In July 2008, when Umphrey’s McGee performed "The Bottom Half" live at the Saturday In the Park festival in Sioux City, Iowa, they were in a dynamic phase of their career. At this time, the band had recently released their album "If Not Now, When?" in 2006, which marked the beginning of a new era for them with a focus on more structured songwriting and polished production. Following this performance, they would continue to explore and expand their sound, culminating in the release of "Mantis" in 2009. Notably, the live performance included a blend of progressive rock and improvisational elements, hallmarks of Umphrey’s McGee's style, which has earned them a loyal fanbase. Their dedication to live performance is evident as they thrive in festival settings like Saturday In the Park, showcasing their strong rapport with audiences and their ability to deliver energetic shows filled with intricate musicianship.