NEPA Scene Staff

Progressive rockers Umphrey’s McGee to play F.M. Kirby Center

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From a press release:

It was announced today that Umphrey’s McGee will take the stage at the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts (71 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre) on Thursday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

After 16 years of performing over 100 concerts annually, releasing seven studio albums and selling more than 3.3 million tracks online, Umphrey’s McGee might be forgiven if they chose to rest on their laurels, but with their eighth studio album, “Similar Skin,” and first for their own indie label, Nothing Too Fancy Music (distributed by RED), the group – which formed on the Notre Dame campus outside of South Bend, Indiana in 1997 – has something to prove. And that’s not just to their loyal fan base, but to those who have never heard a note, or worse – dismiss them as “too sophisticated, too complex,” or think they know what Umphrey’s McGee is all about.

“Similar Skin” is the band’s latest musical missive to their audience, offering their own brand of “fatherly” advice from a perspective of maturity and growth, both musically and personally. It is something their fans have come to expect from Umphrey’s McGee, who have forged a career on that relationship. Watch the video for “Puppet String” from the album below:

In a shrinking music business, Umphrey’s McGee have found a way to connect to their fans on a grassroots, one-to-one level that keeps them returning for more, a sentiment that comes off loud and clear on “Similar Skin,” a paean to the complementary relationship between band and audience that has marked their 16-year career. Now, their DIY ethos is reflected in a new independent
label, leaving Umphrey’s McGee free to chase their muse wherever it leads them.

“Similar Skin” is not just an album for Umphrey’s McGee and their legion of fans, but an effort that deserves the attention of anyone with an interest in forward-thinking musicians who don’t fit into an easy-to-categorize box.

Tickets go on sale Friday, Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. and will be available at the Kirby Center Box office, charge by phone at 570-826-1100, and online at kirbycenter.org. A special Kirby member pre-sale begins Friday, July 25 at 10 a.m. Become a member by calling 570-823-4599, ext. 225. Tickets are $29.50, plus fees.