As previously reported, Widespread Panic percussionist Sunny Ortiz took a few personal days over the weekend following the death of his father. Ortiz’s percussion setup remained vacant during the group’s first set Friday night at Radio City Music Hall, with a single candle flickering to mark the elder Ortizs passing. A few different guest percussionists did play with the group later in the weekend, including tour manager Steve Lopez, who subbed for Ortiz on ‘Climb To Safety’ on Saturday, and Dave Schools Stockholm Syndrome bandmate Wally Ingram, who appeared sporadically with the group throughout its Radio City and Bethel, NY shows. Ortiz is expected to return to the stage at Wallingford, CT’s Chevrolet Theatre tomorrow. In a public message the band said, ‘he would like to thank everyone for the outpour of positive vibes, thoughts and prayers that he and his family have received. The realization of just how big and loving Sunnys Panic family is was especially comforting for his mother. Thank you all.’