Umphrey's McGee is an American progressive rock / jam band based in Chicago, Illinois, and founded in South Bend, Indiana, at the University of Notre Dame in 1997 by vocalist/guitarist Brendan Bayliss, bassist Ryan Stasik, keyboardist Joel Cummins, and drummer Mike Mirro.

Anchor Drops followed in 2004, the band's first release on an official record label.

2006 saw the release of Safety In Numbers, which charted at number 186 on the US Billboard 200, and featured artwork by Storm Thorgerson, known for his work with such artists as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Dream Theater, and Muse.

Demos and leftover tracks from Safety in Numbers were released in 2007 as a two-disc set titled The Bottom Half.

Mantis was released in 2009, and Death by Stereo in 2011, both receiving moderate chart success.