Kris Myers

Who is Kris Myers?

Kris Myers is an American musician. He is the drummer for Chicago-based progressive rock band Umphrey's McGee.

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. While participating in team sports throughout his time at Fremd, 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.

He 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.

In 2001, 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.