Jam-band Widespread Panic [ tickets ], which reemerged to tour extensively this year after a 15-month hiatus, will wrap up 2005 with three shows in Atlanta.

The band plays its annual New Year's Eve shows Dec. 30 and 31 at Philips Arena. Also on the schedule is "Tunes for Tots," a Dec. 29 gig at the Roxy Theatre to benefit Georgia children's music education.

Tickets for the Philips Arena shows are on sale now, and general admission tickets for the benefit--priced at $101--hit the market Saturday (12/3). A limited number of VIP tickets to the benefit show--which will include a pre-show reception with the band "complete with hors d'oeuvres, a premium open bar and early entry into the venue," according to a press release--will be sold at $301 each, organizers announced.

According to a press release, Widespread Panic plans to enter the studio with producer Terry Manning early next year to begin work on their first studio album since 2002's "Ball," which is expected to hit stores early next summer. A tour in support of the release is also planned.