Umphrey's McGee/London Souls

Probably the best place to park your ears for a little while - whether you’re a diehard fan or a total rookie - is Hall of Fame: Class of 2012, which was released only last week. Like the rest of the HoF series, this collections of tunes profiles the previous year in Umphrey’s McGee lore. And it’s a beast. Kicking off with “In the Kitchen” is always a good sign (like UM’s 2010 show here in Cleveland), and the fun just rolls onward from there. The guys seem to enjoy playing in Cleveland every October, so it’s become kind of an annual celebration from local heads. You’d do well to scoot on down tonight, as each show here has been a tremendous nod to the band’s whipsmart improv and tightly wound musicianship. Really, they put on a great show (with bitchin’ lights courtesy of the brilliant Jefferson Waful). (Sandy)