Denver's beloved indie music festival is back to rock South Broadway in 2021.
Underground Music Showcase will return this year with live, in-person shows from August 27 to 29, 2021 -- a bit later than usual, to give coordinators time to plan a safer event. Planning for the event is still in the works, but guests can expect safety measures like reduced capacity and limited ticket sales to ensure safe distancing.
"We couldn't be happier to be in-person for 2021 to not only support live music and local bands, but to support more than a dozen independent bars and restaurants on Broadway," said festival owner Casey Berry.
Every year, UMS takes over several blocks on and around South Broadway, bringing independent musicians from Colorado and all over the world to venues like the hi-dive and the Goodwill parking lot, as well as smaller venues scattered around the area. UMS also attracts thousands of guests to the Baker neighborhood and into local businesses every summer, making it an important weekend for bar, restaurant and shop owners.
Last year, the pandemic pushed UMS online after 20 years of annual live shows. The festival became a live streamed variety show fundraiser to support musicians struggling in a year without performances. The festival raised $75,000 for Colorado music industry workers and venues.
This year, UMS, which is organized by the Denver-based event group Two Parts, will partner with CPR's Indie 102.3 and 303 Magazine. Two Parts plans to monitor health orders closely throughout the summer.
Headliners will be announced in July and will include both local and national acts. Presale tickets go on sale Wednesday, May 12, at 10 a.m.; book them on UMS's website.
Editor's note: Denverite and Indie 102.3 are both owned by CPR.
