night.

So the concert was fun, but it was a Widespread Concert. It’s not really something I would dish out another $35 for again, but I had a great time partying in the BIG D. Thanks for reading.