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Chicago's eclectic rock band Umphrey's McGee has been keeping fans on their toes for nearly 27 years now. Though often pigeonholed into "jam band" circles, Umphrey's doesn't fit that traditional mold; and their fans don't either. Is it prog rock? Song-forward, Beatles-esque arrangements? Be careful, they might hit you with some metal riffs mid-set, too. Amongst 2,500+ gigs and 300 million+ tracks streamed, you-had-to-be-there moments include the band's performance at the first-ever Bonnaroo and selling more CDs (remember those?) than any other act on the bill. A leader in the live music world, Umphrey's McGee became the first group to launch its own single-artist streaming service with UMLive.net, which houses recordings of every gig since 2005. The service has since grown and now lives on through Nugs.net, which is used by the likes of Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen, and more.
Beyond intimate backstage encounters and ski trips with their most diehard fans, Umphrey's McGee instituted the groundbreaking "Headphones & Snowcones" program, granting fans access to professional headphones and a soundboard-quality mix to listen wirelessly at shows. At their UMBowl, they empowered the audience to vote on the setlist in real-time and choose favorite improv themes via text message. In 2017, they stepped into another realm altogether by integrating themselves into the VR Platform Endless Riff. All of the above has earned the band status as kings of the live music scene with standing yearly engagements at iconic venues, their own events in Iceland (Rockjavick) and Mexico (Holidaze), and co-hosting Chillicothe, IL's long-running Summer Camp festival. In April 2025, Umphrey's McGee will lead their faithful fans on another bucket list musical adventure: Morockshow will feature three nights in Marrakech, Morocco, marking another signature event in an exotic location. Umphrey's McGee's latest release Asking For A Friend showcases more evolved songwriting and thoughtful arranging from a band continuing to grow and mature with their droves of die-hard, longtime fans.
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First set started ouststanding but mostly was average. But they played three full sets in this long New Years Eve show, and just got better and better. Saw them play a long late nite set last summer at All Good Festival in W.Va., and it was one of the top three shows I've ever seen. That was big shoes to fill, but this show was nearly as good.
I didnt even realize they came down and played in the crowd. It was my first Umphreys New Years but not my first Umphreys show. I was out of my mind with happiness.
Too much singing, not enough jamming. Didn't like the horns. I've seen much better, but still love them.
great show, love stasik's ffuunnkkyy bass third set (i believe) also loved the p-funk jam! i had just downloaded phish news years eve 2003 with parliament and george clinton, highly recommended. so happy to finally see um at the aarogon and well played show. the band was really on and into it. hopefully see you before summer camp!
I have been to a couple Umphrey New Year's Eve events, I think the last was 2005, and I thought this one was so much better. I thought the band played amazingly and I was happy to hear the Funk. "We want the Funk"
Everyone in the crowd was toally into the show.....the music was so awesome. the lights were crazy and i will follow the band until the day i DIE!!!!!!!
This was my first Umphrey's show and I thought it was amazing! Three set lists, a countdown to the new year and they still kept playing...can't wait to see another Umphrey's show!
Went to the show with my boyfriend, who's seen Umphrey's play 10+ times. Never having seen them live or and being relatively unfamiliar with their music, this was still one of the best shows I've ever seen. The crowd was really into them, Umphrey's played three really amazing sets- showing off their musical proficiency. Fingers crossed I'll be back in Chicago for next NYE to see them again.
Umprhey's McGee always brings a high-energy, exciting performance filled with surprises, great music along the way, and an overall excellent show. This New Years Eve was no exception. There were many surprises such as Mike Mirro on Marimba for a tune and Ryan singing a Frankie Valli song. As far as music goes, Umphrey's offers the best with extended jams, solid covers, and the occasional regular short song. The performance is always memorable and vibrant. I guarantee that one will get their money's worth and them some. For Umphrey's, this isn't just another show, instead they present a unique experience for the fans that one will never forget.
Show Rocked hard, what a way to celebrate the new year!!!!
The show absolutely rocked. Prefuse 73, the opening DJ, blew. Noone was into them at all. But it didn't matter cause Umphrey's killed it. Divisions was awesome, and the ending cemetary walk II was great.
What a set list! And the jams !! And the women!!! And the balloons!!! And the booze ok so well not the booze... 7 bucks a drink come on! But what a good time had by all. See you next year Aragon
oh, how i love thee umphrey's mcgee!! the lights were truly fantastic... the music elevated the whole room to new highs!! 14th umph show this year, and ready to rock 2010! oh, and did i mention the best fans ever!
A completely incredible show!! Umphreys fits this venue to a tee -- the music, energy, and spontaneity; the audience reaction and band interaction; the stage, the lights and the beautiful, magical Aragon Theatre. No one there last night will forget this night. 5 stars boys!!
12/30 was great- Lots of beautiful youthful women- Always nice- I didn't see too many people dripping sweat this year, must've been light on the luggage- Encore was "Lady Madonna" by the Beatles, and "Bright Lights Big City" (Umphrey's radio single)....I wanted to hear "Cemetary Walk" ! Nice light show this year, some extra money must have been dropped on that. Opener DJ Z-Trip was more than adequate, and started the party off perfectly
As I suspect they will blow up soon and be playing much larger venues.
If you have a chance to see them live, DO IT! GREAT SHOW
Every year Umphrey's gets betters!!!!! They are absolutely amazing and need to come to California more often!!! Everything about the show was fantastic, the people, the lights, the band :) I couldn't ask for anything more from that night it was epic! Iration was really good as well I had never seen them before but after their performance last night I would definately see them again! Thanks HOUSE of BLUES for having such great bands!!! Get Umphrey's more often :)
It was legitimately one of the best shows I've ever seen. Umphrey's was incredible, the sound was immense and crisp, and the whole thing nearly brought me to my knees (I stayed upright only for fear of being trampled by a large man jumping in front of me). I know for a fact that there were three types of people at this show: potheads, musicians, and their wives. I know for a fact that every single person there had a great time. Even the big drunk guy that gave me a hug and promptly fell over. Amazing.
This was my first UM show. A-fricken-mazing! Expected a Phish like jam band but these guys are something of their own kind. Amazing musicians. Super intricate super tight syncopated arrangements and killer improv jams. My left brain loves these guys. My right can't quite keep up. They construct songs like a conversation that takes so many tangents, you forgot where you started. Yeah, I know, that's their appeal. I thoroughly enjoyed it - just felt myself wanting a simple arrangement here and there.
