Umphrey’s McGee is a progressive and experimental rock band, out of Chicago, Illinois. First founded in 1997, they have made a name for themselves with their improvisational style forging a path in the fashion of jam-scene greats like the Greatful Dead and Phish.

The band formed at the University of Notre Dame in 1997 by Brendan Bayliss (guitar and vocals), Ryan Stasik (bass), Joel Cummins (keyboard), and Mike Mirro (drums). The name Umprey’s McGee is said to be taken from two distant relatives of Bayliss, both named Humphries McGee. The band jokes that, “they’re both suing us.”

Umprey’s McGee released their first album, Greatest Hits Vol. III, in 1998. Five more studio releases followed; Local Band Does OK (2002), Anchor Drops (2004), Safety In Numbers (2006), The Bottom Half (2007), Mantis (2009), and Death By Stereo (2011). These releases, regular touring, and appearances on network television and major magazines has proved the band has staying power. Their dedicated fan base will back that up.

In addition to Bayliss, Stasik, and Cummins, the current line up includes Andy Farag (percussion), Jake Cinninger (guitar and vocals), and Kris Myers (drums, vocals). In January 2014, the Umphrey’s McGee website announced the sad news that former drummer, Mike Mirro, had died.

Umphrey’s McGee played at The Fillmore in Detroit, Michigan on 01-Feb-2014. Chris Betea of National Rock Review was on hand to capture the imagery of their show.

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Umphrey’s McGee is:
Brendan Bayliss
Joel Cummins
Ryan Stasik
Andy Farag
Jake Cinninger
Kris Myers

Umphrey’s McGee online:
umphreysmcgee.com/
facebook.com/umphreysmcgee
twitter.com/umphreysmcgee
myspace.com/umphreysmcgee

Imagery by Chris Betea
Article by Dave Ball

 

About The Author

Chris was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and he is the head photographer, owner and founder of Chris Lawrence Photography. He spent most of his life in construction, until he picked up a camera for the first time two years ago photographing the local music scene. He is also employed with Real Detroit Weekly, and The Detroit Free Press Metromix. Chris has photographed musicians such as Metallica, Korn, and Phil Anselmo.