Denver’s Underground Music Showcase takes over Broadway one final time, for now

For practically three a long time, Denver’s Underground Music Showcase has offered hundreds of performances by native artists from Colorado and surrounding states. The competition, which started in backyards and a dive bar basement, grew right into a cornerstone of the state’s unbiased music scene.

But this weekend’s occasion would be the final, no less than for now.

Organizers Youth on Record and Two Parts say rising prices and declining ticket gross sales have made it unsustainable to proceed.

The showcase has launched quite a few music careers, together with that of Nathaniel Rateliff, and has lengthy offered a platform for younger artists to start their journey within the music business.

“I imagine there will be a lot of tears; tears of joy, tears of sadness, tears of nostalgia,” stated Jami Duffy, Executive Director of Youth On Record. “That’s what community is, and that’s what UMS has done for Colorado.”

“It’s the best weekend in Colorado, according to our fans,” stated Duffy.

Over three days and throughout three levels, greater than 200 bands are performing alongside South Broadway. The occasion kicked off Friday night time with Nashville-based headliner All Them Witches, returning for the primary time in 4 years.

“Without UMS, I could arguably say that Colorado would not have the music scene that it has,” Duffy stated.

But after the final notes play Sunday night time, the competition and its legacy will pause indefinitely.

To proceed working safely and successfully, organizers say they would wish no less than $2 million. That quantity hasn’t been reached regardless of ticket gross sales and sponsorships.

“People are out here. They’re buying tickets. Sponsors are coming through,” Duffy stated. “But to throw a festival safely and on mission, you need government and philanthropic support, and it just hasn’t risen to the level that we can sustain.”

UMS is not alone. Across the U.S., no less than 40 music festivals have been canceled this yr, citing related challenges, from decreased attendance to shifting politics.

Still, organizers stay hopeful.

“Tens of thousands of people have come through the festival. They started their careers in music here. They found love here. They found friendship. This festival has given them life,” Duffy stated. “I know Coloradans don’t want to lose our independent music industry.”