Umphrey’s McGee Debuts Grateful Dead Cover At Suwannee Hulaween

Umphrey’s McGee debuted a cover of the Grateful Dead classic “Althea” during their appearance at the first day of Suwannee Hulaween 2021 on Thursday. The choice of a Grateful Dead song was fitting as UM stepped in to perform at the music festival in Live Oak, Florida after Joe Russo's Almost Dead canceled “due to circumstances beyond [their] control.”

UM closed out The Amphitheatre stage on a stormy day at Hulaween that started a little later than expected. The sextet opened with “Similar Skin” which led into “Bad Friday.” Next came “Believe The Lie” before Umphrey’s McGee started “Utopian Fir.” The band dropped from the jam vehicle into their first “Althea.” Guitarist Brendan Bayliss handled lead vocals on a song the Grateful Dead recorded for their 1980 studio album, Go To Heaven. Jake Cinninger took multiple guitar solos during “Althea” ahead of the return to “Utopian Fir” and a set-closing “Looks.”

Last night’s second set started with the beloved “Hurt Bird Bath.” From there, “Conduit” gave way to “The Triple Wide” which bled into “Booth Love.” Umphrey’s McGee wrapped the frame by delivering a “1348” featuring fan-favorite “Slacker” within. The six-piece returned for a “The Floor” encore. Hulaween continues today with performances from The String Cheese Incident, Lettuce, Skrillex, Dumpstaphunk and more.

Watch fan-shot video featuring UM’s “Althea” below:

Setlist (via Umphrey’s McGee Twitter)

Set One: Similar Skin, Bad Friday, Believe The Lie, Utopian Fir > Althea > Utopian Fir > Looks

Set Two: Hurt Bird Bath, Conduit > Triple Wide > Booth Love, 1348 > Slacker > 1348

Encore: The Floor