Poster Artist Credit: XLUSIV.art
The Inaugural Honorary Coloradan Induction of Widespread Panic and Induction of Bill Bass into Colorado Music Hall of Fame took place during Widespread Panic’s sold-out show on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre during their 3-set run.
The Honorary Coloradan category expands the traditional Colorado Music Hall of Fame categories in order to recognize musicians and bands that are not from Colorado and do not live in the state, but have had a significant and lasting impact on Colorado’s music culture. Widespread Panic was recognized in this new Honorary Coloradan category while Bill Bass was posthumously inducted into The Hall.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Red Rocks Amphitheatre, the evening was truly memorable. Angelique Bass accepted the induction award for her late husband, Bill Bass, and Dave Schools spoke on behalf of the band. The evening was full of celebration, incredible energy and groovy vibes.
Photo Credit: Joshua Timmermans & Noble Visions
Photo Credit: Fortuitous Photography
To commemorate this occasion, The Hall hosted a reception with Widespread Panic at the Governor’s Mansion on Thursday, June 25, from 5:30–8 p.m. Guests mingled with the band and heard remarks from Governor Jared Polis honoring both Widespread Panic and Bill Bass.
The music of the evening was performed by The Parrisian Quartet, who exclusively played jazz renditions of Widespread Panic songs. The Parrisian Quartet is a Denver-based ensemble led by trumpeter, arranger, and producer Parris Fleming, known for blending jazz, soul, funk, and contemporary groove into an immersive live experience. Parris has collaborated and toured with major artists like Harry Styles, The Motet, Big Gigantic and Pretty Lights. Fleming is joined by Hunter Roberts (bass), Enmanuel Alexander (guitar) and Matt Campbell (Drums).
The event’s proceeds went to Colorado Music Hall of Fame’s programs including the Keep The Beat mental wellness assistance for Colorado’s music industry and Widespread Panic’s Tunes for Tots music education initiative.
Photo Credits: Fortuitous Photography, Joshua Timmermans with Noble Visions
About The Inductees
Photo Credit: Joshua Timmermans & Noble Visions
Widespread Panic
Widespread Panic historically holds the record for the most sold-out performances of any artist at Red Rocks, signifying the deep connection the band has with Colorado fans. The band members have felt as though Colorado was their “home away from home” since the 1990s, and songs like “Big Wooly Mammoth” were inspired by their time spent in the state.
Band members include John Bell, guitar and vocals; John “JoJo” Hermann, keyboards and vocals; Jimmy Herring, guitar; Domingo S. Ortiz, percussion and vocals; Dave Schools, bass and vocals; and Duane Trucks, drums. Their music is a blend of Southern rock and blues, and the band is perhaps best known as a jam band that experiments with live improvisation. Widespread Panic has headlined and performed at most major festivals in the country, including Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Outside Lands and more. The band has sold more than three million albums and has over 4 million digital downloads.
Bill Bass
Bill Bass (1951-2023) was a legendary Colorado concert promoter and a prominent figure in the local music scene. In the 1980s, Bass was the promoter for the Blue Note club on Boulder’s Pearl Street before joining legendary concert promoter (and Colorado Music Hall of Famer) Barry Fey at Feyline. Moving from Feyline to Boulder’s Fox Theatre, Bass eventually started his own company, Small Axe, which then became Bill Bass Concerts. As a promoter, Bill envisioned and realized iconic events like Reggae on the Rocks in 1988 at Red Rocks. After almost four decades, it remains a premier reggae festival globally, celebrating both established legends and the genre’s most promising rising talent.
Bill was introduced to Widespread Panic early in the band’s career and was instrumental in helping to build its massive Colorado following and their record-breaking Red Rocks run. Bill’s support and belief in the band helped it grow to where it is today. For decades, he brought live music to the people of Colorado who love it. Although he passed away on January 13, 2023, Bill Bass Concerts continue to this day.