Church of the LSD Saints

It’s going to feel like Christmas in October, because The Grand Theatre is hosting two nights with Widespread Panic. Instead of unwrapping gifts, you’re going to be wrapping your head around some of the best southern rock, blues, and jam bands in the country. With the release of their new album, “Dirty Side Down,” the band is back on the road, sharing their music across the country, with a major stop in Reno. Tickets are on sale for the two night event, Tuesday, October 19 and Wednesday, October 20, only at Grand Sierra Resort.

One of the many neo-hippie jam bands inheriting the road-warrior mantle left behind by the Grateful Dead, Widespread Panic established a devout grassroots following on the strength of constant touring and a loose, rootsy brand of Southern rock informed by jazz and blues textures. The group’s origins dated to 1982, when vocalist John Bell and guitarist Mike Houser first began playing together while attending college in Athens, GA; when bassist Dave Schools left academia to join the duo the next year, Widespread Panic was officially born. The band recorded their debut single, “Coconut Image,” in 1986; drummer Todd Nance joined soon after, followed by the addition of percussionist Domingo “Sunny” Ortiz and finally keyboardist John “JoJo” Hermann.