After selling some 175,000 copies of its 1998 live double album, "Light Fuse Get Away," Southern trip-poppers Widespread Panic have convened into a studio with long-time friend and producer John Keane to work on the band's sixth studio album, tentatively due out on July 27.

The Panic have been cutting material at John Keane's Studios in the band's hometown of Athens, Georgia, for the last three weeks, and have so far laid down 13 original tracks and three cover tunes. Guests who have dropped by to lend a hand include the horn section from the Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Big Ass Truck percussionist and DJ, Colin Butler.

Sessions will continue and off for the next few weeks, after which Widespread Panic plan to head out on its home-away-from-home (the road) for a short preview tour in April and May. Last year the band, which has become known for its jam-heavy performances, pulled in more than $8 million from touring and was one of the Top 40 draws of 1998.

Dates for the Panic's

spring tour:

• 4/8 - Hampden-Sydney, VA @ Hampden-Sydney College
• 4/9 - Salem, VA @ Salem Civic Center
• 4/10 - Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
• 4/13 - Columbus, OH @ Mershon Auditorium
• 4/14 - Ann Arbor, MI @ Michigan Theater
• 4/16 - Starkville, MS @ Mississippi St. University
• 4/17 - Huntsville, AL @ Von Braun Civic Center
• 4/19 - Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House Of Blues
• 4/20 - Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House Of Blues
• 4/22 - Boone @ NC @ Appalachian State University
• 4/23 - Lexington, KY @ University Of Kentucky
• 4/24 - Charlotte, NC @ Central Cityfest
• 4/27 - Jacksonville, FL @ Moran Theatre
• 4/28 - Pensacola, FL @ Bayfront Auditorium
• 4/30 - New Orleans, LA @ Jazz & Heritage Festival
• 5/1 - New Orleans, LA @ Memorial Lounge
• 5/2 - Atlanta, GA @ Music Midtown Festival
• 5/4 - Myrtle Beach, SC @ House Of Blues
• 5/5 - Myrtle Beach, SC @ House Of Blues
• 5/6 - Myrtle Beach, SC @ House Of Blues