Umphrey’s McGee Welcomes Lotus Members & Parodies Jane’s Addiction Fight At The Big E Fair

Umphrey’s McGee and Lotus each performed at The Big E Arena in West Springfield, Massachusetts on Sunday. Lotus guitarist Tim Palmieri and drummer Mike Greenfield joined UM for an extended “In The Kitchen” last night which included a bit imitating the recent fight that led to the cancellation of Jane's Addiction's tour.

The Big E is a fair taking place at the Eastern States Exposition September 13 – 29. Musical performances are held at The Big E Arena each Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the fair’s three-week run.

Lotus took the stage first last night in West Springfield before Umphrey’s McGee closed out the action for the initial weekend of the 2024 fair. After opening with “The Floor,” UM bookended the rest of their 96-minute set with “Bridgeless.”

Umphrey’s guitarist Brendan Bayliss welcomed Palmieri and Greenfield before the eight musicians began what would turn out to be a 15-minute “In The Kitchen.” Mike Greenfield took Kris Myers‘ place behind the kit as he did for several shows last year when the UM drummer was recuperating from surgery. Palmieri went head-to-head with Jake Cinninger during the bridge and then Greenfield broke down the beat.

Tim Palmieri and Jake Cinninger continued to trade licks with Brendan Bayliss getting in on the fretboard fireworks as the jam hit a major peak. The climax was followed by a return to the “In The Kitchen” progression. Bassist Ryan Stasik approached Bayliss and the two feigned anger before Brendan told Stasik to “get the fuck out of here” started singing “Jane Says.”

Stasik and Bayliss continued to fake a conflict ahead of the conclusion of the lengthy “In The Kitchen,” which saw Umphrey’s play the chord progression to Jane’s Addiction’s 1988 hit at points.

Watch Umphrey’s McGee team with Mike Greenfield and Tim Palmieri below:

Umphrey’s McGee are taking the fall off besides a set at Hulaween over Halloween weekend. The sextet will then end 2024 with a four-night New Year's Eve run in Colorado.

Lotus kicks off an extensive fall tour on October 2 in Boston. The livetronica act will be on the road through October 26. Lotus rings in 2025 with a two-night hometown New Year’s Eve run in Philadelphia.

Umphrey’s McGee Setlist (via All Things Umphreys)

Set: The Floor, Bridgeless > Pure Saturation > Andy’s Last Beer, Wappy Sprayberry > Puppet String, In The Kitchen[1], Hey Nineteen > Bridgeless

[1] with Mike Greenfield on drums and Tim Palmieri on guitar

Umphrey’s McGee Official Audio (via nugs.net)