Steamboat Springs — For the first time, the premier Widespread Panic tribute band, Mom’s Kitchen, will be in Steamboat Springs.

Hailing from St. Louis, the band embarked on a Colorado tour earlier this week and will make a stop at Old Town Pub Friday. The jam band with a driving force of rock ‘n’ roll will take the stage at 10 p.m.

Formed in the winter of 2010, the group includes J.R. Collins on guitar and vocals, Kyle Collins on guitar and vocals, Steven Kaufman on keys, Tim McLaughlin on percussion and vocals, Chuck Seager on bass guitar and Brian Turpin on drums.

Since the start, the group has stayed true to the sound that defines the popular rock band Widespread Panic but also explores its own signature sound.

Earlier this week, Explore Steamboat caught up with J.R. Collins to talk about the band’s Colorado tour and the evolution of its sound.

Explore Steamboat: Why did you guys want to start a Widespread Panic tribute band?

J.R. Collins: When we all got together, the Widespread Panic songs were something a few of us knew. We just started learning more of those tunes and then we figured, why not give it a shot since there wasn’t really a Panic tribute band in the Midwest that was doing it. 

ES: How has Mom’s Kitchen evolved since you first formed as a band in 2010?

JC: When we started, it was a seven piece with two lead guitars and has since been scaled down to a six piece. We have also recruited a different keyboard player since the inception about two years ago. 

ES: How is that you guys put your own personal signature on the songs that define Widespread Panic?

JC: About half of the band didn’t really know Panic when we started, so I think that may have lead to us being able to recreate their music but with an outsider’s take on it. 

ES: How do you differentiate yourselves as a band?

JC:We love the music of Panic but we are really there to create more of a party atmosphere when playing a show. We love the audience interaction.

ES: Where did the name “Mom’s Kitchen” come from and why did you guys decide to choose that as the band name?

JC:It was originally the title of Panic’s self-titled album. It was scratched when Panic signed with Capricorn Records, and they had them change the name of the album. We kinda figured if you knew that, you’d know where it came from — something a little under the radar as opposed to a lyric or something along those lines. 

ES: What do you think is the biggest challenge that cover bands face?

JC: Being able to set yourselves apart from others that may be doing what you are. Getting ourselves into new markets and getting people to appreciate what we do before we get there. Cover bands can be hit or miss and maybe not so well thought of. We hope to give you way more than expected. 

ES: How would you describe one of your live shows and how does it set you guys apart from other bands?

JC: Our live shows tend to be pretty rowdy. We like to see people enjoying themselves. I’m not sure that the others doing what we’re doing really do that. 

ES: For the show in Steamboat Springs what can audiences expect?

JC: A sound and show interpreted as close as we can to the original Widespread Panic songs while also keeping to what we do, which is making sure everyone who is there to see us leaves the show wanting to return again for another one. 

To reach Audrey Dwyer, call 970-871-4229, email adwyer@ExploreSteamboat.com or follow her on Twitter @Audrey_Dwyer1