Good People, Bad Fridays: Umphreys and Widespread Panic

Umphrey’s McGee returns to the stage Friday, after nearly two weeks off, to open for jamband massives Widespread Panic. This marks the third time which Umphrey’s will be opening for Panic in some official capacity, two shows in Charleston (2013) and one in Columbus (2010) previously under their collective belts together. If previous shows set any precedent, interesting guest appearances and crossovers are certain to coalesce throughout the two night run, which travels from Jay, Vermont on Friday to Jones Beach in New York on Saturday.

07.13.2010 LIFESTYLE COMMUNITIES PAVILION, COLUMBUS, OH, USA
One Set: The Linear > Women Wine and Song, Search 4, End of the Road, Mullet (Over), All In Time > Wizard Burial Ground, Wife Soup > All In Time

Notes:
opened for Widespread Panic

During the initial meeting of the minds, Columbus, Ohio at the Lifestyle Communities Pavilion in 2010, Umphrey’s led with a fair set which ended stronger than it started – lengthy versions of AiT, Wizard and Wife Soup all fleshing out the end of the set (UMLIVE). Unlike the most recent WSP/UM shows, this concert was preceded with little fanfare, more a stop along the way post-All Good Festival. The only guest appearance arose when Joel Cummins joined Panic onstage for a rendition of Space Wrangler > New Mother Nature/No Sugar Tonight (which can be heard here).  

10.04.2013 FAMILY CIRCLE STADIUM, CHARLESTON, SC, USA
One Set: In The Kitchen, 40’s Theme, All In Time, Higgins[1], The Triple Wide > Hajimemashite

[1] with 25 or 6 to 4 (Chicago) jam
Notes:
opened for Widespread Panic
with Bad Poker tease before All In Time

10.05.2013 FAMILY CIRCLE STADIUM, CHARLESTON, SC, USA
Set 1: Slacker, Conduit, The Linear > 1348[1], Booth Love[2], Ain’t No Sunshine[3], Puppet String

[1] with A Love Supreme (John Coltrane) and Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (Michael Jackson) jams
[2] with Jake on keys; with There’s No Crying In Mexico tease
[3] with John Bell on vocals and guitar
Notes:
opened for Widespread Panic
last Ain’t No Sunshine 02.10.2011 (294 shows)

The 2013 run was drummed up quite a bit by comparison.  Both bands marketed the shows heavily and delivered outstanding performances in Charleston. An excellent rendition of Aint No Sunshine with John Bell during UM’s set foreshadowed the work that Jake, Joel and Farag would bring to versions of Maggot Brain and Red Hot Mama with Panic. 

What songs and sit-ins do you think they will have in store tomorrow night?

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