Umphrey's McGee: North Coast Music Fest.

Article Contributed by Lisa Torem | Published on Thursday, September 8, 2016

To call them a jam band, is to under emphasize their talents beyond this style. True, they play long form, but there is never a wasted moment in their creative output, which was primarily instrumental, but with some impressive vocal hooks. Yes, they play long form, but there is never a wasted moment in their creative output, which was primarily instrumental, but with some fancy vocal hooks.

This sextet formed eighteen years ago in South Bend, Indiana, and early in the set, warmly expressed their appreciation to their fellow Midwesterners--most of whom knew the band’s trajectory by heart--for years of support. Brendan Bayliss, Joel Cummins, Ryan Stasik, Andy Farag, Jake Cinninger and Kris Myers did not disappoint. They pulled out all of the stops, delving into funk, bluegrass, psychedelia, rock and signature  selects.

The riveting light show was another element, yet even without the pomp, this band would have gripped the crowd tightly in their palms.  Although the arrangements required stellar concentration, they never once lost contact with their fans or focus with their musical narratives. Their enthuse, precision transitions and technical expertise radiated across the grassy fields and clear skies. And to the fans’ delight, they went on to play three absorbing and blissful encores.

Set List: Sirius, The Floor, 40s Theme, In The Kitchen, Glory, Wappy Sprayberry, Plunger, Piranhas, Puppet String, Remind Me, August, Puppet String.

Encore: The Triple Wide, Electric Avenue To Hell, Mulche’s Odyssey