You, Me and Umphrey’s McGee

If your band has been around for 15 years and you have released almost 20 albums and live DVDs combined, then you are definitely doing something right. Andy Farag — the percussionist for the popular progressive rock band Umphrey’s McGee — understands the secret to the band’s longevity.

“Our fans are the reason why we’re able to do this,” Farag says. “We don’t make money selling records. I know there aren’t many people who do, but we’re definitely not making a living that way, so we feel it’s really important to give the fans what they want, and to interact with them at shows and not be isolated.”

Fans want, and Umphrey’s McGee giveth. They have been producing a podcast for the last eight years that includes live performances from recent shows and “couch tours” where fans can watch a concert taking place at a certain venue pay-per-view style from home, and they are notorious for their pre-and post-gig meet-and-greets with fans at their merch table.

“It’s our way of showing our appreciation for these people who are so loyal to us and drive so many miles to see our shows,” Farag says. “They give to us and we give to them. And for us too, it’s really cool to go out and meet our fans and actually be able to go one-on-one with them and meet them face-to-face. It helps us understand our fans more and figure out what they want. We want them to be happy.”

With ever-changing set lists, live songs that roll into epic jams and dance parties and true fan love, fans of Umphrey’s McGee will most certainly be happy.

Umphrey’s McGee with Bright Light Social Hour play 8 pm Friday, March 15, at McDonald Theatre; $20 adv., $25 door. — Brian Palmer

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

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None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

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Thank you for standing with us!