Over the last few years, local Chicago upstart Umphrey’s McGee has forged itself into a nationally renowned jam band.

With a growing fan base and a vast musical repertoire, Umphrey’s McGee continues to impress listeners. This was inherent when they played a sizzling set at the 2002 Bonnaroo Music Festival, the “Woodstock” of jam bands.

UM features two guitarists (Brendan Bayliss and Jake Cinninger), a bassist (Ryan Stasik), a keyboardist (Joel Cummings), a drummer (Kris Myers) and a percussionist (Andy Farag).

This combination of instruments can create some innovative live music. Umphrey’s McGee is known for its guitar-heavy jams and vocal melody. The group is constantly- redefining itself as a band and seldom disappoints its fans.

Their music is not of one genre, but rather it encompasses a wide variety of musical styles, spanning everything from classical to bluegrass (Phil’s Farm), gangsta-rap to hair metal (Pay the Snucka Pt. III), jazz improv (Jazz Odyssey) to downright dirty funk (Space Funk Booty).

Every song is different, but it’s all tied together by the energy and atmosphere the music creates. Add that to some truly entertaining covers like Michael Jackson’s “The Girl Is Mine,” and you have an Umphrey’s Mcgee show.

UM’s members are known for their ability to bring a crowd into a show. At Chicago’s Belmont-Sheffield Music Festival this summer, they played in front of a crowd primarily made up of punk fans.

They got the crowd moving with a few originals, threw in a tease of Eve’s “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” and brought the crowd to a feverish pitch with a cover of indie-rock favorites Fugazi (“Waiting Room”).

Umphrey’s McGee is at a very exciting point in its career. New drummer Kris Myers is really coming into his own, and the band feeds off his energy. UM enthusiasts await the Nov. 9 release of the “Skyline Stage” DVD, which was filmed over two nights at Navy Pier last year.

The band also just kicked off its “Goin’ to the Store Fall Tour 2003,” which brings UM into DeKalb next week. This will not be the group’s first show at Otto’s, 118 E Lincoln Highway.

Booking manager Tony Poulos said, “Umphrey’s is one of the best of their genre, and I truly mean that.”

Umphrey’s will play a 21-and-over show on Wednesday night at Otto’s. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 the day of the show.