Umphrey's McGee

In the twenty-four years since eclectic improv-rock band Umphrey’s McGee formed, their sound has been an amalgamation of genres, moods, and tempos, effortlessly flowing from one feeling to the next throughout an album or concert—or sometimes within a singular song. But with time and repetition comes wisdom and maturity, both personally and musically, and in the case of the band’s new album Asking For A Friend, Umphrey’s McGee entered the recording studio with something to say and a wise, measured way to say it.

With five sets and two encores over the course of two nights, Umphrey’s McGee concluded 2022 and kicked off the new year in Atlanta at the Coca-Cola Roxy.

Night one on Dec. 30 featured two sets and an encore totaling 15 songs.

Today we’re also announcing appearances by Billie Eilish, FINNEAS, Steph Curry, Eugene Mirman, and Seth Godin with performances by MILCK x Autumn Rowe, Filter, Local H, Post Animal, Dead Sara and more with 400+ artists confirmed for our November 8th, Election Day webcast. They join previously announced Run the Jewels (Holy Calamavote TV concert rebroadcast), CNCO, Rise Against, OK Go, Lake Street Dive, Los Lobos, The Revivalists, Shakey Graves, Carl Craig, Umphrey’s McGee and more with the full lineup available HERE: https://ivotedfestival.org​

The inaugural Sacred Rose Fest is less than 2 weeks away. For the first time ever there will be a weekend full of music as diverse as the Grateful Dead in its current form. Phil Lesh playing with Nels Cline and Jeff Tweedy as well as Karl Denson, Stu Allen, Grahame Lesh, Jeff Chimenti, and Elliott Peck all in one headlining slot!?! Khruangbin, JRAD, Umphrey’s McGee, Disco Biscuits, Lotus, Elliott Peck’s Midnight North, Holly Bowling, and the Gone Gone Beyond are kicking it all off?!? The list is exciting and inviting.

To kick off their “New Wings” music video, perennial improv-rock favorites Umphrey’s McGee turn to a George Lucas-esque setup before the tape rolls:

“It is March 2020. The world has entered a pandemic lockdown. EVERYONE IS HOME. After 22 years, Umphrey’s McGee is unable to tour. Amidst the global chaos, they reach out to each other, and to their fans. To do this, they must spread NEW WINGS.”

Where to even begin when trying to tell you about the last ever Northwest String Summit? To put into words what this last gathering was, and the effect that this festival has had on the Northwest over the last 20 years is nearly impossible. After three long years of waiting out a pandemic, this gathering was what everyone’s heart needed. It truly was a labor of love, and you could feel it in every corner of the venue.

In the twenty-four years since eclectic improv-rock band Umphrey’s McGee formed, their sound has been an amalgamation of genres, moods, and tempos, effortlessly flowing from one feeling to the next throughout an album or concert—or sometimes within a singular song.

Rock behemoths Umphrey’s McGee descended upon the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado this Friday for their first of two shows, delivering an all-encompassing set of classics, new tunes, sit-ins and covers, including an emotional rendition of the Queen and David Bowie classic “Under Pressure” featuring the great Jennifer Hartswick of Trey Anastasio Band on vocals.

In Umphrey’s McGee’s never ending quest to provide their fanbase with the most unique live and recorded musical experiences, the band has adopted, or in most cases, developed, a quiver of show- and album-enhancing tools for fans.

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