The band I’ve seen more than any other band ever is going out on tour again, and guess what — I’m going to go see them twice. Why not, AM I RIGHT?!?
I’ve got Umphrey’s McGee lined up for Halloween this year right here in SF, which is crazy cool considering I’ve never gotten to catch an UM show during the always-rambunctious All Hallow’s Eve celebrations. I’ve also put in a special request for the band, which I’m quite excited about and I hope they follow through on. I want them to open with “Dead Man’s Party” by Oingo Boingo, quite possibly one of the best songs ever that UM has not already covered in the past at one point or another. This band always covers something. I’ve seen them do “Sledgehammer.” I’ve seen them do “Sister Christian.” I was even there when they teased “Super Freak” on that the day Rick James died. I really hope they decide to open with this tune, easily one of the best 80’s new wave songs just meant for a play on Halloween alongside “The Monster Mash” and “Thriller.” I know they can pull it off.
Also, the band just announced their New Year’s Eve run at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago, which will be absolutely incredible. I’ve spent four out of my last five NYE’s with UM and I’m not sure I’m going to be making it this one this time given that I’m seeing them in October, but we’ll try to get some coverage up on the run and update on the festivities as the new year approaches.
Umphrey’s McGee 2008 Tour Dates
10.02 State Theatre Kalamazoo MI
10.03 Emens Auditorium Muncie IN
10.04 CEFCU Ctr. Stage @ The Landing Peoria IL
10.09 Northern Lights Clifton Park NY
10.10-11 Higher Ground Ballroom Burlington VT
10.13 Moog Fest / Grand Ballroom @ Manhattan Ctr New York NY
10.14-16 Blender Theatre at Gramercy New York NY
10.17 Smith Opera House Geneva NY
10.18 Electric Factory Philadelphia PA
10.23 Richards on Richards Vancouver B.C.
10.24 Crystal Ballroom Portland OR
10.25 Showbox at the Market Seattle WA
10.27 Crystal Bay Club Casino Crystal Bay NV
10.28 House of Blues West Hollywood CA
10.29 House of Blues San Diego CA
10.31 Warfield Theatre San Francisco CA
11.01 Slim’s San Francisco CA
11.14 Eagles Club Milwaukee WI
11.15 Cannery Ballroom Nashville TN
11.16 The Music Farm Charleston SC
11.18-19 Bijou Theater Knoxville TN
11.20 The National Richmond VA
11.21-22 Nightclub 9:30 Washington D.C.
12.11-15 Caribbean Holidaze Jamaica
12.29-31 The Auditorium Theatre Chicago IL
Umphrey’s Announces 2008 New Year’s Run
For the past eight years, Umphrey’s McGee has celebrated the final days of December in our hometown of Chicago, ringing in the New Year with a run of concerts at some of the city’s finest venues.
The tradition continues in 2008 as we host three nights to celebrate the end of yet another year, ushering in the next. The band will perform December 29th, 30th, and 31st at the visually stunning and acoustically perfect Auditorium Theatre, in the heart of downtown Chicago. Since 1889, this historic 3,700-seat theatre has been graced with the performances of many legendary artists. It is our honor and pleasure to bring the Umphrey’s McGee extended family to this wonderful establishment for three not-to-be missed events. Stay tuned for details regarding ConsiderItDan travel packages and VIP travel packages.
Some artists that have played at the Auditorium Theatre:
Jimi Hendrix Experience, Beach Boys, Ravi Shankar, Aretha Franklin, Duke Ellington, Sly & the Family Stone, Miles Davis, The Band, Sergio Mendes & Brasil, Cannonball Adderly, Frank Zappa & the Mothers Of Invention, The Who, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Eric Clapton, Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Black Sabbath, The Grateful Dead, Traffic, The Doors, T. Rex, King Crimson, Lou Reed, Fleetwood Mac, David Bowie, Jefferson Airplane, The Kinks, Pink Floyd, The Byrds, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, The Allman Brothers, Deep Purple, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Santana, Genesis, Queen, Roxy Music, Janis Joplin, Van Morrison, Bruce Springsteen, Chicago Symphony Orchestra
The list continues with recent appearances by Radiohead, Wilco, REM, Eddie Vedder, and now Umphrey’s McGee!
Here is the history behind Umphrey’s last eight New Year’s Eve events:
2007 – 12.29, 12.30, 12.31 – The Aragon Ballroom (with support from The Wailers and Tortoise)
2006 – 12.29, 12.30, 12.31 – The Aragon Ballroom (with support from Taj Mahal, Los Lobos, and North Mississippi All Stars)
2005 – 12.30 and 12.31 – The Aragon Ballroom (with support from Keller Williams)
2004 – 12.30 and 12.31 – The Riviera Theatre (with support from Buckethead and Mini Kiss)
2003 – 12.29, 12.30, and 12.31 – The Vic Theatre
2002 – 12.30, 12.31 – The Vic Theatre
2001 – 12.31 – The Vic Theatre
2000 – 12.31 – The Cubby Bear
Monday, 29 December 2008
The Auditorium Theatre
50 East Congress
Chicago, Illinois 60605
– doors: 7:00 pm
– show: 8:00 pm
– 18 and over
Tuesday, 30 December 2008
The Auditorium Theatre
50 East Congress
Chicago, Illinois 60605
– doors: 6:00 pm
– show: 7:00 pm
– All Ages
Wednesday, 31 December 2008
The Auditorium Theatre
50 East Congress
Chicago, Illinois 60605
– doors: 7:00 pm
– show: 8:30 pm
– 18 and over
