Umphrey’s McGee Welcomes Mike Dillon & Ernie Chang And Plays 4-Song Second Set In Eugene

Umphrey’s McGee‘s Thursday night show at the McDonald Theatre in Eugene, Oregon included guest spots from percussionist Mike Dillon and saxophonist Ernie Chang. The latter came as part of a four-song second set that featured 20+ minute versions of “Hurt Bird Bath” and “Ocean Billy.”

The sextet kicked off the show with instrumental intro “Drink My Drank,” which was last played on March 22, 2019. “Educated Guess” came next before Mike D. added to “It Doesn’t Matter.” Umphrey’s then performed “Maybe Someday” and oldies “Smell The Mitten” and “Bad Poker.” A pairing of “Loose Ends” and “Slacker” brought set one to a close.

Umphrey’s began last night’s second set with an adventurous “Hurt Bird Bath.” The band kept coming back to the song’s main theme but each time would break structure and explore a new jam space. A well-jammed “Speak Up” came next and then UM brought out Ernie Chang from opening act for a cover of Talking Heads’ “Girlfriend Is Better.” Thursday’s “Girlfriend Is Better” was Umphrey’s first since February 2, 2019 — a span of 100 shows — and just third since 2016. UM closed out the set with an “Ocean Billy” that turned into a 20-minute dance party. “Remind Me” served as last night’s encore.

Setlist (via @UmphreysMcGee)

Set One: Drink My Drank > Educated Guess, It Doesn’t Matter*, Maybe Someday, Smell The Mitten, Bad Poker, Loose Ends > Slacker

Set Two: Hurt Bird Bath, Speak Up, Girlfriend Is Better^, Ocean Billy

Encore: Remind Me

• * – w/ Mike Dillon on percussion
• ^ – w/ Ernie Chang on saxophone