Mike Gordon, Umphrey’s McGee, Primus & More Play Soggy Summer Camp On Friday

The first full day of this year’s Summer Camp Music Festival took place at Three Sisters Park in Chillicothe, Illinois on Friday. While storms made the site muddy and led to the cancellation of a handful of performances including from headliners moe., most of the sets proceeded as planned.

It was around 2 p.m. that the skies opened up with heavy rains, thunder and lightning leading organizers to huddle with local officials to make the decision to shut down the main stages. It was a good decision as detailed by the Peoria Journal-Star:

The announcement proved keen as a lightning strike was reported on the grounds, according to a press release from the festival organizers. Two campers were injured as a result of the lightning, which was first reported by the onsite medical crews, who went to a local hospital for further evaluation.

Phish bassist Mike Gordon was one of the first to take the stage when the festival resumed. Gordon, drummer John Kimock, guitarist Scott Murawski, percussionist Craig Myers and keyboardist Robert Walter treated fans to a 71-minute set. Mike’s five-piece filled just their second performance of 2017 with originals such as “Face,” “Traveled Too Far,” “Say Something,” “Let’s Go” and “How Many People Are You” as well as a take on Max Creek’s “Jones.”

Other sets of note included The Larry Keel Experience complete with a Keller Williams guest spot, members of moe. and Twiddle teaming up for an impromptu performance, TAUK welcoming members of The Main Squeeze and a double dose of Les Claypool with performances from The Claypool Lennon Delirium and Primus. Additionally, late night sets included the debut of moe.eo featuring Matt Butler conducting moe. and other musicians Everyone Orchestra style and a tribute to Green Day’s Dookie from members of UM, Aqueous and more.

Traditional headliners Umphrey’s McGee played two sets with The Main Squeeze performing a special halftime set since their own performance had been cancelled by the rain. The big news from UM’s sets was the return of “Abacab,” a Genesis cover they hadn’t played since September 22, 2011. Umphrey’s also fit in fan favorites galore including “40’s Theme,” “Utopian Fir,” “In The Kitchen,” “Der Bluten Kat” and “Much Obliged” ahead of an encore of Pink Floyd’s “In The Flesh” and “Another Brick In The Wall.

Summer Camp continues on Saturday with sets from UM, moe., The Infamous Stringdusters, EOTO, Pretty Lights Live and more.

Photos by Paul Citone

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