Umphrey's 11th Annual Acoustic Holiday Show: A Benefit for the Kids!

Umphrey’s McGee will be showcasing some of their favorite holiday songs, along with some rare covers, and a handful of Umphrey’s originals on December 7th when they host their Annual Acoustic Holiday Show at the Park West in Chicago.  This benefit will raise funds for The People’s Music School, the only music school in Chicago to offer free quality music education to children up until they graduate high school. This exclusive event usually contains a handful of rarities and covers along with special guest sit-ins to help add to the magic of the night.  Brendan and Jake have even welcomed the children’s choir on stage in the past to help boost the holiday atmosphere.  “My favorite memory is doing “Happy Xmas” with a children’s choir.” Brendan Bayliss shared with me, “I’ve wanted to play that song since I was old enough to remember it.” And ultimately, this show is for the kids.  The money raised at this year’s holiday show will be used to enroll kids in the People’s Music School.  “Our goal is to raise as much as we can in order to put as many kids in the school as possible,” explained event coordinator, Barry Brown. “The demand for enrollment always exceeds the funding available. So the more we raise and donate, the more kids there are that can get into the school.”  In the past, Umphrey’s has helped raise enough funds to put at least 20 kids though the school’s music education program from the time they enroll until they graduate high school. This will be the 11th year this annual charity event will taken place.  Doors of the Park West will open early so attendees can participate in UM Holiday Garage Sale, where exclusive Umphrey’s merchandise will be available at steep discounts with part of the proceeds going to The People’s Music School.  There will also be a raffle with prizes that include everything from restaurant gift cards to Summer Camp Music Festival tickets! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njxcw039eGY Tickets are currently on sale for the Annual Acoustic Holiday Show here and this event is guaranteed to sell out.  They are currently accepting donations and raffle prizes so if you would like to contribute a prize or gift certificates, please email Barry Brown at UMcharityshow@gmail.com.   After all, it’s for the kids!]]>