Kris Myers
Umphrey's McGee - United States

Overview

Kris Myers was born on April 5, 1977. Receiving a drum kit at the age of 8, he took an early interest in jazz, rock and punk music. During high school Myers co-started his first musical outfit, a ska/punk band called the Skalawags. Although the group received a decent amount of success, they denied an offer to tour Japan and instead chose to pursue college degrees.

Myers attended Elmhurst College from 1995 – 1999 where he was a music major and the drummer in the Elmhurst College Jazz Band. Under director Doug Beach, the Elmhurst College Jazz Band played gigs both in the U.S. and Internationally at events such as the Umbria Jazz Festival, Jakarta Jazz Festival and the Montreaux Jazz Festival.

In 2001 Myers enrolled in DePaul University where he earned his master’s degree in jazz drumming and was a member of the Rob Parton Orchestra. In addition to his involvement in school bands, Myers was playing in festivals with a variety of jazz artists such as Nicholas Payton, Diane Schuur, Randy Brecker, Dennis DiBlasio as well as local musicians Mark Colby and John McLean. Myers also was a member of Chicago jazz fusion band Kick the Cat.

Myers began playing drums for progressive-rock band Umphrey’s Mcgee in 2003 following the departure of original drummer Mike Mirro. With Myers at the helm, Umphrey’s has released ten albums and maintains a rigorous touring schedule of over 100 live shows per year. Umphrey’s has performed at legendary festivals and venues such as Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Fuji Rock Festival, South by Southwest, Red Rocks, The Ryman Theatre, The Beacon Theatre and more.

With Umphrey’s, Kris has shared the stage with countless notable musicians such as Buddy Guy, Huey Lewis, Ivan Neville, Les Claypool, Stephen Perkins, Mike Keneally, Adrian Belew, Joshua Redman, Bela Flek, Taj Mahal. Victor Wooten, Jen Hartswick and Gene Ween.

In 2011 Myers was honored with the title of Best Jam Band Drummer by DRUM Magazine, beating jamband stalwarts such as Butch Trucks (The Allman Brothers) and Jon Fishman (Phish). Currently, Myers has an extensive list of artists he records music for, and takes part in side projects with Kick the Cat, Mike Keneally, and former members of Frank Zappa, to name a few. He has also gained notoriety in the music licensing world as a co owner of Goodnight Nurse Publishing LLC. His library can be heard at goodnightnursemusic.com.

When he’s not behind the drum kit, Myers enjoys playing golf, attending concerts, hiking and collecting art.

Links

Umphrey's McGee