Happy Anniversary Umphrey’s McGee: 2001 Documentary

Umphrey’s McGee will begin a three-night stand at the Beacon Theatre in New York City tonight after having sung the “Star Spangled Banner” at Madison Square Garden before the Knicks NBA game last evening. Today is a special day in UM history as it marks 18 years since the band’s first show on this date in 1998.

Debuting in their original hometown of South Bend, Indiana where several members attended Notre Dame University, the first concert held under the Umphrey’s McGee name took place at Bridget McGuire’s Filling Station January 21, 1998. The original UM lineup included guitarist Brendan Bayliss and bassist Ryan Stasik (formerly of Tashi Station) as well as keyboardist Joel Cummins and the late Mike Mirro on drums (formerly of Stomper Bob). Percussionist Andy Farag would soon become a full-time member and by 2000 guitarist Jake Cinninger of South Bend band Ali Baba’s Tahini had come on board as well. Mirro would leave UM in 2002 to be replaced by current drummer Kris Myers, solidifying the lineup ever since.

In honor of the band’s anniversary today, below is a documentary film shot and edited by fans Jared Scott and Michael Tanoury entitled Nachos For Two that chronicles the early years of the band. The grainy VHS film includes interviews, discussion of UM’s formation, band practice, backstage rehearsals and more. It ends with 30 minutes of the band’s performance from their April 20, 2001 show at the Axis in Bloomington, Indiana. Watch:

Umphrey’s McGee takes the stage at the Beacon Theatre tonight for the first of three shows. TAUK is on board as support tonight and Friday night. UM is also screening their recently premiered self-produced documentary film Reel To Real in NYC on Saturday afternoon.