The picturesque Pier Six Pavilion in Baltimore, MD, was the epicenter of musical jubilation on Friday, August 18, 2023, as fans eagerly gathered to commemorate another stop on Umphrey's McGee's 25th Anniversary Tour. The air vibrated with anticipation as concertgoers prepared to embark on a sonic journey, enhanced by the unique twist of guest drummers due to Kris Myers' shoulder surgery.

The evening's festivities commenced with an electrifying performance by Eggy, setting the stage ablaze for the night's headlining act. Eggy's joyful solos and funky rhythms served as the perfect appetizer, showing the crowd why they are quickly on the rise in the jam band world.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the stage ignited with a kaleidoscope of lights powered by the band's lighting director, Ben Factor. Fueled by their two-and-a-half decades of passion for music, Umphrey's McGee embarked on a performance that would leave an indelible mark on the audience's memories. Despite the absence of their regular drummer, the band's unwavering dedication to their fans and virtuosic talents shone through as they seamlessly navigated the challenges.

The concert began with a burst of energy as Jake Cinninger took the reins on drums for "Resolution" and "2x2," instantly captivating the audience with his rhythmic prowess. Transitioning effortlessly, Jake returned to his guitar for "Morning," showcasing his signature shredding guitar style. The night continued with Andy Farag, the band's percussionist, manning the drums for "Attachments" and "Morning Song," adding a fresh layer of texture to the music. The first set ended with a mesmerizing sonic expedition of "Wappy Sprayberry" and David Bowie's "Let's Dance," driven by Duane Trucks' (Widespread Panic) drumming—who remained behind the kit for the remainder of the show—and a guest appearance by Michael Palmisano, an internationally renowned guitar instructor.

The band dove into the second set into the captivating journey of "Miss Tinkle's Overture," followed by the enchanting melodies of "Staircase." The seamless transition from "1348" to a rendition of Pink Floyd's "Young Lust" underscored the band's musical prowess, leaving the crowd in awe. "Night Nurse," "Gulf Stream," and an awe-inspiring performance of the Allman Brothers Band's "Jessica" further showcased the band's synergy and creativity, each member contributing their distinct talents to the collective sound. The grand finale arrived with the encore, where "Escape Goat" brought the house down in a crescendo of musical excellence. 

Eggy's spirited opening act, coupled with Umphrey's McGee's resounding performance, created an evening of pure musical euphoria. The 25th Anniversary Tour stop at Pier 6 Pavilion was a testament to the band's resilience, adaptability, and unwavering dedication to their fans. Umphrey's McGee will continue their 25th anniversary tour with Duane Trucks, Ben Atkind (Goose), Jeremy Salken (Big Gigantic), and Jason Bonham filing in for Kris Myers on drums. Tickets are still available to most shows for the rest of the year. 

Click below to watch "Let's Dance" on Michael Palmisano's YouTube Channel.