Umphrey’s McGee canceled its show at First Avenue in Minneapolis on Saturday amid escalating unrest in the Twin Cities related to federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. The cancellation came at the direction of the historic venue itself, according to the band’s initial statement.
The decision followed two fatal shootings of U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis within weeks. On January 7th, ICE agents shot and killed Renée Good, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen. Then, on Saturday morning—the day Umphrey’s McGee was scheduled to perform in Minneapolis—federal Border Patrol agents fatally shot Alex Pretti, another U.S. citizen, during protests related to the ongoing federal operations in the city.
In the band’s first statement posted on Saturday, Umphrey’s wrote: “At the direction of @firstavenue, tonight’s show in Minneapolis has been canceled. Out of an abundance of caution and to prioritize the safety, security, and well-being of fans, staff, and the community, they have made the decision to pause all concerts scheduled for Saturday, January 24th. We’ll announce info regarding rescheduling as soon as we have it. We love you, Twin Cities—stay safe and please take care of each other.”
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The following day, the band posted a more detailed statement addressing the circumstances surrounding the cancellation:
Yesterday, we were slated to play the historic First Avenue in Minneapolis, and can’t ignore the surrounding circumstances that led to the show being canceled.
For 28 years, we have aimed to foster a musical environment that provides a healthy, safe place for our community to escape from the challenges, confusion and darkness of an intense world. Moments like this give us a chance to reflect on who is actually afforded that opportunity. For those who are sheltering in place in Minneapolis, escaping into the world of our show is not an option.
While we avoid the political fray, we do not ignore the human one. The unjust violation of basic human rights is a direct contradiction to the community and safety we strive to build at our shows. True community cannot exist without accountability — we stand with those demanding both.
Minneapolis, we’re with you. Stay safe and look out for one another. Mad Love.
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Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse at a Veterans Affairs hospital, was killed by federal agents while documenting the scene with his phone and attempting to help a woman who had been pepper-sprayed. Multiple video angles show that Pretti never reached for his legally registered firearm before being tackled by seven agents and shot multiple times. The incident sparked renewed protests and calls from state and local officials for federal forces to leave Minneapolis.
First Avenue, one of the most iconic music venues in the country and notably featured in Prince’s “Purple Rain,” made the decision to pause all concerts scheduled for Saturday as Minneapolis grappled with the aftermath of the second fatal shooting in less than three weeks.
Umphrey’s McGee has not yet announced rescheduling information for the canceled performance.