Umphrey’s McGee jam band lights up IU Auditorium

An evening of screaming fans, trance-like dancing, rhythmic guitar chords and vibrant varieties of tie-dye culminated to one predominant theme: You must jam.

Genre-bending Umphrey’s McGee played before an enthusiastic crowd Thursday night at the IU Auditorium.

The band, founded in South Bend 12 years ago, is famous among fans for its signature improvisation and musical unpredictability.

Bloomington resident Kellen McCormack said he was excited to see Umphrey’s for the seventh time.

“I think they attract such a large following because of an extreme versatility that branches many genres,” he said. “There’s a lot of free form. They consistently put on a great show and it’s always something new.”

Outbursts of “Yeah!” and “I love you!” filled the auditorium as lights dimmed and the band appeared on stage. Swirling rings of smoke were visible beneath flashing red, blue, yellow and orange lights moving according to the music’s intensity.

“If I walk away, you’ll bury me,” lead singer Brendan Bayliss belted out into a powerful combination of drums, bass, keyboard, synth and guitar.

Bobbing and swaying to the beat, audience members pumped their fists into the air and sang along.

After the song, featuring a six-minute instrumental interlude, Bayliss addressed the crowd: “What’s up, Btown?”

His inquiry was met by an eruption of unintelligible shrieks.

One fan, attired in a rhinestone-studded silver cape and oversized goggles, ran into the Auditorium lobby and declared: “I’m here to rage!”

“This is one of the more wild and crazy events since Umphrey’s appeals to mostly students,” said sophomore Brittany Martin, who is a student manager of ushers at the auditorium.

She said 1,104 tickets were sold prior to the event, not including walk-up sales the day of the show.

Security guards patrolled the main floor to insure safety within the large crowd. But that didn’t stop passionate displays of dancing.

Butler University  student Bill Buehler said he heard about the show from IU friends. He traveled from Indianapolis to see the band for the 32nd time.

“I follow Umphrey’s because they offer such a fresh variety of progressive, regressive improvisation,” he said. “They’ve got an ever-changing set list, and sometimes they throw covers in.”

Junior Sara Stanley said she’s been a die-hard Umphrey’s fan for five years. She said songs such as “Bad Poker“ and “Andy’s Last Beer” frequently play on her iPod.

“It’s awesome to be here because they play great shows,” she said. “They’re from Indiana, and they know they have a big fan base in Indiana. They play better here than anywhere else.”