Umphrey's Mcgee at The Beacon Theatre 1/18/2014

On January 18th, 2014 my dad and I ventured to New Haven, CT to catch the 3pm train into New York City. Riding the train into the city provides many fond memories for me, as I have seen Phish many times at Madison Square Garden, which is a mere mile or so from Grand Central Station, the end of the line from New Haven. The hour train ride or so brings your right into the heart of New York City. Half the experience of going to a show in the city, is navigating to the venue through the thousands of New Yorkers, and the occasional lost jam band fan such as yourself. The Beacon Theatre was no short walk from Grand Central Station unlike MSG, the Beacon was over two miles away . 

After a long walk through the flickering bustle of New York City we finally arrived at the venue. Not many fans were gathered outside, unlike a Phish show where the fans swarm before the show outside the venue. Umphrey's Mcgee does not seem to carry the tradition of a "Shakedown Street" on the lot as often as other jam bands. We stubbed ourselves in and found our seats, which were about eight rows back in the left center stage area. The view was perfect, and the venue was aesthetically gorgeous inside. The Beacon Theatre is elegantly decorated with rich deep reds and gold leafing. The ceilings are adorned with beautiful blue and gold themed paintings, giving the ceiling a spacey glorious feeling. The band arrived on stage promptly at 9pm which was a surprise, as the doors had only opened at around 8pm. The venue packed out much quicker than I haver ever seen at a Phish show or the like. 

The band opened with a new song "October Rain" which was mellow, more so than the usual UMPH opener but it was still exciting to witness the debut of some new material. The band ripped through the first set with heavy rock songs such as 2x2, White Mans Mocassin's and a personal favorite of mine 1348.  I had heard from a friend that the band seemed rusty the night before on 1/17/14 so I was afraid for the quality of the nights show. My fear was in vain, as Umphrey's delivered a perfect electrically energetic first set, just like they always do. Umphrey's Mcgee is a band you can rely on to always play with the utmost energy and to play their hardest for every show. They certainly fulfilled all my expectations and exceeded them at the Beacon Theatre. The first set was closed with a ripping "1348" that left me ready for more action.  

The second set opened with a slower version of "All In Time" and the show quickly shifted to rage mode following it with energetic version of "Resolution". The set ripped a dance feel and the bass was heavy in the air, directly from the drummer Kris Meyers and the bassist Ryan Stasik. In the version of " Miss Tinkles Overture" the band left the structure of the song completely behind for a full on raging rock dance party cross. It was almost like a combination of a rave with a metal show and the air was thick with energy. The band ended the set with "Ocean Billy" to cap off the amazing night. The crowd went crazy as the band left the stage. A mind blowing encore ensued. The band started off with a cover of "I Am The Walrus" that was extremely on point vocally by Brendan Bayliss. Jake Cinninger, the guitarist, took advantage of his wireless guitar rig and ventured into the crowd during this song. He walked up the aisle casually ripping solos right next to me in the aisle, talk about an interactive experience. The cover of "I Am The Walrus" left the crowd smiling with shock and awe. Umphrey's Mcgee then closed out the encore with " The Fussy Dutchman" a beautifully composed rock overture with guitar harmonizing that resonated beautifully through the beautiful venue the Beacon Theatre. Umphrey's Mcgee knows how to put on a masterful, energetic show that will always leave you wanting more. 

Review by Joe Schlee