Photos and Review by Stephen Bloch

Widespread Panic, Riverside Theater, Milwaukee, 10/25/26

Sold-out house, October chill, and a World Series backdrop. The run opened the same weekend the Fall Classic kicked off at nearby American Family Field, with “Rebirtha” as a first-ever opener. By Sunday’s series finale, the band played like a club that knew how to close.

First Set: Small Ball

After fans engaged in some VERY extensive tailgaiting on the streets in and around The Riverside, “The Take Out,” “Better Off,” and “Give” got runners on, with “Give” working as the sacrifice bunt. “The Last Straw” moved them over, and “Papa’s Home” put a man on third before “Porch Song” brought him home. It was singles and doubles with no wasted at-bats. No squeeze play. No balks.  Just good old fashioned small ball.

Second Set: The Heart of the Order

“North” and “Henry Parsons Died” opened the frame, and “Good Morning Little School Girl” added swagger. The clean up hitters saw blood and took it to the crowd with “Driving Song” into “Pilgrims” and back again into “Driving Song”  Back, back, back to the wall for an inside the park home run. Never in doubt.  “Jamais Vu” and “B of D” protected the lead, and “Chilly Water” closed it out, fitting for a cold Wisconsin night.

The Bullpen

“Nobody’s Loss” and “Climb to Safety” were the late-inning relief pairing, the latter ideal for a runner diving back to first. The second encore, “I’m So Glad,” was the walk-off.

Man of the Series

There really wasn’t a star player in this win.  Team effort for sure.

Final Score: Panic 1, Milwaukee 0. The home crowd went home happy anyway.