Georgia House and Senate to pass jam band-related legislation

• Widespread Panic

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Georgia legislators: nothing but a bunch of smelly, burned out old hippies. At least, that's what I'm imagining after receiving a press release announcing the impending passage of SR 145 and HR 246, two bits of lawmakin' set to pass the Georgia Senate and House, respectively, on Tuesday, February 15. The object of the resolutions? Widespread Panic, those perennial bearded noodlers, who celebrate their 25th anniversary this year:

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To commemorate the 25th Anniversary of legendary band Widespread Panic, the State of Georgia’s House of Representatives and Senate have put forth Resolutions to be passed in honor of the Athens, GA sextet. On February 15, members of Widespread Panic will stand before the General Assembly to be recognized and honored for their music, service, charity and longevity. This honor has been bestowed on such Georgia music legends as Ray Charles and James Brown, who Panic also shares the honor of being fellow Georgia Music Hall of Fame inductees.

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In all seriousness, this is a much-deserved honor for the Athens jam institution, whose work with/financial support for various charitable organizations, including its own Panic Fans for Food, is extremely laudable, and represents an all-too-rare sort of music industry altruism of which other successful bands should take note. Charity: it's not just for Bono!

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Many congrats to the band! If you want to be a part of the shindig and get some firsthand "Schoolhouse Rock"-style learnin', the event is open to the public. Head down to the Gold Dome around 11:00 A.M. next Tuesday to watch the democratic process in action. And try not to get too baked beforehand - that Capitol security is tough, man. They'll smell it on ya.