Although Joel is originally from the Chicago suburbs, the band got their start in small bars in South Bend, Indiana back in 1998. After moving to Chicago in 2000 the band started getting gigs in Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Chicago. When asked the band’s favorite venue to play in Chicago, Joel quickly responded with the Skyline Stage on Navy Pier, but hopes someday to be able to play at the new Millennium Park.
UM plays a variety of venues from small private parties to the largest music festival in the United States, Bonnaroo. “As long as there’s people there getting down with the music and dancing, that’s what’s fun,” said Joel. The band is booked for a few music festivals this summer and can’t wait to be able to share events with legendary performers such as, Herbie Hancock and the Black Crows. Joel spoke about how amazing it feels to be able to play at the same festival as many of his influences and heroes. He still treasures a guitar pick from Chris Robinson of the Black Crows that he grabbed from the air years back at a concert, now shared an audience of the masses with him at Bonnaroo.
Another festival UM will be stopping at is Summerfest in Milwaukee on July 6; this will be their third appearance at the annual fest. “It’s my favorite thing to do in Milwaukee,” said Joel. “It’s Milwaukee’s big party, it’s going to be fun.” A new thing for UM this year is the Big Summer Classic Tour, which will be making a stop in Schaumburg, Illinois at Alexian Field, the minor league baseball diamond, July 8-9.
“I think the last time I was there was for a track meet in high school,” remembers Joel. “It should be a good time, and I am a big fan of baseball.” String Cheese Incident, Keller Williams, and Yonder Mountain String Band, along with others, will also be headlining the tour. Check out www.bigsummerclassic.com to see when they’ll be stopping by your neck of the woods.
UM will again be doing a jam cruise in January. Joel described the feeling of being on a boat with all of his fans as an “immersing experience.” “There are music lovers listening, playing, and talking about music the whole time,” said Joel. He also said what a great vacation it is for the band to be able to have some down time with such an awesome group of people.
Other than touring UM is also working on a DVD and a new album. The DVD, to be released this fall, is in its final sages and will be a lot more music than the last one. With a two-disc DVD package Joel said, “The more music the merrier.” The new album should be ready in late January early February featuring 12-14 new songs. The band is very excited about the new album. Joel was unable to talk much about it, but what he did say was that no one has heard the new songs and they are all very excited to finally be able to share them with their fans.
One question that just couldn’t go unanswered during this chat was whose idea it was to play Waylon Jennings’ “Dukes of Hazzard” theme song? Joel laughed a bit and said, “That’s a very good question. I think we were all horsing around and Jake started singing it.” The song gave the band a serious trip down memory lane and Joel said they just had to play it. “Dukes of Hazzard” and “Knight Rider” were great Joel said, “David Hasselhoff is a hero of music and life,” said Joel.
If you’re in the mood for a jammy, psychedelic, guitar wailing time, check out Umphrey’s McGee and grab some Jujubes while you’re at it.
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