Umphrey's McGee Insights Group Love
Saturday night at ROTHBURY, The Dead played two long jam-tastic sets. The sun set late. And when it did, fireworks lit the sky. Through it all, the crowd danced, cheered and felt the Independence Day-love. That love kept on going long after The Dead retired their guitars for the night and Umphrey's McGee took the stage.
"Can we get a round of applause for the opening band, the Grateful Dead?" That's how Brendan Bayliss began Umphrey's McGee's late-night set on the Ranch Area Stage, alluding to the fact that The Dead played before them and ran a bit longer than planed. Not that any of the night owls at ROTHBURY complained.
During their late-night set, the group covered Pink Floyd as well as original favorites like "Mantis" and "40's Theme."
"They jammed in and out of all kinds of songs. It can be hard to keep track of songs; when they start and when they stop-especially if I don't recognize them right away. They were all great though," concertgoer Phil DeTolve said, recapping Umphrey's set the next day. "They encored with 'All in Time' which was sweet because it's my favorite."
During Umprey's set break, Pretty Lights tripped everyone out by coming on stage and playing for the crowd. "I was confused about what was happening, but I eventually figured it out. Plus, everything was surreal Saturday night. But in a good way. Just awesomely weird," DeTolve added.
Umphrey's is known for its jam band style as well as their skills as musicians. Each one of them is incredibly talented and technically advanced with what they play. They compliment each other very nicely. DeTolve's girlfriend, Nickie Mersino puts it this way: "They create magic on the stage. Being there with my boyfriend and with the new friends we met felt as though all worries were lifted and it was time to hug it out. Seriously lots of group huggin' and lovin' going on. Umphrey's McGee was a very happy experience. The incredible music was the key."
When asked if they'd come back to Rothbury, DeTolve enthusiastically replied, "This was my first Rothbury experience, and I can definitely say it exceeded any expectations that I had for it. Definitely my favorite venue I've ever been at for a festival. It's huge, but not too huge." Mersino echoed, "I was here last year and I'm back again. I don't plan on stopping. The carefree nature of Rothbury is a definite must for anyone to experience. I cherish my time at Rothbury."
One only need to to close their eyes, picture the Independence Day fireworks, the long Dead set, and the euphoric, late-night Umphrey's McGee set to understand why.
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