After the departure of Jefferson Waful, Umphrey’s McGee have enlisted a new lighting director, Ben Factor.

The 24-year-old LD has previously worked behind the boards for Spafford – who have toured many times with UM – as well as Mungion. In Waful’s absence, Factor ran lights part time for UM during a stint of their 2019 fall tour.

“Umphrey’s just about single handedly inspired me to pursue lighting,” says Factor. “I’ve had a handful of life epiphanies while at UM shows so this really is a full circle opportunity for me. I’ve been consciously and subconsciously preparing for this gig for years.”

Added Umphrey’s McGee, “We are elated to welcome him aboard and have no doubt fans are going to find Ben’s approach to be fresh yet familiar, captivating yet complementary. Four nights at The Fillmore in Denver, Colorado over the New Year’s run mark Ben’s official start.”

Learn more about Factor at BenFactorProductions.com.

Read Umphrey’s full statement below:

Umphrey’s is pleased to announce the latest addition to Team UM as we welcome Ben Factor aboard as our new Lighting Director. Hailing from New York, Ben joins UM at the spry young age of 24. Despite being a guitarist and graduating with a degree in Sound Engineering from the University of Michigan (a tough sell for Brendan), Ben’s passion lies in the visual realm. His innate talent, design instincts, work ethic, and all around “nice guy” demeanor make him a natural fit for UM.

“Umphrey’s just about single handedly inspired me to pursue lighting,” Ben says. “I’ve had a handful of life epiphanies while at UM shows so this really is a full circle opportunity for me. I’ve been consciously and subconsciously preparing for this gig for years.”

We are elated to welcome him aboard and have no doubt fans are going to find Ben’s approach to be fresh yet familiar, captivating yet complementary. Four nights at The Fillmore in Denver, Colorado over the New Year’s run mark Ben’s official start.

Onward & upward.