{"id":116880,"date":"2026-02-18T07:51:55","date_gmt":"2026-02-18T07:51:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/116880\/"},"modified":"2026-02-18T07:51:55","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T07:51:55","slug":"umphreys-mcgee-at-the-fillmore-in-philadelphia-2-13-26-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/116880\/","title":{"rendered":"Umphrey’s Mcgee at the Fillmore in Philadelphia 2\/13\/26"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t \ufeff\ufeffBy Chris Paul<\/a>
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originally published: 02\/17\/2026<\/p>\n

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On August 15, 2025, Umphrey’s Mcgee <\/a>announced that Scotty Zwang was officially joining the band. His addition was to replace long-time drummer Kris Myers. Ironically the last time I saw UM was in August 2023 at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ. A large portion of this tour would be without Kris because of shoulder surgery. During his hiatus, UM would feature a rotation of drummers including Scotty Zwang. Umphreys was founded in 1997 and during their 30+ years change is inevitable. The arrival of Scotty to the band brought new life and on February 13, 2026, I witnessed this metamorphosis at the Fillmore in Philadelphia, PA.<\/p>\n

UM hit the stage hard with authority opening with There\u2019s No Crying in Mexico. This song has been a preferred opener for the band since 2011. The opening chords are direct, striking thanks to the pocket carved out by the back line, Scotty on the kit and Andy Farag (percussion) and the axe strikes of Jake Cinninger (guitar). This song also introduces the differences between Scotty approach and Meyers. Kris was a director, a heavily driven beat that leads the charge like a tank. With Scotty there is space. The other notes and progression of the entire band stand out more.<\/p>\n

Without a break, UM plunged into Hourglass, originating in 2014 this song led by the vocals of Brendan Bayliss (guitar) and the space in sound on space is dotted by the electric tweaks of Joel Cummins (keys). Transitioning into 2009\u2019s Mantis. This song is a notable blend of all UM offers. A raucous metal opening, Joel\u2019s ivory strokes, Brendan\u2019s melodies and subtleties on his guitar, and an overall harmonic vibe to the band. Halfway through, Scotty\u2019s soft touch on the stick opens a high dance groove. This danceability was a keynote of difference between today\u2019s UM and the past mentioned by a friend to me throughout the show. Like the namesake ray gliding through a sea of harmony created by the unity on stage.<\/p>\n

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Finding its way next to 2009\u2019s Bridgeless. This is the first song of the set where Ryan Stasik (bass) thumps (he was overcoming sound issues prior). UM heavier sound plows forward tunneling through and destroying everything in its path. This effect was a key feature of Meyers\u2019 drumming. It is impressive how the band has rebuilt this feature through a collective cacophony of every instrument on stage while embracing less sound\/loudness to embellish elasticity. Stretched space spirals into 2002 2nd\u00a0Half, the opening of this song is poignant thanks to Brendan\u2019s vocal and the silky ribbon of Joel. Jake also shines with tickled licks, simple manipulations on the guitar neck that open the vortex of possibility. This crescendo is also heightened by the light show by Ben Factor, whose omniscient presence adds depth and class throughout the show.<\/p>\n

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Following is an exercise is vocal harmony thanks to 2022\u2019s Hiccup. The band thanks the crowd and announces it is good to be back home as an introduction of Eli Winderman (Dopapod\/Octave Cat) to the stage for 2019\u2019s It Doesn\u2019t Matter. Fittingly, Eli takes the lead, flowing effortlessly thanks to the space in sound created once again by Scotty\u2019s light wrists. This space also highlights the efforts of Andy (during this show I heard his contribution more than ever) and dueling keys erupt from Joel and his guest Eli, leading to smiles all around.<\/p>\n

Reach New Jersey’s largest arts & entertainment audience, click here for info on how to advertise at NJ Stage<\/a><\/p>\n

The closer of set 1 was the most personal song I heard of the evening, Pink Floyd\u2019s Time. Cutting to bone because this show was a celebration of my birthday and the lyrics and sentiment of this song could not express this marker more fittingly. This was also Jake\u2019s time to shine, both with his Gilmour nodes on guitar, and his emotions expressed full force in his vocals.<\/p>\n

Opening set 2 was 2022 addition, Unevolved, that begins with a fun funk groove peppered by high electric jive from Jake, turning uphill and darker thanks to UM more signature rock vibe. Stasik drops the hammer and slots in with the backline and song opens into a frenzied jam. What is remarkable is that this attack is layered with Scotty\u2019s dance beats even as UM metal chops appear. Another friend commented to me; his face has not melted since the absence of Meyers, however the switch back of Scotty layered with Jake\u2019s rising crescendo creates this effect for me. The end of this song slowly fades with a blend of Scotty\u2019s subtlety mixed with Brendan\u2019s rhythmic strum.<\/p>\n

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Up next was one of the more familiar opening rifts from UM, 2009\u2019s 1348. Another classic blend of high-octane rock with Zwang groove and another stellar example of UM evaluation creating space for the even pull of each band member jamming full sail in synchronized direction. So close to Valentine\u2019s Day, UM entered an ethereal romantic rendition of Neil Young\u2019s Harvest Moon, complete with a pink light wash, lit candles on the venue\u2019s multiple chandeliers, and a slow starry spin from the many disco balls in play. Scotty did an excellent job building tension juxtaposed by Brendan\u2019s vocals. Joel then breaks through the dreamlike sway with his opening in 2013\u2019s Slacker. The stop start momentum of this song is also highlighted by a breakdown slapped by Stasik.<\/p>\n

Next up, an introverted Valentine\u2019s thanks to a cover of Hall and Oates\u2019 I Can Go for That (No Can Do). Umphrey\u2019s had not played this song in 316 shows (last played 4\/29\/22). Scotty\u2019s approach was perfect for this choice, light and airy building the groove and creating the vibe that was Hall and Oates. With Scotty, UM strength now forged just as much from the silence of a break as it was from the relentlessness of a jack hammer. Transitioning back into 2009\u2019s Bridgeless (from set 1) giving the crowd one more ride on the Umphrey\u2019s rollercoaster. A slow purposeful build careening us over the hill with a locomotive pounding g-force drop.\u00a0UM in 2026 is a well-oiled machine of rebirth and the Sky\u2019s truly the Limit for them!<\/p>\n

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To the crowd\u2019s delight, UM returned to the stage for encore. 2004\u2019s Mulche\u2019s Odyssey, with its rock operatic introduction catapulting into UM signature growl. This song is sly and it slithers and the stage erupts as the band screams, Philadelphia, we f*cking love ya! Love is in the air tonight, taking flight on the emergence of a transformed classic.<\/p>\n

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Umphrey\u2019s Mcgee \u201cThe Sky\u2019s the Limit\u201d tour\u00a02\/13\/26 The Fillmore Philadelphia, PA<\/p>\n

Set 1:\u00a0There\u2019s No Crying in Mexico> Hourglass, Preamble>Mantis, Bridgeless> 2nd Self, Hiccup, It Doesn\u2019t Matter (Eli Winderman guest on keys), Time (Pink Floyd)<\/p>\n

Set 2:\u00a0Unevolved, 1348> Harvest Moon (Neil Young), Slacker, I Can\u2019t Go for That (No Can Do) (Hall and Oates)> Bridgeless<\/p>\n

Encore:\u00a0Mulche\u2019s Odyssey<\/p>\n

More about Umphrey\u2019s Mcgee is available at https:\/\/www.umphreys.com<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

ALL PHOTOS BY CHRIS PAUL<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
\nThe Princeton Folk Music Society presents Anne Hills on February 20th<\/p>\n

Wed, February 20, 2026<\/p>\n

\"State<\/a>
\nState Theatre New Jersey presents Dru Hill<\/p>\n

Wed, February 20, 2026<\/p>\n

\"Asbury<\/a>
\nAsbury Park Music Awards Returns February 20th<\/p>\n

Wed, February 20, 2026<\/p>\n

\"Broadway<\/a>
\nBroadway Theatre of Pitman presents THE HIT MEN on Friday<\/p>\n

Wed, February 20, 2026<\/p>\n

\"Neon<\/a>
\nNeon Nostalgic Presents 80’s Music Television at State Theatre<\/p>\n

Wed, February 21, 2026<\/p>\n

\"UCPAC<\/a>
\nUCPAC presents Lez Zeppelin: The Song Remains The Same 50th Anniversary Celebration on February 21st<\/p>\n

Wed, February 21, 2026<\/p>\n

\"Harmonium<\/a>
\nHarmonium Choral Society’s Broadway Cabaret Troupe presents “You Know This Song”<\/p>\n

Wed, February 21, 2026<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
\nThe Newton Theatre presents Lotus Land – American RUSH Tribute<\/p>\n

Wed, February 21, 2026<\/p>\n

\"bergenPAC<\/a>
\nbergenPAC presents The Jacksons on February 21st<\/p>\n

Wed, February 21, 2026<\/p>\n

\"Lewis<\/a>
\nLewis Center for the Arts presents “How to Be Not Alone”<\/p>\n

Wed, February 21, 2026<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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or region of New Jersey
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\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"\ufeff\ufeffBy Chris Paul originally published: 02\/17\/2026 On August 15, 2025, Umphrey’s Mcgee announced that Scotty Zwang was officially…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":116531,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[6889,3869,1338,7862,5646,7860,7865,915,7861,1962,7859,7864,69,71,70,7866,7863],"class_list":["post-116880","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-philadelphia","tag-art","tag-comedy","tag-dance","tag-entertainment-in-new-jersey","tag-film","tag-jersey-arts","tag-music","tag-new-jersey","tag-new-jersey-arts","tag-nj","tag-nj-arts","tag-nj-events","tag-philadelphia","tag-philadelphia-headlines","tag-philadelphia-news","tag-theatre","tag-things-to-do-in-new-jersey"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116880","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=116880"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/116880\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/116531"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=116880"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=116880"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=116880"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}