The third event in our film series, this Widespread Panic documentary is a rarity, and we actually will have the film makers in the Music Hall this evening.
Charleston based Widespread Panic cover band 54 Bicycles will be doing two sets of high energy panic tunes before and after the movie. The band has played around the Southeast and has played with Panic collaborator Dr. Dan Matrazzo.
Here is some more information about the film:
‘Takes Fans On the Road With Top Touring Band Widespread Panic’
Enjoy the feature-length documentary from acclaimed filmmakers Christopher and Geoffrey Hanson showcases band’s 2000 Summer Tour.
In The Earth Will Swallow You, the filmmaking team of brothers Christopher and Geoffrey Hanson capture the sights, sounds and spirit of the Athens, GA rock band Widespread Panic’s monumental Summer 2000 tour.
From the majestic natural beauty of Red Rocks Amphitheatre to the neon oasis of Las Vegas, from the American heartland to the very core of the Big Apple – Central Park – the movie follows Widespread Panic on and off the stage, giving audiences an intimate view of a band that some have called “the best-kept secret in rock and roll.”
In a unique take on the band’s repertoire, the film also captures singular collaborations with artists whose work has influenced the band during its (then) 15-year career. Special performances with Jorma Kaukonen of Hot Tuna and the Jefferson Airplane and Grammy Award winner Taj Mahal highlight the film. In addition, the band performs with acclaimed songwriter and longtime collaborator Vic Chesnutt, San Francisco legend Merl Saunders, as well as Jerry Joseph, Bloodkin, and the Dirty Dozen Brass Band.
Producer Geoff Hanson sees The Earth Will Swallow You in a historical context. “D.A. Pennebacker recently said that when he made the seminal film Don’t Look Back in 1965, he knew that Dylan was going to be significant historically and that he was capturing something that was destined to become larger over time,” Hanson said. “We felt the same way about Widespread Panic. They may fly under the radar in some quarters, but they are leaving a significant and important musical legacy that will only continue to grow.”
Christopher Hanson believes that The Earth Will Swallow You is time capsule to the band’s zenith. “We have lost many of the great musicians and friends that we got to spend time with during the making of the film. Michael Houser, Merl Saunders and Vic Chestnutt are a few that this film pays tribute. Not to mention our dear friend Garrie Vereen who was the drum tech and keeper of the setlists.”
The Earth Will Swallow You is the Hanson brother’s second project with Widespread Panic. The brothers also produced and directed the 2001 live concert release: Widespread Panic Live at Oak Mountain.
Meet the Film Makers!
Christopher Hanson, Director
TV Producer and Film Director Christopher Hanson made his directorial debut in 1998 with the 1970’s skibum, drug-deal-gone-bad, pig-movie called Scrapple. Scrapple still plays in Colorado and other ski towns. His next project, with his brother Geoff producing, was The Earth Will Swallow You, a documentary feature film that followed the Athens Georgia based Widespread Panic on their Summer of 2000 Tour.
After two films, the Hanson Brothers parted ways. Christopher returned to Telluride, Colorado to work for Plum TV. He worked on TV shows like the hog hunting show American Hoggers for A&E and Ice Road Truckers for the History Channel.
Christopher moved to Charleston, SC in 2012 to start Hanson Media House. He works in all types of media, but longs to get back to feature films.
Geoffrey Hanson, Producer
Geoffrey Hanson made his acting debut in the film Scrapple, where he starred as Al Dean, the drug-dealer-with-a-heart-of-gold. He also co-wrote and produced Scrapple. The Hanson Brothers next produced the Earth Will Swallow You, which was released in 2002. Geoffrey next produced the Radiators live-concert movie called Earth vs. The Radiators shot at Tipitina’s in New Orleans. Currently Geoffrey lives in Telluride, Colorado where he works for the Telluride Ride Festival, a rock-and-roll music festival held every July in Telluride Town Park.
