Umphrey's McGee
Haw River Ballroom
1-17-2025
How can one encapsulate the experience of an Umphrey's McGee concert? For over twenty-five years, this Chicago-based band has eluded easy classification, showcasing their remarkable musicianship instead. They effortlessly blend an array of genres--including classic rock, reggae, funk, disco, EDM, and metal--occasionally tossing in a country tune for variety during their more than 200 shows each year. Their unique musical style draws an incredibly diverse audience, making it common to find yourself between a millennial fan of Chance the Rapper and a baby boomer who resonates with Ozzy Osbourne. Both distinct fan groups thrive within the Umphrey's McGee community, united primarily by their appreciation for the music. This deliberate lack of genre boundaries allows for an innovative fusion that consistently creates new sounds. Such a vibrant cultural melting pot was vividly apparent at the sold-out Haw River Ballroom in Saxapahaw, NC, on January 17th.
Friday night featured a dynamic song selection that spanned over two decades, including "White Man's Moccasins" from their 2002 album Local Band Does OK and "Pure Saturation" from 2022's Asking For A Friend. The Haw River Ballroom provides an exceptional concert experience, with its intimate 750-capacity space ensuring no bad sightlines and two balconies that offer a fantastic elevated view of the stage. The venue's brick walls, and lofty ceilings create an acoustically rich environment. While Umphrey's McGee typically performs in larger arenas and at festivals since their rise in the late '90s, their shows at smaller venues like this one bring a unique charm. The band tends to keep their banter minimal, often sharing inside jokes to engage their devoted fans, and Friday was no different, except for Brendan Bayless's comment before the encore: "You guys have been great all night. We're going to have to come back here." The audience, beaming with joy, recognized they had experienced something truly special--likely a rare opportunity for fans of a band with the stature of Umphrey's McGee.
Setlist:
8:30 - 9:45
In The Kitchen
Crucial Taunt
Fenced In
Always October
White Man's Moccasins
Cut The Cable
The Floor
10:15-11:35
Puppet String
Bad Friday
Higgins
The Fussy Dutchman
Spires
Deeper
National Anthem>Puppet String
E: Pure Saturation
Glory
- Words & Photos: Tim Holbrook
