We’ll cut right to the chase and highlight two particular high points for the upcoming tour – the continuance of the band’s popular Stew Art Series and its “Enhanced Experience” fan packages for its Halloween Monster Mash-Up.

The Stew Art Series, aka S2, is a series of improvisational shows taking place before the evening’s performance and consisting of fans directing the band. To accomplish this, fans text ideas, descriptive words, phrases and pop culture references to the Umphrey’s Mozes mobile interface. The suggestions and remarks are then filtered by the band’s “sound caresser” Kevin Browning and projected on a screen for the band to act upon. Considered more like an experiment than a concert, these sessions often take place in front of small, intimate audiences and offer experiences you’re not likely to find anywhere else.

For the band’s Halloween Monster Mash-Up slotted for St. Louis’ Pageant Oct. 30-31, the group has come up with “Partyin’ Peeps Enhanced Experience” fan packages. These include express entry into the venue each night, a limited edition Halloween Jeff Wood 3D hologram poster, VIP area access with private cocktail service, an exclusive Halloween / band merch item, a private post-show party and more.

With different pricing levels to choose from, the Platinum Partyin’ Peeps option gives you and 20 of your friends your own private dressing room backstage, a private meet-n-greet with the band (in their costumes), a tour of the tour bus plus other fun stuff.

While the band’s first September date is Sept. 4 at Chicago’s North Coast Music Festival, the day-after-day touring schedule doesn’t really begin until the band rolls into Knoxville, Tenn., for a gig at the Valarium Sept. 23. Next is Memphis at Minglewood Hall Sept. 24; Oklahoma City at the Diamond Ballroom Sept. 25 and Fayetteville, Ark., at George’s Majestic Lounge Sept. 26. Other stops include Albuquerque, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Missoula, Cleveland, Des Moines and Live Oak, Fla.

Umphrey’s McGee also plays the Mayan Holidaze in Puerto Morelos, Mexico, Jan. 30.

For more information on the tour, S2 and those Partyin’ Peeps Enhanced Experience packages, click here for the Umphrey’s McGee website.