Last night, Umphrey’s McGee returned to The Taft Theatre for their second of two nights in Cincinnati, OH and just the third show on their ongoing 20th anniversary tour. The show began with a pair of songs last played on New Year’s Eve, “Nothing Too Fancy” > “Remind Me”, before UM classic “Uncle Wally” made its first appearance since last summer in the three-spot. From there, the band took flight for a non-stop voyage through “Preamble” and into “Mantis”, which made its way into a “dub” version of Pink Floyd‘s “Breathe” before landing back in “Mantis” to finish set one.

The second set began with a powerful “Draconian”, and kept up the momentum with a fantastic “Intentions Clear” > “Wizard Burial Ground” segment. “1000 Places To See Before You Die” came next, and saw the band welcome sax player Casey Cranford to add some extra brass texture.

“Ringo” followed, and moved into improvisational space before slipping unfinished into “Steppin’ Out”. Finally, “Steppin’ Out” found its way back into “Nothing Too Fancy”, bookending the show with a callback to the song that opened it.

The encore had even more surprises in store, as the band began with the live debut of “Looks“, one of the pre-released singles from their imminent new album, it’s not us, before a triumphant “Glory” victory lap sent the crowd home satisfied.

Next up for the band is their highly anticipated album release party tonight in Chicago. To listen to the new album and read our review, head here. For more information on the ongoing tour, or to purchase tickets, hit the band’s website.

Watch an assortment of fan-shot videos from Umphrey’s McGee’s second of two shows at Cincinnati, OH’s Taft Theatre below via YouTube user iccuspunk:

“Uncle Wally”

“1000 Places To Go Before I Die”

“Looks”, “Glory” (Encore)

SETLIST: Umphrey’s McGee | The Taft Theatre | Cincinnati, OH | 1/13/18

Set 1: Nothing Too Fancy > Remind Me, Uncle Wally, Preamble > Mantis > Breathe[1] > Mantis

Set 2: Draconian, Intentions Clear > Wizard Burial Ground, 1000 Places to See Before You Die[2], Ringo[3] > Steppin’ Out > Nothing Too Fancy

Encore: Looks[4], Glory

[1] “dub” version
[2] with Casey Cranford on saxophone
[3] unfinished
[4] debut, original

Support: Big Something
Purchase audio via UMLive: 01.13.2018, Taft Theatre, Cincinnati, OH

[Cover photo via Umphrey’s Facebook/TourGigs]