Wow, what a mix, fresh corduroy on a bluebird day at Snowmass followed by the smooth sounds of John Oates at The Belly Up in Aspen, Colorado. Yep, that just happened! We were fortunate enough to play two sold out dates at The Belly Up, which is wonderful since the crew doesn't have to tear down and load a truck. They can simply lay back back, enjoy a nice vino, dip in the hot tub, or wake up at 7:00 a.m. for a fresh powder day at Snowmass. Yep, that just happened too.
After shredfest 2011 part 1, we headed to sound check where John Oates greeted us for a quick run through of the three songs we were to perform. Growing up, Hall & Oates has always been in my top five favorite bands, and it was simply a dream come true stand next to John and jam to a raging crowd in Aspen. It seemed we all were "in touch" and "i could go for that" again. Fresh pow pow and an Oates sit-in, yeah that just happened and I frickin' loved every minute of it!
-Ryan
"What'ya gonna do?"
Ain't No Sunshine, The Linear & Let It Rock
Dance party at The Fillmore, Denver, CO on Friday, February 11th. This single and the full show available here.
How's that for an engagement ring?
Monday was my last show on the road. Many emotions were swirling around my head and heart on Monday night but ultimately it was gratitude that overcame me. For thirteen years I have been blessed to be able to chase a dream and pursue something that I love. Every morning presented a new challenge and a new opportunity to do something special with a band that deserves something special. That journey has taken me far and wide and taught me more about the game of life that I could have possibly imagined.
To do something you love for a living is thoroughly amazing in its own right. But to do something you love with a group of brothers that you love is something different in its entirety. We have built this organization and grown it as a family, celebrating the many milestones and enduring the greatest struggles together as one. The thanks I have for the opportunities I've been given are endless.
We have been incredibly fortunate to have families, friends and fans that tirelessly support and continually encourage us to get after it and swing big. It is no secret that I think (read: know) we have the best fans in the business and Monday only reinforced my belief. The sheer outpouring of support was overwhelming.
The music of Umphrey's McGee still profoundly moves me after thirteen years of living inside it, day in, day out. It motivates and inspires me to keep chasing this dream we started in the basements of South Bend.
So as one era comes to a close, one begins anew. There's a tremendous amount for us left to do and it's time I focus on UM in a new way. It's time to crank it up and help grow the band and the business in new ways. It's time to crush it.
"Look at what's next, there's so much left" -Gulf Stream