Widespread Panic layers on the musical talent in Las Vegas run

By Matt Kelemen

Widespread Panic is a preeminent jam band, a preferred taste of live concert connoisseurs and founders of a following that first flocked together nearly four decades ago. Panic helped revive the practice of acts booking multiple dates at venues, such as their upcoming threeshow run at The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.

“We look at all these towns that we’ve been going to for 30-plus years as a museum and we just leave our art there,” says percussionist Domingo “Sunny” Ortiz, pictured far left, in a phone interview. “They can do with it what they want to because, man, it still is an energized machine with lots of movement involved, and I think that’s what keeps us fresh.”

The band holds the record for most sold-out performances at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre (66) and comes to Vegas after the latest iteration of its own Panic en la Playa festival on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Only a well-maintained vehicle can travel that far and long from humble Athens, Ga., college town origins, which could make Ortiz the timing chain.

Ortiz prefers to think of Widespread Panic as a baked potato. “We’ve got the drums, which is the actual baked potato, because that’s what drives—Duane Trucks. And then if you want to add but- ter you add Jimmy Herring. If you want to add bacon you can add JoJo Hermann. If you want cheese you can add Dave Schools or J.B. (John Bell). I feel like the chives. You can either take it or leave it.”

Fortunately, Ortiz elaborates, keyboardist Hermann, bassist Schools and guitarist/vocalist Bell enjoyed the Texas native’s playing enough at the first gig he played with them in Athens on Oct. 6, 1986, that there would be chives on their potato from then on. While Trucks, who took over from founding drummer Todd Nance in 2016, keeps the beat, Ortiz can react to guitarist Herring’s flurries and flourishes or Hermann’s Southern rock piano pounding.

The lineup has been relatively stable since Herring joined in 2006. The band’s repertoire still contains compositions by original guitarist Michael Houser, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2002 (Nance died in 2020). A 2022 album release, Miss Kitty’s Lounge, featured demos recorded in 1990 such as “A of D,” “Pigeons” and “Conrad” that would go on to become concert staples. It also contains “Love Tractor,” go-to evidence of what Ortiz contributes to the music. He adds not only polyrhythms but also the legacy of percussionists that came before him, such as Willie Bobo and Mongo Santamaria.

“You look at bands now and unless you’re a Latin band or have that Latin feel-groove … percussion players, you can take them or leave them,” says Ortiz. “My philosophy as a percussion player is, I just add color to the music. When it’s time to play a Latin feel or a Latin groove, we’ve got that covered. I feel very fortunate to be around these other brothers of mine.”

By Kiko Miyasato

There are plenty of ways to enjoy Las Vegas other than the Strip. Get outdoors for a solo trip or bring your partner or family and check out nine great biking experiences. Whether it’s checking out the beautiful scenery on a nice slow-paced ride or putting your cycling skills to the test, there’s great options for everyone.

1

You can actually access this bike path from the Union Pacific Railroad trail. Just cross over the bridge and this path will take you to popular points like Lake Las Vegas and Hoover Dam. This loop is more than 35 miles, so pick your paths wisely if you don’t plan on making this a long trip. The paved trails are surrounded by the River Mountains where big-horned sheep roam, so don’t be surprised if you catch sight of some along the way.

2

Bike 13 miles of beautiful scenery along the paved Red Rock Canyon Scenic Loop. While cars also share the road, it’s safe for riders. While enjoying the views of striking desert mountains and foliage, you’ll find a climb that will test your endurance, but the winding descent is a nice reprieve.

3

A trail perfect for a leisurely family ride through the Green Valley neighborhood—just a short drive from the Strip—is the Pittman Wash Trail, a 4-mile ride. Enjoy the paved path lined with trees and manicured landscaping. There are tables along the way, so it’s a great spot to have a picnic, too.

About a half-hour drive from the Strip, Bootleg Canyon offers 36 miles of tracks for those looking for a challenge or adrenaline-packed experience.

River Mountains Loop Trail

Winding mountain tracks that overlook Lake Mead and the steep downhill trails give riders a workout, but visitors from around the world rate this biking adventure high on their list.

UNION PACIFIC

5

RAILROAD TRAIL

Ride nearly 8 miles following the railway tracks through the city of Henderson, a neighborhood just a short drive from the Strip. The tree-lined trails cut through residential and shopping areas and for the most part are a breeze to bike, making them good for families with little ones.

6

WETLANDS

LOOP TRAIL

This trail is for the nature lovers out there. The 210-acre Wetlands Park is home to a nature preserve with hundreds of species of animals. It’s also where you’ll find the 14-mile loop that stretches around the perimeter of the park for multiple uses, including biking.

7 BLUE DIAMOND LOOP

Head to the quaint little town of Blue Diamond and head out on 8 miles of beginner trails that stretch through desert landscaping and surrounding mountains. There’s a short distance of steep terrain, but for the most part, this is an easy biking experience with a fun, downhill ride on your way back.

8

MOUNT CHARLESTON

You can’t beat the weather up at Mount Charleston—it’s usually around 20 degrees cooler and seems like a world away from the neon lights. It’s also where you’ll find dozens of bike trails from beginner to difficult. Some popular rides include the 4-mile Tin Can Alley trail and the adrenaline-pumping, steep downhill ride on the Chutes and Ladders trail.

9

SUNSET PARK

The largest park in the county—more than 300 acres—can be found just a quick drive from the Strip and offers a plethora of outdoor activities including a fishing lake, picnic areas, disc golf, multiple playgrounds and four different family-friendly biking trails.

Remember the last time your family visited the forest? It’s a place of wonder and imagination for the whole family—where stories come to life. And it’s closer than you think. Sounds like it’s time to plan your next visit. Make the forest part of your story today at a local park near you or find one at DiscoverTheForest.org.