‘UMBowl II’ Starring Umphrey’s McGee

Taking place at the Windy City’s Park West, UMBowl is an explosion of improvisation with band members taking cues and ideas from the audience and each other. It’s not your typical concert and even the most fervent Umphrey’s McGee fans will tell you it’s one of the most unique shows for a band that’s known for pushing the spontaneity envelope.

UMBowl is split up into four quarters with each segment approximately 45 minutes in length.

Quarter One is called “The Fan Is the Quarterback,” a moniker that pretty much describes the action as the band displays a series of choices for the first song of the evening on large projection screens. Audience members then text their choices back to the stage with the results are tallied in real time. Other songs for this set will spring from audible call-outs by the audience.

Quarter Two is dubbed “Stew Art,” an improvisational set based on themes, scenes, ideas and concepts suggested by fans. Entries are submitted via texting and the best suggestions are added to a playbook with musical ideas bandied back and forth. The name “Stew Art” comes from Chicago’s Jimmy Stewart Ballroom where Umphrey’s McGee recorded their first successful improv session.

Quarter Three, called “Special Teams” is new to UMBowl and involves the group changing configurations, playing as duos, trios and quartets as band members exchange instruments and keep the audience guessing until…

Quarter Four is “All Request.” But this isn’t about audience members yelling out their favorites. Instead, each ticket buyer receives a ballot to vote for the songs they want to hear, including alternate versions of songs as well as “curveball covers” making the segment the perfect way to end an evening where anything is possible.

Tickets for UMBowl II went on sale last week and sold out immediately. However, there are still a few VIP packages available. Visit the Umphrey’s McGee website for more information.