Widespread Panic added a number of novel elements to its three set New Year’s Eve performance at Atlanta’s Philips Arena. The first set began with John Bell and George McConnell on acoustic guitars, Dave Schools on upright bass and longtime collaborator/producer John Keane on pedal steel guitar. Keane remained for the opening ‘City of Dreams’ > ‘C. Brown’ and appeared later in the set for ‘Old Joe.’ As with the previous night, Panic also welcomed a guest horn section, including current touring regular Randall Bramlett and Kevin Hyde (Gunnison) which played on three cover debuts, versions of the Talking Heads’ ‘Blind,’ Laura Nyro’s ‘And When I Die’ (popularized by Blood Sweat and Tears) and Stevie Wonder’s ‘I Wish.’ Also like the 12/30 show, Dr. Arvin Scott appeared during ‘Drums,’ this time joined by Larry Acquaviva. The evening closed with Keane and the horns on stage for a powerful take on ‘Climb to Safety.’