Over Labor Day weekend I was finally able to attend a concert during this pandemic era. It was socially distanced in the parking lot of Seatgeek Stadium in Bridgeview, IL. I attended this show with my friend Steve from Wicker Park. A friend from college, Lindsay and her friend Lauren also rode with us. The break from seeing live music for me had lasted over 6 months. This is the longest I've gone without seeing music since 1999. Ever since they began using this facility for Drive In movies I'd been hoping that Umphrey's McGee would utilize this venue. I really had a good time but ultimately it felt too soon to be returning to large events of this nature. When people started drinking they lost focus on safety. One wonders about the cleanliness of the portapotties. The PA music was appropriate for a Drive In. All the songs were related to vehicles.
Driving into the city I thought about all the time I'd spent on Umphrey's McGee over the years. In the early days it was a fun excuse to go to Iowa City. Later it evolved into a hobby that allowed me to visit midwest college towns. Over time they became a viable act to follow. I'm proud of the progress they've made as a band. The music became more danceable and generally more accessible. 1348 as an opener is a nod to the Bubonic Plague that struck Europe in that year. This was my first Seasons. That's a quality newer tune. The Police cover worked well in this setting with its industrial surroundings. Joel Cummins is from nearby. Wife Soup made me nostalgic about older days of seeing the band.
I think the highlight of the show was Hurt Bird Bath in the second set. It's amazing how far Rocktopus has come as an instrumental. I wish the sound had been a tad louder but we were towards the back. It was nice to have so much space to dance. I could get used to that. Overall, I liked the energy of the performance. This has been such a weird time. After so much isolation it was nice to get out and see a show.
