The Underground Music Showcase (UMS) just released its schedule and I’m more stoked than ever. Bands will be playing at 10+ venues scattered along South Broadway and festival-goers must plan carefully in order to see all of their favorites. The festival begins on July 23, so take a look at my UMS preview to see which local bands should be a priority for everyone.
Thursday, July 23
UMS books a lot of indie rock and pop, but it also offers acts like French Kettle Station. Disco-electronic music? Check. Funky, ambient lights? Also check. French Kettle Station is singular Luke Thinnes from Denver, and he always has an energized and eclectic performance. (I was able to catch him at a show in Boulder this year—it was groovy). This isn’t a show to miss, so make sure you’re at Brendan’s Pub by 11 p.m.
Other bands to see this day: Strawberry Runners, Wild High
Friday, July 24
You can’t attend UMS without seeing Denver rock heroes In the Whale. The band is probably one of this city’s most recent acts to gain some major festival gigs— playing Lollapalooza (with the likes of Paul McCartney and Florence + the Machine) and Austin City Limits (along with The Strokes and Modest Mouse). These rockers are known to have a crazy energetic show, so go party with them. In the Whale plays the Main Stage, located at 99 S Broadway, at 6 p.m.
Other bands to see this day: Flaural, DIIV
Saturday, July 25
Saturday is a huge day for UMS—there are a lot of local acts playing and one of the headliners, STRFKR, is performing that night, but amidst all the chaos, Space Suits for Indians will be playing what is sure to be an exciting set. The band has close ties with other local acts such as Freaky North (Space Suits for Indians opened at their EP release), and deserves some local support of their own. Self-described as space rockers, this band will live up to its name and be truly out of this world. Space Suits for Indians will be playing at 8 p.m. at Illegal Pete’s.
Other bands to see this day: Shady Elders, DeCollage
Sunday, July 26
Sunday is the last day of the UMS, and isn’t as busy as the rest of the weekend, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t as much to see. Andy Sydow will be playing at Gary Lee’s Motor Club and Grub at 2 p.m. Sydow plays a blend of rock, blues and Americana and incorporates a mean harmonica, so go watch him shred on the piano and strum out some great tunes on the guitar. He has opened for the likes of Dick Dale and Kid Rock, and released his second album, Trailhead, earlier this year.
Other bands to see this day: Male Blonding, Atlas
These are just a few of the bands I’ll be seeing during the UMS. Of course, I’ll be checking out the headliners, DIIV and STRFKR, as well as a majority of the local acts. Stay tuned for some awesome photos from our Photo Editor Gusto and weekend coverage of the fest.
https://play.spotify.com/user/jrockhold2/playlist/44ZmOZprTpxaet12QAO6cF
