Door Harp, the first solo album from late Widespread Panic guitarist Michael Houser, who died of pancreatic cancer on August 10th, will be released September 24th.

The album was recorded in the spring at producer John Keane's home studio in Athens, Georgia. Houser, who was a co-founding member of the band and the source of its name, rarely took a turn at center stage with Widespread Panic. On Door Harp he plays piano and mandolin, in addition to guitar. Panic percussionist Domingo Ortiz makes a guest appearance, as does Keane on pedal steel, guitar and keys, Andy Carlson on violin, and David Henry on cello.

"These songs are the ones I've played on my own, at home, for years," Houser said earlier this year. "They are simple and calming. I wanted to record these songs in a minimalist and 'quiet' way that was true to their nature."

In other Panic News, The Earth Will Swallow You, a feature film shot during the band's 2000 tour, will be released on DVD/VHS in October. The film includes concert footage and guest appearances by Jorma Kaukonen, Taj Mahal and Vic Chesnutt. The group has also made plans to forge on without Houser. On October 31st, the group will begin a thirteen-date tour with the first of a three-day run in New Orleans.

Widespread Panic tour dates:

10/31-11/2: New Orleans, UNO Lakefront Arena
11/3: Columbus, GA, Columbus Civic Center
11/5: Macon, GA, Macon Centerplex
11/6: Winston-Salem, NC, Lawrence Joel Coliseum
11/8-9: Huntsville, AL, Von Braun Center
11/10: Charleston, SC, North Charleston Coliseum
11/12: Greenville, SC, Bi-Lo Center
11/13: Knoxville, TN, Civic Coliseum
11/15-16: Memphis, Mid South Coliseum

ANDREW DANSBY
(September 5, 2002)