Brendan Bayliss Will Host Holiday Concert at Park West

Brendan Bayliss, acclaimed guitarist and vocalist known primarily for his work with Umphrey’s McGee, is set to continue his annual holiday concert tradition in Chicago this December. The event, scheduled for December 19 at the iconic Park West venue, is more than just a festive gathering; it serves as a fundraiser benefiting the People’s Music School, which is recognized as Chicago’s largest fully free music education program.

This annual concert has become a staple in the city’s holiday calendar, drawing fans who are eager to support music education while enjoying performances from formidable musicians. This year’s lineup, as reported by relix.com, features a notable ensemble alongside Bayliss, including Duane Trucks, Allie Kral, Jen Hartswick, Jason Narducy, Paul Muldoon, Mike Racky, and members of the band moe. This diverse group of artists promises a rich musical experience, blending various talents and styles.

Historically, Bayliss had frequently collaborated with his Umphrey’s McGee bandmate Jake Cinninger for this concert. However, following Cinninger’s departure from Umphrey’s McGee in July, this year’s show marks a shift in tradition, with Bayliss leading the event without his former co-host. This change comes at a time when Umphrey’s McGee has paused their touring schedule, with their next notable dates being a three-night New Year’s Eve residency at Denver's Ogden Theatre, followed by a mid-January tour restart.

In addition to the holiday concert, Brendan Bayliss and Umphrey’s McGee keyboardist Joel Cummins are teaming up for a series of acoustic shows in the Midwest. These intimate performances will take place in early November, with stops at Whitestown, Indiana's Moontown Brewing Company on November 5 and Peoria, Illinois' Kenny’s Westside Pub on November 6. Notably, proceeds from these events are earmarked for the Cummins Educational Scholarships, reflecting the artists’ ongoing commitment to supporting music education.

Looking ahead, Bayliss and Cummins plan an extensive tour starting in mid-January. The schedule spans multiple states and venues, including engagements in Aurora, Illinois; Bloomington, Illinois; Green Bay, Wisconsin; South Bend, Indiana; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Detroit, Michigan; Charles Town, West Virginia; Northampton, Massachusetts; Wilmington, Delaware; and Port Chester, New York. Each stop offers fans an opportunity to experience the duo’s dynamic acoustic performances.

The tour then moves westward with shows in California, Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado, and culminates with two dates in Telluride, Colorado. Venues such as Pappy + Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace and the Sheridan Opera House in Telluride highlight the variety of settings, from intimate taverns to historic theaters.

Bayliss’s continued dedication to supporting music education through these performances underscores a broader trend among musicians who leverage their platforms to give back to their communities. His partnership with organizations like the People’s Music School and the Cummins Educational Scholarships demonstrates a sustained investment in nurturing the next generation of musicians.

While details about the specific setlists or any special surprises for the holiday concert remain limited, the presence of a diverse array of guest artists suggests a collaborative and celebratory atmosphere. Tickets for the December 19 event at Park West are set to become available beginning Friday, October 23 at 10 AM Central Time, offering fans a chance to participate in this meaningful musical occasion.

In sum, Brendan Bayliss’s December concert not only marks a seasonal celebration but also a significant contribution to sustaining free music education in Chicago. Coupled with his and Joel Cummins’s upcoming acoustic tour, Bayliss remains an active figure in the live music scene, blending artistry with philanthropy as he embarks on a new chapter post-Umphrey’s McGee’s summer lineup changes.