Umphrey's McGee at First Avenue in Minneapolis, 1/30/09

Well, after the hell that is Minneapolis parking ramps, last night was another successful Umphrey's McGee concert at the famous First Ave. night club in Minneapolis. The band was, as usual, in top form, bringing their techno/jazz/funk/metal infused jams to the masses until 12:30 in the morning. Everyone seemed to be very satisfied after the show, and the band members were even nice enough to come out to the main floor afterwards and talk with fans such as myself, and just relax and talk music.

Now what amazes me about concerts such as this is the general don't ask don't tell policy on marijuana. At First Avenue I have seen employees confiscating cigarettes from concert-goers, and being relatively lax about enforcing drug policies. But it is somewhat understandable with shows like this. Being a huge success in the jam band genre, Umphrey's McGee draws all the regular hippie stereotypes, along with musicians checking out the players themselves. Just being in the vicinity of the concert, and myself being up in the front, it is not uncommon to experience a fairly good contact high from all of the substance in the air.

 What also amazed me is how people just seem to let go of their everyday vices at a concert like this, no one is afraid to just let themselves go and dance to their hearts content. This is generally a concert where everyone can find something to like in the band, and the talent displayed by the players is always top-notch.

Umphrey's McGee is definitely a band that I will be seeing as long as I can, and I strongly recommend that anyone with an interest in music pick up a CD of theirs, and try to make it to one of their shows when the come to a town near you, I can very strongly guarantee that it will be enjoyed by just about anyone.