(Madison House) Umphrey's McGee will be bringing the ultimate fan experience back to Chicago with UMBowl II on April 2, 2011 at Park West. The uniquely interactive state-of-the-art intimate concert event will keep both band and fan on their toes with the audience calling all of the plays during four, 45 minute musical quarters (see full breakdown below), each with a different interactive theme. Quarter One invites the audience to choose the opening song / set list, Quarter Two will be a "Stew Art" (S2) full improvisational set, Quarter Three's "Special Teams" is new to UMBowl this year with special band line-up changes and anything goes configurations, Quarter Four closes the show with an all request fantasy team of musical concoctions that have never been heard before.
"With UMBowl, Umphrey's McGee have furthered their forward-thinking reputation, leveraging their traditional touring, merchandise and recorded music businesses with tech-driven marketing innovation." said Syd Schwartz, CEO of Linchpin Digital who advises the group on digital marketing strategy. "UMBowl brings artist and audience closer together, creating a 'full contact' interactive music experience, continuing Umphrey's stellar track record as a DIY success story."
Quarter One - The fan is the quarterback
Those in attendance will be calling the plays starting with the opening notes of this year's event. A series of choices will be presented to the audience on large projection screens throughout the venue. The fans then decide what song the band will open with. Voting will occur via text message courtesy of Mozes, and the results will be tallied in real time in front of the audience and the band. The audience will then have the chance to call an audible and dictate what's next by choosing from a wide variety of UM originals, improvisational styles and cover songs. The audience picks the plays and determines the strategy to make a killer set.
Quarter Two - Stew Art* improvisational set
The band will play a full set of improvisation based exclusively on themes, ideas, scenes, and concepts presented by fans. Entries will be submitted via text message and the best will be added to the playbook. Expect handoffs and hail marys as one musical idea is lateraled to another. The selected themes will appear before both the band and audience in real time so split second decisions will be paramount.
* Stew Art set is named after the Jimmy Stewart Ballroom in Chicago where the band recorded their first successful improv session.
Quarter Three – Special Teams
UM are thrilled to introduce the Special Teams quarter, a brand new concept for the UMBowl. Constantly evolving line-ups will keep everyone guessing as the quarter unfolds with various teams taking the field. Everything is possible – solos, duos, trios, and quartets as the band adapts to the conditions inside the stadium. You won't know who might pop up behind the drum kit or on the keyboards. Any configuration of the band may take the stage, although not likely the one you're used to.
Quarter Four – All Request
UM is looking to go out with a bang and want the audience's help. Last year's All Request quarter was the overwhelming fan favorite and it's back by popular demand. All ticket buyers will receive a ballot to vote for the songs they'd most like to hear. Expect everything from older, more rare choices to bizarre, alternate versions of "the hits" to curveball covers. There will also be a write in category for fans to submit their own requests. Challenge the band to rethink old favorites. Everything is fair game.
