Fan or non-fan, trust me. You want to see these photos.

Find out who sat in, what they played, and watch which Beatles tune they covered, just by clicking on the jump!

Umphrey’s McGee:

Merch Table:

When I saw non-Umphrey’s shows during my peak of fandom, I was always completely shocked at how the encore wasn’t a second set, how I could actually get home well before midnight and that I knew what songs I’d see. Now, wrapped up in a handful of electro-pop and folk rock band addictions, I felt like I was the opposite — a Pitchfork-reliant Dodos fan who spaced out a bit at the long jams and couldn’t remember if this one was “JaJunk” or if that one was going to be “Triple Wide.”

I was way rustier on UM than I thought I’d be, but by the end, I was back to normal. The show was great (full setlist below), but Jake seemed to have some guitar issues in the first set, and a couple of transitions (notably during “All In Time”) were just bad. The “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” cover was one of the highlights of the night (watch the video below!) as was an appearance by keyboardist Brian Felix, the incredible pianist who plays with drummer Kris Myers in side project Drop Q and — fun fact, get ready for this — is actually a student at UIUC, pursuing a DMA (Doctor of Musical Arts) degree.

The crowd didn’t seem too strung out, possibly because Canopy had security checking bags and trashing water bottles at the front door for the first time. But, it was a night of firsts — during the second set, the stage’s back curtains were pulled back, exposing a white wall that served as a backdrop for a leopard print-like visualizer, a lighting technique typically used by Canopy, but one I’ve never seen Umphrey’s employ:

[Edit - According to Zmick's Brad Miller, who spoke with Bigs (who did this particular portion of the lighting), the white wall is typically never exposed, making it a first for both Umphrey's and Canopy.]

Even thought it was hotter than Coachella inside the club, UM’s show was solid. I highly recommend experiencing it for yourself in the Video section below.

Set List (courtesy of Umphreys.com):

Set One: The Floor, Tribute to the Spinal Shaft^ > White Man’s Moccasins, All In Time > Rocker (part II) > All In Time

Set Two: 40’s Theme > Resolution > 40’s Theme, Atmosfarag, Much Obliged > Pipeline > Believe the Lie, I Want You (She’s So Heavy)

Encore: Anchor Drops, Uncle Wally*

Notes: EOTO opened ^ with Brian Felix on keys * punk version

Live Vicariously:

Umphrey’s McGee’s website

Umphrey’s McGee’s MySpace

Notes ‘n Quotes:

“Camp counseling. Working at a local diner. Playing on a soccer team.

While this is the way some students would describe their pre-college activities, Brian Felix’s would be a bit different. Well, very different. Try “one-time member of a renowned electronic jazz-rock three piece” different. And after a life of constantly moving, accomplished pianist and former OM Trio member Brian Felix has finally settled in at the University of Illinois.“

- The introduction to “Ivory Keys and Music Degrees,” a story about Brian Felix I wrote last fall. Check it out for more info on Felix’s musical career, his experience in Urbana and feelings about sitting in with Umphrey’s McGee.

Video:

Umphrey’s McGee covering The Beatles’ “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” at Canopy Club on 4/30/08:

Umphrey’s McGee performing “40’s Theme” at Canopy Club on 4/30/08:

Umphrey’s McGee performing “White Man’s Moccasins” at Canopy Club on 4/30/08: