This all worked out like a game of musical chairs where in the end everybody is rolling on the floor and giggling.
First, rumors swirled about Umphrey's McGee abandoning their traditional Chicago New Year's Eve gig for a Year closing Run in St Louis. Then, as the fall tour dropped, Chicagoans realized a two-nighter at the Aragon over Thanksgiving weekend could be the consolation prize.
But wait, the astute Chicago jam fan was left to observe... What about Cornmeal's equally delicious Turkey Day tradition? Would they be forced to compete in the same market in the same holiday weekend with UM?
Happily, when support was announced yesterday, it was revealed that Cornmeal will share the bill with their Chicago peers on Saturday, November 26th. We're lucky to have this double bill, an "event" in the best sense of the word and a reminder of what makes this such a great music town.
Just to sweeten the pot, UM will also welcome Chicago Mass Choir to join them on stage Saturday night, a reprise of New Year's Eve 2008, when this force-of-gospel-nature last joined the band. You may recall in The Barn's interview with Melvin Seals, that one of his fondest memories of Chicago was producing this group's first several records. We're pleased the gospel and jam worlds continue to mesh three decades later.
Beats Antique opens Friday's show. Presale Wednesday 8/10 / Public onsale 8/20. Complete ticket information, including VIP and travel packages, will be announced at umphreys.com today.
