BIOGRAPHY

Kris Myers was born on April 5, 1977. Receiving a drum kit at the age of 8, he took an early interest in rock and punk music. During high school Myers was in a variety of musical outfits, but most notably co-founded a ska/punk band called the Skalawags. The group received a decent amount of success but denied an offer to tour Japan to instead pursue college degrees.

Myers attended Elmhurst College from 1995 – 1999 where he was a music major and the drummer in the Elmhurst College Jazz Band. Under director Doug Beach, the Elmhurst College Jazz Band played gigs in the U.S. and Internationally at events such as the Umbria Jazz Festival, Jakarta Jazz Festival and the Montreaux Jazz Festival. Myers has played with a variety of jazz artists such as Nicholas Payton, Diane Schuur, Randy Brecker, Dennis DiBlasio as well as local Chicago musician Mark Colby. 

In 2001 Myers enrolled in DePaul University where he earned his Master’s Degree in Jazz Drumming and was a member of the Rob Parton Orchestra. Additionally, Myers played with John McLean and was also was a member of Chicago jazz fusion band Kick the Cat. 

Myers began playing drums for progressive-rock band Umphrey’s McGee in 2003 following the departure of original drummer Mike Mirro. With Myers at the helm, Umphrey’s has released eleven albums and maintains a rigorous touring schedule of over 100 live shows per year.  Umphrey’s has performed at legendary festivals and venues such as Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, Fuji Rock Festival, South by Southwest, Red Rocks Amphitheater, The Ryman Theatre, The Beacon Theatre and more.

With Umphrey’s, Myers has shared the stage with countless notable musicians such as Buddy Guy, Huey Lewis, Ivan Neville, Les Claypool, Stephen Perkins, Mike Keneally, Joshua Redman, Bela Fleck, Taj Mahal, Victor Wooten, Stanley Jordan, Gene Ween, Jeff Coffin, Bill Evans, Adrian Belew Trio, Derek Trucks and Jason Bonham.

In 2011 Myers was honored with the title of Best Jam Band Drummer by DRUM Magazine. In 2018, Myers was featured on the cover of Modern Drummer’s July issue. Myers placed second in the Experimental Rock category of the publication’s “Readers Poll Awards” behind St. Vincent drummer Matt Johnson.

Myers works as a studio musician in the Nashville for various projects. He continues to play with musicians such as Mike Keneally, Bill Evans, Jeff Coffin, and Billy Strings on a variety of projects in both the Nashville and Los Angeles area.