From Widespread Panic to Spin Doctors

Do you like Widespread Panic? The Spin Doctors? Michael Ray & Cosmic Krewe? War? The Naked Orchestra? If so, then you are sure to love this show because it features members of all the above bands. In a first-time gig, led by Sherman Ewing, the band features Panic keyboardist Jo Jo Hermann, Michael Ray (himself!), War's original drummer Harold Brown, former Spin Doctors' guitarist Anthony Krizan, and Naked Orchestra conductor Jimbo Walsh have pooled their considerable talents to produce a very special night of music. To be sure, the lineup is eclectic and the music may very well follow suit. Get ready to jam the night away.

Sherman Ewing hails from Minnesota, home of Paul Westerberg and the Replacements, and Husker Du, two heavy influences in his early years. In his teens, sent to an all boys boarding school in England he began listening to Bob Dylan and was inspired to pick up a guitar and start writing about his personal experiences. Back in the US after graduation, Sherman got his BA in Political Science and Theater Arts from Columbia University, and throughout the 90's began playing with local bands in New York.

In 1999 he started his own solo project "Sherman," and had the good fortune of teaming up with producer Godfrey Diamond (Lou Reed, Aerosmith, Billy Squier). Both Sherman and Godfrey felt the magic of their collaboration and for the past couple of years they have continued to develop the project, which blends acoustic folk rock and blues with classic rock and pop. In 2000 Sherman and Godfrey co-wrote the song "Emotion", which they followed up with "Hollywood", a song about a starved youth culture that is obsessed with fame and living the glossy high life.

Sherman has become a strong presence on the New York music scene, regularly playing such venues as CBGB's gallery, Arlene's Grocery, Acme Underground, and the Living Room, and has developed a crowd of faithful followers. Most recently Sherman was joined by his old band mate and friend John "Jojo" Hermann (Widespread Panic) for a sold out show at the Wetlands. Sherman will be opening for Jojo on his Spring 2002 tour.

The ReBirth Brass Band begins the night's festivities with their well-known and well-received brand of brass/funk.