The Underground Music Showcase lives, 2015 -

By Pat Marek
Photos by Al Robinson
DENVER, CO – 15 years of live music, podcasts, charity, comedy, beer and food. It was another great year for The Underground Music Festival on wild South Broadway in Denver. An incredible variety of acts came out to make this another epic weekend for underground music fans. There is simply no better festival in Denver to catch local talent and discover new music.

South Broadway has a unique variety of spots to catch a show and each offered their own individual atmosphere. The small venues that dot this area were a perfect place to accommodate all types of fans. It was easy to stumble across a phenomenal show when there are so many locations involved and there is nothing more intimate than a great show in a small venue. When the heat became unbearable, these venues became oasis for festival goers. With music playing at places like Eslinger Gallery, 3 Kings Tavern and Hi-Dive crowds always seemed to linger.

Despite the heat, many gathered around the main stage to catch acts like Mac McCaughan, Gabriel Garzón-Montano, Rose Quartz and Oko Tygra. At night, the stage was packed with eager fans waiting to see the headliners DIIV, STRFKR and Tennis. As expected, none would disappoint.

DIIV began as a side project, originally just releasing 3 singles until Oshin in 2012. Dream pop influenced by krautrock, DIIV hints certain sounds from the mid to late 80s and aspects of alternative rock in the 90s. The music draws you into a dream state, not a dive but more like a slow immersion. A show this great surely raises excitement for their long anticipated new album, Is the Is Are, is set to release later this year.

Synthy and colorful, Portland’s STRFKR gave UMS a ++++ show. The main stage was packed and there was not a dull moment for the those in attendance. It’s hard not to immediately fall in love with these guys. You’ve got to love a band that does such a great rendition of “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”. It was great to finally see what everyone had been talking about. It’s always a special night when bassist, Shawn Glassford, puts on a dress.

One of the most impressive sets of the weekend was Until the Ribbon Breaks. Hailing from England, the trio made their very first appearance in Denver. Truly stunning vocals and an abstract mix of instruments with an electronic layer that never moved in the direction you’d expect.

This event was a gathering of creatives. Vintage cameras out and sketchbooks open. Some danced and others just took it in. It was an ideal place for anyone looking for inspiration. In the end nobody looked or sounded the same. The anticipation for next year will begin to grow until the 16th Denver Music Showcase.