Umphrey’s Mcgee to perform at Pittsburgh’s Stage AE

Music fans of Morgantown should drop whatever plans they have for the evening and make the short trip to Pittsburgh tonight to see Umphrey’s McGee and The Bright Light Social Hour perform at Stage AE.

Umphrey’s McGee is one of the top touring artists within the music festival scene. The group has performed at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, All Good Music Festival, Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival and Lollapalooza in Chicago.

The trip to Pittsburgh is not a far drive, and the night of music will be well worth it.

Many consider Umphrey’s McGee a jam band, but that’s not the most accurate description.

While the band displays many elements of a jam band – instrument solos and long improvisations – their sound and showmanship bring the band to a different level than a stereotypical jam band.

One of the most common claims from Umphrey’s McGee fans is every show is a different, but still amazing, experience.

In support of their latest album, "Death By Stereo," Umphrey’s McGee embarked on a nationwide tour, playing popular venues and music festivals.

"Our live show is malleable and every night is its own thing, where you never know where things are going to go," said keyboard player Joel Cummins via www.umphreys.com. "People aren’t used to us playing three-and-a-half to four-minute songs back to back, so this album is a completely different experience than our live show, which is certainly something we were trying to do."

The band incorporates numerous genres of music – jazz, hard rock and electronic – and knows how to blend these styles well.

"Umphrey’s McGee stand revealed as consummate musical alchemists, deftly reconfiguring sounds from rock’s vast panoply of styles," wrote Entertainment Weekly.

When seeing Umphrey’s McGee perform live, it is obvious they will go to great lengths to ensure the crowd’s satisfaction.

At the 2012 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, the band performed the late night set Friday, which lasted from 2 a.m. to daylight, even though Jake Cinninger (guitar/vocals) had a baby scheduled to be born soon after.

This dedication defines the band, and it shows in their performances.

The Bright Light Social Hour will open the night of music with their wild and retro rock style.

These up-and-coming artists are on the road in support of their self-titled debut album.

Since the release of the album, the band has played at SXSW 2012, 2012 Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival and has also opened for Aerosmith.

With a classic rock feel and a big-party vibe, the band certainly has a high ceiling.

Tickets for the show are available at Ticketmaster.com for $29.75.

The festivities begin at 7:30 p.m.