The first thing that you need to know about being an umphreak is that you should be there for the music. Umphrey's McGee is a collection of six outrageously talented musicians who work day and night to flex their craft for our benefit. That being said, you shouldn't treat a show as a social event. Yes, one of the best parts about  coming to a show is seeing all of your Umphrey's fam.  BUT,  if  the band is in the throws of a hot and heavy improv section, it might not be the best time to lean over and strike up a conversation with your buddy. My best advice is to get all your talking and catching up out before the band comes on the stage or  save it  for  set break and after the show.  I like to look at it this way: you paid for a ticket to a show where you watch  these gentlemen make some great music, why would you want to talk through the show? It would be like wasting your money!  

If you're wanting to be super serious about going to shows and studying the musicality of it all, I would suggest not sleeping in an environment where you're not going to get a good night's sleep. Especially if you're doing a multiple night run where the shows are in different cities.  That way, you'll be able to get up and get yourself ready in time for the next show. Now, if you're anything like me and want to stand outside in line for a couple of hours before the doors open, this is a crucial step to follow because you can burn out very fast from staying up late and partying. 

Now let's talk about standing in line for the show. It all depends on what spot you're trying to snag in the venue. I am a rail rider. This means that I like to stand right up front on the rail. This is a big reason why I show up early and stand in line. A lot of umphreaks are competitive     over their rail spots so if you would like    to be up there, I suggest showing up at least 2-3 hours before the doors open. Even though we are competitive  over our    spots, we honor the "first come, first serve rule" and are respectable to those around us. You'll always get drunk assholes who try to come up and steal your spot, but  if    you are    firm, confident, and not afraid to stand up for yourself, you should be just fine. This is the    spot that you've waited out in line pretty much all day for. Do you really want to risk loosing it?

Some other advice I have about the rail is to make friends up there    so if you need them to save your spot, they will. The rail is also a good place to be if you have things like a jacket or a purse that you don't necessarily  want to rage with because you'll have a place to put your things.   If you're looking for a more distant experience, maybe to watch the light show from, I    would suggest getting there at least by the time the doors open so that you can scope it out and pick the perfect viewing point. If there are seats to snag maybe show up a little earlier so there is not much competition for them.    This all depends on the venue as well. I     look at the venue online before I go just so I    can get a feel for  how the venue is set up.  Bottom line, if you're really serious about a good  spot,    you need to act serious and be respectful to those around you. 

If you're going to be standing in line for a few hours prior to the show you should look ahead at the weather for the day. You should always come prepared for any type of weather because it is subject to change. If it's cold, I    like to bring a blanket as well as some hand warmers and warm gear like hats/gloves/scarves/etc.

If it's hot, make sure to  drink lots of water before you go to the show. This actually is good advice for anyone going to a show.    Make sure that you're well hydrated. But, if you are standing on the rail, make sure    to    not drink too much because you don't want to constantly be fighting others in the crowd just so you can squeeze your way through to make it to    the potty. Being a girl at a show is an easy life because Umphrey's is pretty much a sausage fest, therefore there is almost never a line for the girls bathroom. 

Make sure to be respectful to the opening act as well. Umphrey's asked them to be there so they must be worth watching right? And you never know, you could end up loving them!   

 A few more pieces    of advice for the actual shows is to wear good and comfortable shoes  that you can boogie in because    there will be a lot of that going on. It's also not a bad idea to stretch your neck out routinely because of all the headbanging going on.  

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