Umphrey’s McGee Stretched and Shaped a Dynamic Set at Ascend Amphitheater
Ascend Amphitheater — Nashville, TN | August 19, 2017
Umphrey’s McGee delivered a fluid, exploratory performance at Ascend Amphitheater on a Saturday night, leaning into improvisation and musical range rather than predictable structure. In an outdoor setting that rewarded space and patience, the band allowed songs to evolve gradually, blurring the lines between composition and spontaneous invention.
Guitars moved easily between precision riffing and extended melodic runs, while keyboards and rhythm section shifted seamlessly to support each turn. Rather than spotlighting individual players, the band emphasized collective movement, with transitions unfolding organically and without obvious cues. The result was a set that felt continuous, built more on feel and listening than on sharp stops and starts.
Dynamics played a central role. Quieter passages were given room to settle before expanding into denser, more forceful sections. The pacing remained flexible but controlled, keeping the audience engaged even as songs stretched well beyond standard forms.
The performance highlighted Umphrey’s McGee’s defining strength as a live act—adaptive, collaborative, and comfortable letting the music dictate direction rather than the clock.
Band (2017 touring lineup)
• Brendan Bayliss — vocals, guitar
• Jake Cinninger — guitar
• Joel Cummins — keyboards
• Andy Farag — percussion
• Kris Myers — drums
• Ryan Stasik — bass
Band social
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/umphreysmcgee
Venue Facebook
• https://www.facebook.com/AscendAmp
