Camp Counselor Carmel Reflects on 99 Umphrey's McGee Shows

The thing about this beast is it caters to my love of music and often times puts me, the fan, first. Headphones and Snowcones, All Things Umphrey’s, and UmLive have magnified the many special moments I’ve shared with this band. Being able to relive those moments and vote for them in the Hall of Fame each year is even more incredible. Then there’s Umbowl, which is hands down the most uniquely interactive musical experience I have ever had the pleasure to pay for. Fans actually get a chance to dictate where the band goes next and how the show will progress. I am under the impression I am not supposed to talk about the nitty gritty details of a Bill Graham event, but I will confirm it is a once in a lifetime experience that takes months of planning, debating, and arguing on what will go on the ballot. No matter the show, Umphrey’s always delivers. In return a community of followers has rallied around this band. Umphreaks near and far cram into hotel rooms with music blaring and beer spilling on the carpet just to see Umphrey’s McGee make some magic under Jefferson Waful’s magnificent lights. I will always feel young within this crowd, no matter how many shows I have under my belt. In the past 10 years we have forged through an economic recession, the EDM craze, and the rise of music festivals. Yet somehow, and very much due to a mutually beneficial relationship, the Umprhey’s community has managed to come out up on top. My 100th show will take place on November 7th in Madison, Wisconsin, which just so happens to be Umphrey’s 1,999th show. This event symbolizes my graduation into a more comprehensive approach to Umphrey’s: a PhD in Umphricology, if you will. The bar has been reset by this band time and time again, and for that, I solute them. Here’s to the next 99 shows with this sexy beast!]]>