Photo by Brian Stollery
As per a recent statement by the band, longtime Umphrey’s McGee lighting designer Jefferson Waful “will be retiring from touring at the end of 2019.”
“For over ten years Umphrey’s McGee has been incredibly fortunate to have Jefferson Waful as our lighting designer,” UM wrote. “His inventive style, improvisational acumen, and keen eye for detail has added a valuable dimension to the UM live experience, both for band and fans alike.”
Before working with UM, Waful managed ’90s jamband Uncle Sammy, worked as an editor at Relix and Jambands.com and designed lights for moe. Waful also recently spoke at the Relix Live Music Conference.
Check out both UM and Waful’s full statements as well as Waful’s LD commentary on “Der Bluten Kat” below:
For over ten years Umphrey’s McGee has been incredibly fortunate to have Jefferson Waful as our lighting designer. His inventive style, improvisational acumen, and keen eye for detail has added a valuable dimension to the UM live experience, both for band and fans alike. With our sense of gratitude for all that he has contributed, Jefferson will be retiring from touring at the end of 2019. He will forever be part of the Umphrey’s family.
We will begin the search to fill Jefferson’s shoes shortly and are excited for what 2020 will bring. Join us in thanking Jefferson for all that he has added to the UM experience, and we wish him nothing but success on the next chapter of his distinguished career.
– Andy, Brendan, Jake, Joel, Kris, & Ryan
“This has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will always cherish. I am incredibly lucky to have fulfilled a dream and grateful to Umphrey’s McGee for giving me this opportunity. Of course none of it would be possible without such a passionate and loyal community of fans. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”
– Jefferson Waful
6 Comments comments associated with this post
MarZaPhiGar
May 29, 2019 at 10:21 amDoes this mean the return of JamNation??
Mole
May 29, 2019 at 8:46 amWe will miss seeing Jefferson (and at times) Mrs. Waful behind the board. Since he is there until the end of the year, I’d say they should do one final Rhode Island show so Jefferson’s parents can get their fill of UM one last time!
Best of luck JW. Thanks for the years of memories.
Umbro
May 28, 2019 at 11:08 pmGood riddance. Anybody can turn knobs fam.
MasterJ420
May 29, 2019 at 11:58 amYour lame
Long time fan
May 28, 2019 at 10:00 pmGood at his job, equally shitty to fans.
Doug
May 28, 2019 at 4:00 pmPineapple. The best. Go get him. No idea what he’s doing now.