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John Bell, Jimmy Herring, Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks Share the Stage in Orlando

Widespread Panic frontman John Bell hosted the 11th Annual Hannah’s Buddies Charity Classic and Concert in Florida this past weekend. The two-day celebration kicked off Friday with a sold out golf tournament and continued on Saturday with a silent auction and dinner at Orlando, FL’s House of Blues. Saturday night Bell also hosted his annual charity concert with special guests Susan Tedeschi, Derek Trucks, Jimmy Herring and Nickel & The Bye Polar Bears, among others. The guitarist opened his John Bell & Friends set with Michael Stanley’s “Let’s Get The Show On The Road,” before moving into Widespread Panic’s “Gradle,” “Mercy” and “Space Wrangler.” Later in the set, Panic’s longtime agent and manager Buck Williams joined Bell on harmonica for “Chilly Water,” and Panic guitarist Jimmy Herring appeared on “Tickle The Truth” and “Little Wing” (Williams has joined Bell at the benefit in years past). Singer Susan Tedeschi also sat in with Bell on “Little Wing,” and her husband Derek Trucks later appeared on Robert Johnson’s “Me And The Devil Blues” and Panic’s “Rock.”

Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks also used the benefit to preview their new musical project. The couple performed with a band that included Derek Trucks Band keyboardist Kofi Burbridge, Trucks’ drummer brother Duane, Herring, Black Crowes drummer Steve Gorman and bassist Nick Govrik (the latter three musicians have performed together as part of Trigger Hippy). The all-star band opened its set with a version of “Don’t Try No More” that featured Col. Bruce Hampton. The Aquarium Rescue Unit leader also appeared on “Soonful” and his trademark cover, “Fixin’ to Die.” In addition, Bell emerged for a take on “I’m a Ram” and returned with Hampton for the encore of “Turn on Your Lovelight.” The rest of Trucks and Tedeschi’s set mixed covers and originals associated with their solo bands: “The Weight,” “Lovin You Is Sweeter,” “I Don’t Want No Woman,” “Gonna Move,” “Done Got Over,” “Get Out My Life,” “Don’t Think Twice,” “Anyday” and “Driving Wheel.”