Umphrey’s McGee Details New Year’s Day Plans

Back on July 3 at Red Rocks, Umphrey’s McGee revealed they would be bringing their annual New Year’s Run back to Denver to end 2015 and begin 2016. The band announced shows at Denver’s Fillmore Auditorium on December 30, December 31 and January 2 leaving a gap on New Year’s Day. Today, UM has finally unveiled their plans for January 1.

The band will hold an event called “Reel To Real” on January 1 at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver. The benefit will start with a happy hour complete with “libations and sustenance.” Then comes the premiere of a retrospective put together for UM’s Nothing Too Fancy Music label in which the group will debut previously unseen footage from their camcorder archives to bring attendees on “a visual journey into the early touring years of the band.” Following the film portion of the evening, Umphrey’s will treat fans to a performance of original music accompanied by the stories behind them. The band advises to “think Storytellers meets Behind The Music.” Ticket holders will be responsible for selecting the songs UM will play. Real To Real is a benefit for Conscious Alliance as the night will be raising money to feed those most in need.

Here are more details on what to expect from the band’s website:

Umphrey’s McGee cordially invites you to join us for the debut of Reel To Real on the inaugural evening of 2016. We will take time reflect on the years gone by as we celebrate the present and look to the future. This one-of-a-kind benefit kicks off with a hair-of-the-dog happy hour with Team UM. After libations & sustenance, you will take your seats for the premiere of a Nothing Too Fancy Music retrospective. Comprised of unseen footage from the camcorder archives, join us as we take you on a visual journey into the early touring years of the band. A candid, home movie feel dominates this illuminating and absurd collection of clips from the vault. From recording Anchor Drops to round-robin arm wrestling tournaments in a Super 8, it’s will be an unscripted ride through UM lore.

Upon conclusion of the ‘Reel’, we will pivot to the ‘Real’ and journey into the songs that have accompanied us through the years. The second half of the evening features a set of original music accompanied by the stories behind them. Think Storytellers meets Behind The Music. We will dive into history and circumstances surrounding the writing, recording and evolution of a slew of UM tunes. To keep it interesting, ticket holders will be responsible for selecting the song list for the evening.

In addition to the film and performance, the night will be filled with the kind of revelry, takeaways and extracurriculars you have grown to expect from UM. Partnering with our friends at Conscious Alliance, the night will be raising money to feed those most in need, all while sending you home with a limited edition UM+CA event poster. The open bar will feature signature UM cocktails, Bloody Mary’s, Mimosas and a slew of offerings from our friends at Boulder Beer, including our own Nothing Too Fancy Pale Ale. There will be a photo booth, chair massages, a prize raffle, and more to ensure you start 2016 properly. We do hope you’ll join us.

Tickets for the benefit cost $179 and go on sale Thursday, October 1 at noon MT.