Brendan Bayliss performed a solo set in Chicago as a part of a special package offered at the Brendan & Jake Holiday Show that included an open bar as well as an acoustic set from the Umphrey’s McGee frontman. All proceeds from the event went to the People’s Music School of Chicago, an organization Bayliss and bandmate Cinninger have worked with before at their Acoustic Christmas shows.

During the 40-minute set, Bayliss relied on a mix of covers and originals, offering up version of Prince’s “When Doves Cry,” Beck’s “Debra,” The Band’s “Ophelia” and Dylan’s “Mama, You Been on My Mind,” after which he commented that the tune was his favorite song written by the great Bob Dylan.

Opening the set was a unique version of “No Diablo” with an alternate chorus that didn’t make it onto the final version which appeared on the group’s latest effort Similar Skin. He also offers a stripped down version of “Cut the Cable,” complete with its new metal makeover. Umphrey’s fans will also dig a solo “FF” and the closing “Hajimemashite” as well as all of the sarcastic, quick-witted banter Mr. Bayliss is famous for.

Setlist:

No Diablo

Cut the Cable

FF

Mama, You Been On My Mind (Dylan)

When Doves Cry (Prince)

Debra (Beck)

Hysteria (Def Leppard)

Ophelia (The Band)

Fearless (Pink Floyd)

Hajimemashite