On Thursday afternoon, Widespread Panic put on their New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival set. The performance occurred after a shift in start times due to inclement weather in the region, which pushed the onset of their live delivery from late to mid-afternoon. During their stage time, the six-piece band welcomed assistance from Big Easy stalwarts, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band’s Roger Lewis and Gregory Davis, as well as keyboardist CR Gruver. 

Despite the shift in schedule, Widespread Panic took the stage for their New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival delivery by stepping into “Ain’t Life Grand.” For their next move, JoJo Hermann took the lead on “Greta,” which merged into James Taylor’s “Knockin’ Round the Zoo.” They picked up “Surprise Valley,” allowing Nick Johnson [currently filling in for Jimmy Herring] to demonstrate his comfort and willingness to rip. 

The set proceeded with “One Arm Steve,” a lengthened “Saint Ex” ahead of J.J. Cale’s “Travelin’ Light.” Returning to their catalog of originals, “Thought Sausage” made the list, as did locationally represented “King Baby.” Next, the band carved out an extra special moment by nodding to the late, great Col. Bruce Hampton on the Cream-popularized “I’m So Glad,” which signaled the influential musician’s birthday [April 30].  

Before digging into their next number, Widespread Panic introduced guest assistance from New Orleans Suspects keyboardist, CR Gruver, who helped accentuate “Bust It Big.” Previously, the Colorado-bred artist, Gruver, had joined WP during their June 26, 2015, concert at Red Rocks. Yesterday’s sit-in applied another layer to the ensemble and the guest’s live lineage. 

Widespread Panic maintained a similar collaborative spirit going into “Fishwater,” which sandwiched “Arlene” and featured members of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band’s horn section: Roger Lewis and Gregory Davis. “Fishwater” first appeared on 1994’s Ain’t Life Grand and later resurfaced on Panic’s 1999 live album with the DDBB, Another Joyous Occasion.

Following Widespread Panic’s New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival participation, they will take a short break before arriving in Las Vegas for the onset of their Sin City run, May 8-10. Tickets remain on sale.

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Widespread Panic 

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 

Fair Grounds Race Course – New Orleans 

April 30, 2026

Set: Ain’t Life Grand, Greta > Knocking ‘Round The Zoo, Surprise Valley, One Arm Steve, Saint Ex, Travelin’ Light, Thought Sausage, King Baby, I’m So Glad, Bust It Big*, Fishwater** > Arleen** > Fishwater** (~140 mins)

* w/ CR Gruver on keys

** w/ Roger Lewis and Gregory Davis on horns (Dirty Dozen Brass Band); CR Gruver on keys