In a lot of ways, 2017 seems to be a year of change for progressive jam legends, Umphrey’s McGee. When the band announced a three-night run at the Tabernacle in Atlanta this January, it unceremoniously signaled the end of their four-year tradition of playing New York’s famous Beacon Theater, to the dismay of many fans who had grown accustomed to the annual block of shows. At the time, the band claimed to be switching things up to avoid being too predictable. It was understandable, yet, many of their fans were certainly let down. Now, Umphrey’s McGee have announced the 2017 cancellation of perhaps their most beloved event for hardcore Umphreaks.
Started in 2010, UMBowl was the go-to event for Umphrey’s megafans. It was a four-set performance that mimicked a football game, with each set acting as a “quarter”, and the encore acting as ‘overtime”. Each quarter had a different theme, ranging from fan-voted jams from years past, fan-selected covers and rarities, full sets of improv, and more. UMBowl was the show where you could relive your favorite piece of improv, demand a new song from the band, vote for a crazy out-of-left-field cover, and just generally experience the band pushing themselves outside of their comfort zone. It was a way for the band to interact with their fans while on stage, giving them the ability to have a say in almost every element of the show. The band always worked with Lighting Designer Jefferson Waful to add a unique video element, parodying movies like Forrest Gump and Almost Famous, and of course their infamous collaboration with ESPN’s Around The Horn television show.
And now, UMBowl is no more. Yesterday, Umphrey’s released a statement on their website that revealed that the event would not take place in 2017. See the full statement below.
While determining plans for UM shows next year, many of you have inquired about UMBowl. We have decided to take the year off from UMBowl in 2017. We’ll continue to focus on more multi-night events across the country as well a new original studio album. Rest easy knowing that we’re not hanging up our cleats permanently, UMBowl will be back.
Umphrey’s fans across the country are sure to be upset by this news. However, one would have to imagine that the band and their management, known for their dedication and interaction with their fans, must have a few tricks up their collective sleeve in 2017 to make up for the lack of this beloved event. If there’s anything to learn from this announcement from Umphrey’s McGee, it’s to expect the unexpected.