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Biography
Formed at the University of Notre Dame in December 1997 by guitarist/vocalist Brendan Bayliss, bassist Ryan Stasik, keyboardist Joel Cummins, and drummer Mike Mirro, Umphrey's McGee combined members of Tashi Station and Stomper Bob, two Notre Dame rock bands. Early concerts consisted of both original material and cover songs by bands such as Guns N' Roses, Phish and The Grateful Dead. The final line up was established by 2001 and the band then began practicing intense improvisational exercises, one of their most successful taking place in a hotel in the Jimmy Stewart Ballroom so they later named their onstage improvisational excursions Jimmy Stewart.
Their first major release came in June 2002 and was titled 'Local Band Does OK', that summer the first annual Bonnaroo Music Festival took place and the band played to their largest crowd to date. The band sold more CDs than any other artist on a bill that included Widespread Panic, Trey Anastasio, and Norah Jones. In 2003 the band toured extensively, logging over 150 shows for the year before releasing 'Anchor Drops' in 2004 which was recorded all over California. They appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! alongside Huey Lewis in 2006 to support their next release 'Safety In Numbers' which was their first album to break the US Billboard top 200 and peaked top twenty on the US Indie chart.
That year they featured at most of the major US festivals playing in total 129 shows for the year before a three-night stand in Chicago for New Year's Eve. The band continued to develop their complex and ever changing live show. In 2010, the band debuted UMBowl, an interactive concert in 4 sets each with a different themes. Ticket purchasers are sent ballots to vote for the selections for two quarters, while the other two quarters are based upon interactive text submissions/votes.
Live reviews
What can I say about Umphrey's McGee? A whole lot actually. For starters, there are two things I can guarantee - you'll never see the same show twice and you'll get always a dose of face melting rock.
This explains the cult like fan base that attends their 100+ shows a year. This is a band of road warriors for a reason - they know how to put on a show. Umphrey's McGee is lights by Jefferson Waful (often considered the seventh member of the band by fans), guitar riffs and solos from two dueling leaders (Jake Cinninger and Brendan Bayliss), a keyboard wizard (Joel Cummins), a dynamic (and fashionable) bassist (Ryan Stasik), the most punctual drummer in today's music (Kris Meyers), and a percussionist (Andy Farag) bringing some extra umph to every song.
Most shows consist of two sets (with a perfect break in between to pound a drink or two) and a banging encore that will leave you wanting more. Don't make the mistake of missing this band because they're playing on week day, they bring it every night.
alexsis-kara
What a night, what a show! Indiana progressive rock outfit Umphrey's McGee take sonic rock to whole new places in a performance style that really pushes boundaries and puts emphasis on the importance of show. The lighting, visuals, musicians and vocalists all come together to compliment the strong musical spine of the programme.
Performing for just over fifteen years as an outfit, they have built a status of iconic on the circuit and will soon be following in the footsteps of their influencers such as Led Zeppelin and The Beatles. The experimental aspect of the show is nearly undetectable as even during lengthy jam sessions, the lighting and lasers allude to the idea it is all part of the overall performance. The improvisational element is evident tonight with a great cover of 'London Dungeon' by The Misfits to honour their venue of the evening. They are a fantastic live band and I'm surprised more people do not know about them as they are proficient, exciting and high quality all at once.
sean-ward
Umphrey's Mcgee puts on a sonic Rock n Roll like no other. As described well by lead guitarist Jake Cinninger, Umphrey's Mcgee is "self-indulgent orchestral rock n roll". The musicians, Brendan Bayliss, Jake Cinninger, Joel Cummins, Ryan Stasik, Andy Farag, and Kris Meyers, will each take their turn blowing your mind with some smooth jams and at other times crazy jams. If you're going to an Umphrey's show, there's only two things you know for sure going in: 1) you never know what you're going to get, and 2)you'll leave satisfied. Strap on your boots and head to the stars with Umphrey's Mcgee :)
flimer64
Unfortunately I had to leave after a few songs. The venue was dramatically oversold and seemed to be a safety risk. It sucks because they were off to a great start. Will just have to get the show from their website.
I've had great experiences seeing them at outdoor shows and will do so again. I will definitely not attend any shows for any bands at Express Live again.
jeremy-meatman-mcmil
Last night the UmpreyMcGee show was fantastic in Des Moines Iowa it was on the river at the skating park the weather was beautiful there was no warm-up group and they only took one break the weather was perfect and the show was fantastic Definitely would go see them again it was a rocking show.
franklin-brown
Better than I hoped for. Really enjoyed the show. Wish I could see the 2nd show tonight. These guys rock and had 4 encours 2hrs 42min show.
Sound board was clear, light show good and lots of X great people watching.
Kswillis
Great show. They kept it going and made us happy as they do. The jams were awesome and always the variety of music is amazing. The light show usually bugs me but this was so good. Maybe I'm learning to like it.
jcrynk
