Critic’s Pick: Umphrey’s McGee over Purple Xperience

This is a tough night to focus on just one act. Flow Tribe’s New Orleans-flavored gumbo has earned the band past playing time with Trombone Shorty and John Fogerty. But the Purple Xperience is fronted by Doctor Fink, who spent 13 years as a member of Prince and the Revolution, and hearing Prince’s songs may tap into the emotions about his recent death.

Old-school rap/hip-hop fans should be thrilled with Salt-N-Pepa, a reformation of the group’s earlier lineup. Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandy “Pepa” Denton gave a female voice to the genre with hits like “Push It” and “Whatta Man,” all set to the beats of DJ Deidra “Spinderella” Roper.

But I’m going with Umphrey’s McGee, maybe because this is the type of band that continues to push the Riverbend envelope when it comes to the music that is expected at the festival. They do longer, free-form jams that have made them a fixture on the festival circuit, even if you won’t hear them played on local mainstream radio. They are also likely to draw a large contingency of loyal fans from out of town. It’s a good opportunity for local folks to get a taste of something different, at least from a Riverbend act.

Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.