Written by: Tyler Muir

Edited by: Rosemary A.W. Roberts

The Phreaks came out the night of August 16th, 2013 in Indianapolis, Indiana to The Lawn at White River State Park. Both STS9 and Umphrey’s McGee showed the Midwest some love early in their tour together. The weather was perfect and between each band’s setlist and lights, the crowd could not have got a better show. With it only being the second date on their tour everyone was still fresh, raging proper, and ready to melt faces.

STS9 opened the night and did what they do best, bringing their organic instrumental craft with a showcase of their electronica skills creating an early evening dance party.  The light boards they brought on stage during their set made for a conversation piece and great eye candy even when the sun was just beginning to think to go down. Just as STS9 came out to jam the crowd came early to match in their intensity, though the crowd was steady throughout the venue during the first half of their set from beginning to end; everyone was frolicking the entire time.

By the time Umphrey’s McGee came on stage the venue was at max capacity. When the lights kicked on and “Believe the Lie” belted out of Bayliss’s mouth, the hometown crowd instantly got turned on and let the band know they were ready for whatever the band had in store for them. The South Bend, Indiana boys brought the sauce in the August night and the “Hurt Bird Bath” was a nice taste of Umphrey’s past reinforcing what the fans already knew. “Cemetery Walk I & 2” was a crunchy mid set choice that had the Umph hand signs being thrown up through out the crowd. The unexpected event of the night came at the end during the encore. Dave Murphy and David Phipps both from STS9 joined Umphrey’s for a spectacular cover of Pink Floyds “Another Brick in the Wall (Part 1)”.

It is an Indiana summer tradition to catch the hoosier boys that is Umphrey’s McGee when they come to town. It was great overhearing conversations of their fans of 15 years reminiscing of their earlier years and how far they have come. The boys came to Indy and showed that they are the torchbearer’s and are hard to beat in this day and age. From their lights to their spot on lyrics, they mean business and did not disappoint at the lawn. Sure it is amazing seeing how far they have come in 15 years, but what is truly amazing is what the future will hold for this solid and hard working band.