Umphreys McGee celebrated Labor Day close to home with a pair of shows at Chicagos Navy Pier. Sunday night the Midwestern jam-titans also invited former Frank Zappa guitarist Ray White, as well as bassist Greg Rzab, onstage for two of his former employers compositions: City of Tiny Light and Willie the Pimp. White and Rzab also recently collaborated with Umphreys McGee keyboardist Joel Cummins and former Umphreys McGee drummer Mike Mirro at Chicagos The Store.

Speaking of past Umphreys McGee collaborators, Friday night guitarist Jake Cinninger received a visit from his former Ali Baba’s Tahini cohorts at Indianas Mishawaka Brewing Company. During a jam which nodded to Ali Baba’s Tahinis Pork Chop Pie’ bassist Kahlil Smylie replaced Ryan Stasik and percussionist Steve Krojniewski joined their former bandmate onstage. Before joining Umphreys McGee in September of 2000, Cinninger was best known as Ali Baba’s Tahinis guitar player.
Umphreys McGee, who is gearing up for the release of its second DVD, Wrapped Around Chicago – New Year’s at the Riviera Theatre, will perform tomorrow at Detroit, MIs Majestic Theatre.