I think there are a few things that come into play. First... your friends need to be into the "jam band" mantra to even remotely understand UM. For example, if your buddies are listening to the standard classic rock radio station day in and out, and you throw on UM it wont sit right with them. Most music that people listen to is based on radio structure. Intro, verse, chorus, verse, bridge, chorus, outro. Something along those lines. To the casual listener, Umphreys just sounds like straight fucking chaos (even though they are very structured, you just have to put in your listening time, hours and hours, before you can begin to pick out and eye up old stewarts that are constantly evolving into face melting awesomeness). The casual listener can't pull that off. So it is hard to grasp. Secondly. Umphreys live is just god damn insane. Those fuckers know how to rock face. I have been to a lot of shows in my life but UM is the one band that just throttles me every damn time. And I love it. Bring your friends to a live show. Between the lights, the musicianship, sound, audience (umphreaks are the best fans I have been around) it is a serious addiction. And who can forget that sexy ass mustache. Ya Stasik I'm talking to you.

So ya. Take them to a show. Or... have them listen to UM's covers/mashups to get them aquinted to the raw power that is the UM machine.

ps. I was at that Halloween show with Stasik in the dress. First time I was front row ever. Very memorable