Kris Myers provides drums and vocals in progressive rock band Umphrey’s McGee, alongside percussionist Andy Farag. He joined the band after original drummer Mike Mirro decided to depart in 2002.



Kris Myers began drumming when he was eight, after an uncle bought him a drum kit. He attended William Fremd High School in Palatine, IL from 1991-1995 where he was actively involved in the music department and forming local rock bands with fellow students. Kris Myers co-started local ska/punk band Skalawags with fellow music students and friends. After a stint of success in ’94-’95, the band members declined an offer to tour Japan, opting instead to pursue college degrees.



Kris Myers attended Elmhurst College as a music major from 1995 – 1999, joining the Elmhurst College Jazz Band under director Doug Beach. The jazz band was self-sufficient; spending most weekends on paying gigs to help fund trips to jazz festivals both in the U.S. and internationally (Umbria Jazz Festival in Perusia & Montreaux Jazz Festival in Switzerland).



In 2001, Kris Myers attended DePaul University where he earned a master’s degree in jazz drumming and was a member of the Robert Parton Orchestra. During this time he was regularly hired for studio sessions and was a member of Chicago local jazz fusion group Kick the Cat.



After submitting his demo material and a subsequent audition, kris Myers began playing drums for Umphrey’s McGee in 2003, replacing the departing drummer Mike Mirro. With Myers at the helm, Umphrey's has released eight albums (both studio and live) and is on extensive tour, playing over 100 nights a year. They have played the some of the largest music festivals including Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and Fuji Rock Festival (Japan), to name a few.



Kris Myers has shared the stage with a variety of artists over the years: Buddy Guy, Dave Matthews, Huey Lewis, Mavis Staples, Koko Taylor, Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Mike Gordon, Warren Haynes, Ivan Neville, Les Claypool, Stephen Perkins, Mike Keneally, Jimmy Herring, Bill Kreutzman, Adrian Belew, Joshua Redman, Taj Mahal, Bela Fleck, Victor Wooten, Jeff Coffin, Jen Hartswick, Keller Williams, Stanley Jordan, Chris Poland, Rob Pagliari, Jeff Austin, Buckethead, Cody Dickinson, Luther Dickenson, Mark Kolby, Jon McLean, Rob Cornelius, Paris Delayne, Jeremy Piven (actor).