Widespread Panic’s first night in Riviera Maya, Mexico, was nothing short of transformative, offering an expansive journey through improvisational rock, southern grooves, and heartfelt covers that left the crowd in awe. From the moment the band took the stage, it was clear this wasn’t going to be a typical festival set; this was an evening built for exploration, improvisation, and connection, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Riviera Maya’s warm, starry skies.
The audience, a mix of longtime Panic devotees and newer fans drawn by the exotic locale, was immediately drawn in by the band’s palpable chemistry. The band has long been celebrated for their ability to merge rock, funk, jazz, and southern jam sensibilities into something wholly organic, and that skill was on full display from the first note. This night highlighted not just their musicianship, but their storytelling through music — a journey that felt as much spiritual as it did musical.
Here’s the setlist from night one:
Set 1:
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Disco (>)
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Little Lilly (>)
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Rock
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One Arm Steve
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Christmas Katie (>)
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Trashy (BloodKin cover)
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Holden Oversoul
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Lawyers, Guns and Money (Warren Zevon cover)
Set 2:
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Rebirtha (>)
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Sleeping Man (Vic Chesnutt cover)
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Down
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Hatfield (>)
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Drums (>)
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Arleen (General Echo cover) (>)
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Driving Song (>)
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Tall Boy (> “Driving Song” reprise >)
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North (Jerry Joseph cover)
Encore:
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Smokestack Lightning (Howlin’ Wolf cover)
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Porch Song
Set One: Groove, Soul, and Storytelling
The first set opened with “Disco”, instantly setting a kinetic pace that felt both celebratory and exploratory. The jam segment that followed showcased the band’s improvisational talents, weaving intricate grooves while letting each member’s personality shine. The flow into “Little Lilly” felt organic, the crowd already engaged in the ebb and flow of the night’s musical narrative.
“Rock” brought a heavier edge, a driving beat that felt like a grounding point after the freewheeling opener. This transition into “One Arm Steve” allowed the band to layer humor and narrative storytelling into their music — a hallmark of Widespread Panic that makes their shows feel both communal and personal.
By the time “Christmas Katie” arrived, it was clear the band had captured the audience completely. The song’s intricate melodies and warm harmonies paired beautifully with the Riviera Maya’s tropical night air, creating a moment that was meditative and joyful at once. The segue into “Trashy,” a cover of BloodKin, was a nod to the band’s respect for their influences, and it was delivered with a playful intensity that energized the audience further.
“Holden Oversoul” brought a contemplative pause, a showcase of lyrical depth and instrumental finesse, before the set closed with “Lawyers, Guns and Money”, a Warren Zevon classic. The cover was playful yet reverent, the band balancing homage with their own signature southern-jam style, eliciting one of the night’s first major sing-alongs.
Set Two: Expansion, Covers, and Exploration
The second set began with “Rebirtha”, a smooth, groove-laden track that allowed each musician to stretch out while maintaining the set’s momentum. The transition into “Sleeping Man”, a Vic Chesnutt cover, was particularly poignant. The band’s rendition was tender and intimate, highlighting the emotional resonance of Chesnutt’s songwriting while creating a space of reflection amidst the high-energy festival vibe.
“Down” brought the energy back up, a funky, rhythmic track that had the crowd moving in unison. The interplay between the band members during “Hatfield” demonstrated Widespread Panic’s improvisational mastery, blending complexity and spontaneity in a way that felt effortless.
“Drums” was a highlight for percussion lovers. This segment, featuring extended soloing and rhythmic exploration, allowed the crowd to fully immerse themselves in the heartbeat of the music. Following that, the band transitioned into “Arleen,” a General Echo cover that flowed seamlessly into “Driving Song” and the reprise in “Tall Boy.” These sequences demonstrated the band’s signature ability to blur the lines between songs, creating a continuous journey rather than a simple setlist.
The penultimate song of the night, “North”, a Jerry Joseph cover, was delivered with reverence and soul, giving the audience one last moment of lyrical reflection and communal energy before the encore.
Encore: Legendary Covers and Crowd Connection
Widespread Panic returned for a two-song encore that perfectly encapsulated the night’s themes of homage, groove, and connectivity. “Smokestack Lightning”, the Howlin’ Wolf classic, brought the audience into a blues-driven frenzy. The raw, primal energy of the song was amplified by the band’s improvisational flair, creating a communal catharsis that was as much physical as it was emotional.
The show closed with “Porch Song,” a fan favorite that encouraged sing-alongs, swaying, and full audience participation. It was a fitting conclusion, reinforcing the sense of unity that had been building throughout the night. By the final notes, it was clear that the performance wasn’t just about music — it was about shared experience, a night in Riviera Maya that the audience and the band would remember equally.
Performance and Musicianship
What made night one of Widespread Panic in Riviera Maya stand out was not just the songs themselves, but the level of musicianship and interplay. Each member was given space to shine while maintaining cohesion. John Bell’s guitar work danced effortlessly between melodic clarity and jam-infused exploration, while Jimmy Herring’s lead contributions were precise and expressive. The rhythm section — Dave Schools on bass and Duane Trucks on drums — anchored the grooves with a balance of finesse and power, driving the improvisational segments forward. John Hermann’s keyboards added texture, giving the set a richness that kept every transition seamless and engaging.
The band’s cover choices were thoughtful and integrated, paying homage to musical heroes without losing the Widespread Panic identity. From Zevon to Chesnutt to Howlin’ Wolf, the covers felt like an extension of the band’s storytelling rather than interruptions, demonstrating their deep respect for music history and their ability to make these songs their own.
Final Thoughts
Night one of Widespread Panic in Riviera Maya was more than a concert; it was a musical journey. The setlist balanced energy, emotion, and improvisation, guiding the audience through grooves, introspection, and communal celebration. With every cover, jam, and lyrical twist, the band showcased why they are among the most respected live acts in the jam-band scene.
The Riviera Maya setting — warm, open, and under the stars — added a dimension of magic to the night. Fans were not merely spectators but active participants in a shared musical experience, and Widespread Panic met that energy with precision, playfulness, and passion.
Night one was a testament to the band’s enduring vitality, musical prowess, and connection to their audience. From the first notes of “Disco” to the final chords of “Porch Song,” it was a night that reminded everyone why Widespread Panic is not just a band, but a living, breathing institution of live music. Fans left with memories of intricate jams, soulful covers, and the undeniable feeling of having been part of something larger than just a concert — a night in Riviera Maya where music, community, and spirit converged perfectly.