Widespread Panic Wraps Up 13th Panic en la Playa Event with Special Guests and Memorable Performances

Widespread Panic Wraps Up 13th Panic en la Playa Event with Special Guests and Memorable Performances

Widespread Panic recently wrapped up their 13th Panic en la Playa event at the Hard Rock Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico. The event featured interim guitarist Nick Johnson filling in for Jimmy Herring, who is undergoing cancer treatment. The final night of the event included guest appearances by mandolinist/vocalist Sierra Hull and Circles Around The Sun keyboardist Adam MacDougall. The band also paid tribute to the late Bob Weir with their first-ever cover of the Grateful Dead classic "Jack Straw" during the encore.

The first set kicked off with high energy as the band performed songs like "Postcard," "Pilgrims," and "Walkin' (For Your Love)." Sierra Hull joined them on stage for soulful renditions of Van Morrison's "And It Stoned Me" and Panic's "Pickin' Up the Pieces." The band then transitioned into a medley of "Fishwater," Traffic's "Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys," and Bobby Rush and Calvin Carter's "Bowlegged Woman."

Set two began with "Bust It Big" and included covers of Neil Young's "Mr. Soul" and Howlin' Wolf's "Spoonful." Keyboardist Adam MacDougall joined the band for an extended version of "Second Skin" before they closed the set with "All Time Low," "Jack," and a powerful rendition of Funkadelic's "Maggot Brain."

For the encore, Widespread Panic paid tribute to Bob Weir with a cover of the Grateful Dead's "Jack Straw" before closing the night with "Ain't Life Grand." The event concluded with Eggy performing on the Stairway to Heaven Stage as attendees reflected on the unforgettable experience.

As fans head back home, they can look forward to Widespread Panic's upcoming 2026 tour dates, including stops in Austin, St. Augustine, Birmingham, and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in late April. The band's performance at Panic en la Playa Trece was a memorable celebration of music and community, leaving attendees with lasting memories of their time in Mexico.