Don't panic

Good music on the way

The six members of the Southern rock group Widespread Panic kick off their summer tour tonight in Rogers at the Walmart AMP.
The six members of the Southern rock group Widespread Panic kick off their summer tour tonight in Rogers at the Walmart AMP.

Southern rock band Widespread Panic returns tonight to the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion in Rogers to kick off its summer 2016 tour. For 30 years, the group's music has held influences of jazz, rock and blues -- but most people would call them a jam band.

"The word 'jam' is kind of facetious because all it is is we're embellishing the soloist," says Domingo "Sunny" Ortiz, percussionist for the group. "I think what separates us from most of the bands you hear on the radio -- there aren't that many soloists anymore. It's all cut and dried. For us, the format's a little bit different. We have some awesome people who can actually play their instruments, and we let them all have a voice in playing their solos. That's what makes it exciting because you never know what they're going to say with that solo."

FAQ

Widespread Panic

WHEN — 7:30 p.m. today

WHERE — Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion, Rogers

COST — $35.50-$55.50

INFO — arkansasmusicpavili…

After three decades on the road together, the six rockers must have a lot to say. Last summer's show at the AMP clocked in at more than three hours long, although the passionate fans didn't seem to mind.

"We thought we would start the summer tour there in Rogers. You guys have some awesome treasures there," Ortiz says. "We've always had a great time in Arkansas for two reasons: the popularity and the people. People in Arkansas really do like us, and we're thankful for that. It's a beautiful environment and a beautiful state."

How are the guys celebrating the big 3-0 together? With their summer tour. Playing in front of fans is special enough.

"It's very humbling to know that we can still hop on the bus and get along. And knowing the fans still enjoy the music means a lot," Ortiz says.

The group released their latest album "Street Dogs" last year to great reviews with PopMatters saying "... the band has never sounded better nor more relaxed." "Street Dogs" was the group's first release in five years, although Ortiz says they are constantly writing new music and exploring new material.

"It's not rocket science. One, you're with your buddies. Two, you're doing one of [your] most favorite things in the world. Three, you're in a beautiful place like Asheville [N.C.] in a great studio. So, you have all these things going for you, so you can't help but come out with a good product.

"There's never any pressure because we have a boatload of songs already, and I think that's what keeps it fresh," he continues. "We can manipulate those songs any way we want -- and that keeps the fans on their toes, too, because you never know what to expect."

Up until last Tuesday, the men were back at home in Georgia taking a much-need break from touring. Not from working, necessarily, just the touring. Ortiz laughs as he lists the side projects, family time and "honey-do" lists keeping all the guys busy.

"We look at [shows] like the fans look at it. There's the mounting excitement of it. We still get butterflies in our stomach even though we don't feel it. It's a normal thing. Being on tour is my favorite thing about being on tour."

NAN What's Up on 06/17/2016

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