There are nights you just know you’ll be talking about for years, and Umphrey’s McGee at Driftless Music Gardens on August 23, 2025 was one of them. Everything lined up perfectly—the band, the crowd, the setting, and especially the weather. Seriously, I couldn’t have dreamt up a better night than this one. The stars popped out overhead like they knew they were part of the show, and the Gardens once again proved why it’s my absolute favorite place to see live music.
The lawn was comfortably packed—everyone buzzing with anticipation as dusk settled in. At around 8 p.m., just as the last streaks of sunlight faded over the hills, Umphrey’s hit the stage. You could feel the collective electricity run through the crowd the second they opened with “Prowler.” It was the perfect kickoff before gliding into “The Crooked One.” And then, without missing a beat, the band dropped into fan-favorite “Ringo,” and the place erupted. It’s a song that always gets people moving, and this version stretched out with just the right amount of improvisation to set the tone for the night.
From there, things only got bigger. “Got Your Milk (Right Here)” brought a heavy, slamming groove that hit hard. That was followed by a soaring “Staircase.” Then, by the time they slid into “Thin Air” to close the set, it felt like the whole crowd was floating a few feet off the ground. That’s the beauty of a Driftless night—you’ve got the music lifting you higher, and then you look up and there’s the Milky Way staring right back at you. The first set dropped jaws and vastly exceeded expectations.
After a quick breather, set two came in swinging. They launched into a sprawling “Der Bluten Kat,” which, if you’ve ever seen it live, you know is less a song and more of a journey. Midway through, they surprised everyone by debuting “All I Want Is You.” Next, before anyone could catch their breath, Umph folded it right back into “Der Bluten Kat,” then detoured into “Out of Focus,” and eventually circled back to finish “Der Bluten Kat” proper. It was a full-on rock rollercoaster—the kind of thing that makes you appreciate just how fearless this band is.
And as if one sandwich wasn’t enough, they served up another. This time, it was “Small Strides,” which the band stretched out into a hilariously fun cover of Beck’s “Debra.” The singalong energy during that one was off the charts, and each voice echoed through DMG. Then, just as smoothly as it started, they brought it back around to finish “Small Strides.” Honestly, that was my highlight of the night. It was playful, meaningful, and showcased the band’s knack for both musicianship and showmanship.
After all the fireworks, Umphrey’s took a softer turn with “Hajimemashite” to close the set. It’s one of those songs that always tugs on the heartstrings, and on a star-filled Wisconsin night, it hit especially deep. You could tell the whole crowd felt everything all at once. The buildup of Haji into the glorious Jake solo left us all wanting more.
In the best interests of all attendees, Umphrey’s wasn’t done. They returned for a two-song encore that sealed the deal: “The Fuzz,” gritty and groovy, straight into a big-energy cover of the Allman Brothers’ “Jessica.” Talk about ending on a high note. This one had everyone dancing like it was the finale of a festival weekend, hands held up, the Umph logo in the air, and pure joy spilling out under the Driftless sky.
What made the night so special wasn’t just the setlist—it was how everything came together—from the pristine weather to the natural beauty of Driftless Music Gardens and a band that clearly came to throw down. Umphrey’s McGee thrives on unpredictability and connection, and that night, they gave us both in heaps of jam-filled moments.
Walking back through the fields afterward, with the echoes of “Debra” still bouncing around in my head, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Nights like this don’t come around often, but when they do, they remind you why we do what we do. I am so happy to have seen this all unfold, and to be a part of it was a dream come true. I really hope this isn’t the last time we see Umphrey’s McGee at Driftless Music Gardens.
