By Shaun Christensen christss@iusb.edu
Normally performances at the Morris have a crowd that is a little older. Plus, the atmosphere is generally a little calmer than that of larger venues and the security presence usually maintains minimal visibility. But things were a little different Apr. 18 when local talent, turned up and coming, nationally recognized act Umphrey's Mcgee came back home to South Bend.
The music can best be described as intelligent, overwhelming, and sprawling both in length, virtuosity, and the musical influences which it drew. The crowd openly and loudly loved every minute of it.
"We have a great grassroots network of fans, and we try to get intimate with them. For us it is about giving back to the fans who are committed to our music," explained Umphrey's Mcgee drummer, Kris Myers. "At the end of the day, we're just playing music-that is what it is all about. We try to do different things and have fun while we're doing it." The show began at 8 p.m. and the band played through midnight with only one major pause. The first set consisted mostly of tunes from Umphrey's new album, Mantis, which is filled with songs never performed live before their recording. The second set consisted of many old favorites that got the crowd riled up and into it for the long haul.
An eerie time was had by all as they listened to the intelligent and spontaneous soundscapes emanating from the stage. For some, enjoyment of the show was augmented by the six-foot inflatable phallus that was being thrown around during the second set and the fresh scent of potent and skunky marijuana that was floating through the air at the beginning of nearly every song.
The band showed respect to its South Bend roots when guitarist Brendan Bayliss took the stage in a fresh Notre Dame Football jersey, and again when he addressed the city as the "motherland" to the cheers of the crowd.
About halfway through the first set Steve "Krojo" Krojniewski, drummer from South Bend based jazz/funk/fusion band Half-Pint Jones, was introduced as a special guest and played with the band for a short while.
Umphrey's at the Morris experience was interesting and fantastic. All there is to say is that Umphrey's knows exactly how to get down because they know exactly who their audience is, and exactly how to please them.
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