Aaron Siegel and Taylor Garrigan, the founders of the popular Home Team BBQ restaurants in South Carolina and Aspen, CO, first met at a Widespread Panic concert in 2002. This fall, they will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their establishment's opening by bringing together members of that band's musical community. The three-day, two-location event will take place in Charleston, SC, next month, kicking off at Home Team BBQ's Downtown Charleston location on Thursday, September 24 and Friday, September 25. The event will feature a number of unique artist configurations, showcasing the diverse talent within the Widespread Panic musical community.
On the first night, Charleston-based Americana act Guilt Ridden Troubadour and South Carolina-bred, Nashville-based artist Mac Leaphart will perform. The second night will feature longtime Widespread Panic associates Bloodkin and soul/funk act Shonuff, who will take the stage in the restaurant's courtyard. During this night, Athens, GA dobro player Williams Tonks, who played with founding Panic drummer Todd Nance in the Romper Stompers, and Widespread Panic percussionist Sunny Ortiz will join Bloodkin on stage. Davis Coen will also perform during the set break.
The final day of the celebration will move to The Refinery on Saturday, September 26. This show will tap into both the South Carolina and Widespread Panic musical communities, featuring sets by Paul Cauthen, SCAM Allstars, WERI Workhorses of the Entertainment/Recreation Industry, and Mac Leaphart & Reid Stone. Two of these acts are veritable supergroups. The SCAM Allstars, featuring Cameron Williams, Sam Holt, Randolph Turner, Jason Fuller, Stephen Spivey, and Richard Proctor, will have special guests including Jerry Joseph, Eric Carter, Eric Martinez, Winfield Smith, Jon Eldridge, and Ortiz. The WERI Workhorses of the Entertainment/Recreation Industry brings together Ortiz, Ben Reynolds, William Tonks, and Rob Keller.
Ortiz recently joined Holt, a former Widespread Panic guitar tech and sub lead guitarist for the band, in Chattanooga, TN, during a stop on the annual Michael Houser tribute run. Houser passed away on August 10, 2002. This event is a testament to the enduring legacy of Widespread Panic and the deep-rooted connections within its musical community. It's a celebration of the band's impact on the music scene and the lasting friendships formed through their shared love of music.
In my opinion, this event is a fascinating showcase of the power of community and the enduring impact of a band on its fans and fellow musicians. It's a reminder that music can bring people together in extraordinary ways, creating bonds that last a lifetime. As we reflect on the 20th anniversary of Home Team BBQ, it's clear that the spirit of Widespread Panic continues to thrive, inspiring new generations of musicians and fans alike.
