Music | Umphrey's McGee Host a Rockin' 4th of July Weekend at Red Rocks

There were a lot of great events in Denver over the 4th of July weekend, but Umphrey’s McGee’s double header at Red Rocks was by far one of the best in town. Over the course of two nights, they shared the stage – and packed the house – with the psychedelic sounds of Sinkane, Dweezil Zappa, The Main Squeeze, and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead.

photo credit: Andrew Rios/Ultra5280

There may have been multiple openers, but Dweezil Zappa’s brilliant performance was hands-down our favorite, despite the unfortunate reminder of the feud surrounding the Zappa family. The Zappa Family Trust has recently forced Dweezil to abandon his established touring name “Zappa Plays Zappa” which he’s used for over a decade. In a mix of retaliation-meets-comedy, the familiar monicker has been replaced by “Dweezil Zappa Plays Whatever the F@%k He Wants” and he did just that. He and his band took us back through the decades by playing over 50 covers ranging from Madonna’s “Like A Virgin” to Rush’s “Tom Sawyer” dispersed through familiar renditions of Frank Zappa classics.

Umphrey’s McGee definitely showed the love as they opened up the first set of the weekend with the rock ’n’ roll meets gospel tune “Glory.”  Next they played one of their classic songs “In The Kitchen”, featuring a jam of Johnny Cash’s “Cocain Blue’s” mixed into theballad. Controversy aside, Dweezil sat in with the band, playing guitar during “Utopian Fir” and staying for vocals on his father’s nursery rhyme-inspired song “Muffin Man”.

"Dweezil Zappa Plays Whatever the F**k He Wants". (photo credit: Andrew Rios/Ultra5280)

There was a nice surprise during set break as a fireworks display serendipitously popped up behind the stage like it was meant for the show. As the grand finale was in full force, Umphrey’s made their epic return to stage. The second set came in hot with “Bridgeless”, leading into “2x2” which featured a “Star Bangled Banner” tease as well as Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m On Fire.” As if that wasn't enough, lighting designer Jefferson Waful’s full and vibrant light display added to the electrifying visual experience. His imaginative use of every color in the spectrum along with perfect timing make him one of the best lighting designers in the industry – great enough for fans of the group to know him by name. Did we mention he directed Umphrey’s McGee’s rock documentary “Reel to Real?” 

Our favorite part of the night was when the disco-era, funk driven sounds of “Booth Love” erupted from stage. They then transitioned into “Miss Tinkles Overture”, a tune created out of an inside joke about keyboardist Joel Cummins accidentally peeing on his pillow in the back of the tour van during the group’s early years. Ultra5280 last saw Umphrey’s McGee when we rang in the new year with them at the 1stBank Center, and celebrating with them again during this 4th of July weekend was truly an amazing experience. We’re anxious for their next tour announcement, curious to see when they’ll be returning to Colorado. You know our team will be there, sharing that “Umph Love!”

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Music | Jam Band-ing Our Way Into The New Year | Umphrey's McGee and The String Cheese Incident

ringing in the New Year with Umphrey's McGee (photo credit: Andrew Rios)

What an incredible way to end 2015 and start the new year! We were blessed to have the opportunity to cover two of the hottest shows happening here in Denver to ring in the Near Year - with Umphrey's Mcgee at the Fillmore for NYE, and String Cheese Incident at the 1st Bank Center on the 2nd with special guest Dominic Lalli of Big Gigantic. We're still in recovery mode and have a lot of amazing pictures to go through, but here is a taste of what's "fresh out the kitchen" from our staff photographer Andrew Rios. Keep a look out for our full review with plenty more photos set to come out later this week. Cheers!

The String Cheese Incident (photo credit: Andrew Rios) 

Music | Umphrey's McGee | Red Rocks Amphitheater | July 3rd | Recap

Umphrey's McGee at Red Rocks (Photo Credit: Blake Gavaldon)

As Independence Day weekend shifted into gear, Friday belonged to Umphrey’s McGee who brought their The London Sessions Tour to Red Rocks. The atmosphere outside was electric: the lots quickly filled, the sound systems started playing from the vehicles, all while lot-parties found their groove well before the show.

UM (Photo Credit: Blake Gavaldon)

Umphrey's McGee got the Fourth of July weekend started at Red Rocks (Photo Credit: Blake Gavaldon)

Once inside, I found myself dancing away to the polished sounds of Papadosio (I unfortunately missed TAUK).  Papadosio was a great choice for opener and really energized the crowd, but left enough room for UM to put on a strong show – a sign of a well-seasoned group. UM started by covering “In the Hall of the Mountain King” and drove straight into “Puppet String,” which eventually closed the night as well. UM’s first set shined during “Mulche’s Odyssey > Higgins > Mulche’s Odyssey” and “Pay the Snucka” medley. The second set opened with “Ringo” and then UM slipped right into a superb cover of Pink Floyd’s “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” before sliding back into “Ringo.”  

The most exciting moment, however, was the announcement of a four night run at Denver’s Fillmore Auditorium December 30th, 31st, and January 2nd.  January 1st is still a mystery – stay tuned and get ready, Denver.

-Blake Gavaldon (Special Contributor)

Set List (from UMLive.net):
Set 1: In the Hall of the Mountain King | Puppet String | 2nd Self, Go to Hell | Mulche’s Odyssey | Higgins | Mulche’s Odyssey, No Diablo, Pay the Snucka | Rocker Part 2 | The Pequod | Pay the Snucka
Set 2: Ringo | Shine on You Crazy Diamond | Ringo, Bad Friday, Divisions | Believe the Lie  | Divisions, NYE Announcement | Encore: The Triple Wide | Puppet String 

Umphrey's McGee Photo Slide Show (Photo Credit:Blake Gavaldon)