Photo by Abby Fox

On June 16 and 17, 2023, Umphrey’s McGee took the stage at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colo., delivering thrilling performances that left guests in awe. The band showcased their musical prowess and improvisational skills throughout the night after performances by moe.–which together–created an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.

The first set kicked off with “Nipple Trix,” leading into “1348.” The band then transitioned into “Day Nurse” and “Pure Saturation” before diving into the dynamic “Triangle Tear” – a surefire jam. The energy in the venue was palpable as Umphrey’s McGee seamlessly flowed into “In The Kitchen” and “2nd Self.” The crowd was treated to a special moment when Rob Derhak replaced Ryan Stasik on vocals during a mesmerizing rendition of “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking,” accompanied by Vinnie Amico on cowbell, Jim Loughlin on percussion, Al Schnier on guitar, and Nate Wilson on keys.

After a brief break, the second set commenced with “Small Strides,” captivating the audience with its infectious rhythm. The band continued to captivate with fan favorites like “Bridgeless” and “Escape Goat,” showcasing their ability to seamlessly blend genres and create a sonic journey. The energy reached new heights during “Ocean Billy” before transitioning into the melodic “Wife Soup.”

For the encore, Umphrey’s McGee returned to the stage to the delight of the crowd and launched into “All In Time.” The audience sang along, fully immersed in the band’s performance and relishing the communal experience of live music at the iconic outdoor venue.

The next evening, Umphrey’s McGee returned to the majestic amphitheater for another incredible night of music. The band delivered a show that was equipped with a setlist as equally dynamic and diverse as the night before, showcasing their ability to seamlessly blend genres and take their fans on a musical journey.

The evening kicked off with the electrifying “JaJunk,” accompanied by a tease of the iconic “Top Gun Theme,” adding an extra layer of excitement to the performance. Umphrey’s McGee then transitioned into “Cemetery Walk,” captivating the audience with its melodic intricacies. The energy continued to build as the band launched into the fan-favorite “Slacker” and the atmospheric “White Man’s Moccasins.” The frame took a darker turn with “The Silent Type,” showcasing the band’s versatility. Closing out the first set was the energetic and uplifting “40’s Theme,” leaving the crowd buzzing with anticipation for what was to come.

The second set began with the epic “Miss Tinkle’s Overture,” setting the stage for an exhilarating musical experience. Umphrey’s McGee continued to impress with the seamless transition from “Staircase” into “Wappy Sprayberry” before completing the version of “1348” that was left unfinished from the previous night’s performance. The band then launched into the dynamic “Plunger,” followed by the emotionally charged “Glory” featuring moe.’s Chuck Garvey on guitar. The crowd was treated to a special debut performance of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” with Kris Myers and Jim Loughlin joining in on vocals, Amico on drums, and Garvey on guitar, adding a unique twist to the song. The set concluded with “Believe the Lie” and a captivating rendition of “Cemetery Walk II,” leaving the audience in awe of Umphrey’s McGee’s musical prowess.

The shows at Red Rocks Amphitheatre were a testament to Umphrey’s McGee’s ability to captivate their audience with their diverse repertoire, improvisational skills, and seamless transitions between genres along with their connection with moe.

Umphrey’s McGee
Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, Colo.
June 16, 2023
Set I: Nipple Trix > 1348[1] > Day Nurse > Pure Saturation > Triangle Tear, In The Kitchen-> 2nd Self, Can’t You Hear Me Knocking[2]

Set II: Small Strides, Bridgeless, Escape Goat, Ocean Billy > Wife Soup

Enc.: All In Time

Notes:

[1] with March of the Winkies (Arlen) tease; incomplete

[2] with Rob Derhak replacing Ryan, along with Vinnie Amico on cowbell, Jim Loughlin on percussion, Al Schnier on guitar, and Nate Wilson on keys

Umphrey’s McGee
Red Rocks Amphitheatre — Morrison, Colo.
June 17, 2023

Set I: JaJunk[1], Cemetery Walk, Slacker, White Man’s Moccasins, The Silent Type, 40’s Theme

Set II: Miss Tinkle’s Overture, Staircase > Wappy Sprayberry > 1348[2], Plunger > Glory[3], Believe the Lie, Enter Sandman[4], Cemetery Walk II

Notes:

[1] with Top Gun Theme (Faltermeyer) tease

[2] completing the 2023-06-16 version

[3] with Chuck Garvey on guitar

[4] debut, Metallica; with Kris and Jim Loughlin on vocals, Vinnie Amico on drums, and Chuck Garvey on guitar