Last night, Widespread Panic celebrated the release of its new studio album, Earth to America, with an extremely intimate performance at New York’s Irving Plaza. A private show for contest winners and industry executives, the packed performance was Panic’s first at the venue since April 1995. During its 90-minute set, the sextet ran through its entire new album in a shuffled order, inviting longtime producer John Keane onstage for a large chunk of its show. In addition, the group performed ‘Expiration Day’ (from the group’s brute project with Vic Chesnutt), ‘This Part Of Town’ (from 2001’s Don’t Tell the Band), ‘Nicotina’ (an _ Earth to America_ bonus track available through itunes) and Solomon Burke’s ‘None of Us are Free’ (included on the vinyl edition of the group’s new album). While short on improvisation, the band performed an energetic set, which looks to the be group’s only northeast appearance until the fall. Widespread Panic’s summer tour will begin in Kansas City, MO on June 21.