The fire and the brimstone and all-around good guy Jake Cinninger turned fifteen in Umphrey’s years as the guitarist marked his fifteenth year in the band as of September 1, when he made his debut as an official member at the State Theater in South Bend, IN. 

The addition of Cinninger proved to be one of the most dynamic changes to the group, as not only did they add an incredible talent, but also created the two-guitar attack that currently rules their live repertoire. Cinninger also contributed much of his original material to the band in the years that would follow, including notable live staples like “Utopian Fir,” “Blue Echo” and bits of “Roulette” and “Last Man Swerving,” which can be found on his previous solo records. Cinninger is also credited on “Nothing Too Fancy” as well. 

Since then, he’s been a driving force in Umphrey’s McGee’s creative growth, from a tiny bar band in Indiana to the theatre-packing group today and beyond. 

Listen to Cinninger’s first full show below.