LOOK: What we saw amid thousands of vaccinated revelers at the Underground Music Showcase

A little more chill than usual.
4 min. read
People dance to a song by Shannon and The Clams at the Underground Music Showcase main stage in Denver on Friday, August 27, 2021.
Eli Imadali for Denverite

The Underground Music Showcase returned to South Broadway this weekend, bringing with it thousands of vaccinated music lovers. For many, it felt like the return of live music. Some of the artists who performed noted it was their first time playing in front of people in over a year.

Broadway was sunny and full of life all weekend, with visitors wandering between venues and stopping for food, drinks and merch at local business between sets.

Two Parts founder Casey Barry said that demand for tickets far outweighed demand for refunds after UMS announced all guests must be vaccinated or present a recent negative COVID year to attend. MacKenzie Bearley an Englewood resident who's attended UMS a couple times in years past, said the crowds were a bit smaller than previous years.

"The vibe is pretty similar. It just feels a little more low-key. It's not as messy as years before," Bearley said. She said it felt good to be back seeing live music, and that she's glad UMS implemented the vaccine requirement. "It's been nice to be around people. It feels safe."

People trickled in each day starting around early afternoon, and mainstage was packed by the time headliners played at 9 each night. And while the event was crowded, most guests refrained from pushing to the front, so the crowds were generally pretty comfortably spaced out.

Here's what photographer Eli Imadali saw when he went out Friday and Sunday.

People watch a performance at the Underground Music Showcase main stage from their apartment rooftop in Denver on Friday, August 27, 2021.
Eli Imadali for Denverite
People watch a performance at the Underground Music Showcase main stage from their home in Denver on Friday, August 27, 2021.
Eli Imadali for Denverite
Some great shirts seen at the Underground Music Showcase in Denver on Sunday, August 29, 2021.
Eli Imadali for Denverite
People wait outside Hi-Dive on Broadway to see a show, part of the Underground Music Showcase in Denver on Friday, August 27, 2021.
Eli Imadali for Denverite
Six-year-old August, left, and Jude, 5, enjoy drinks as their parents socialize in between bands at the Underground Music Showcase main stage in Denver on Friday, August 27, 2021.
Eli Imadali for Denverite
Fati Zulaikha, center, and Ryan Galuchi, right, enjoy a moment during Pinegrove’s performance at the Underground Music Showcase main stage in Denver on Friday, August 27, 2021.
Eli Imadali for Denverite
Cans and cups dot the ground after Pinegrove’s performance at the Underground Music Showcase main stage in Denver on Friday, August 27, 2021.
Eli Imadali for Denverite
Evan Stephens Hall, lead singer of Pinegrove, performs at the Underground Music Showcase main stage in Denver on Friday, August 27, 2021.
Eli Imadali for Denverite
Pinegrove performs for a crowd of hundreds at the Underground Music Showcase main stage in Denver on Friday, August 27, 2021.
Eli Imadali for Denverite
Trace Fetterer sports a pinwheel hat at the Underground Music Showcase main stage in Denver on Sunday, August 29, 2021.
Eli Imadali for Denverite
A couple dances while waiting to eat at a food truck at the Underground Music Showcase main stage in Denver on Sunday, August 29, 2021.
Eli Imadali for Denverite
From left, Gloria, 10, Pablo, 7, and August, 6, watch a performance at the Underground Music Showcase main stage in Denver on Friday, August 27, 2021. They were among the only people masked at the event, since it was mostly adults and proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test was required.
Eli Imadali for Denverite
Silver Jessemann, 8, his father, Matthew Jesseman, and friend Johnny Naffah watch a performance at the Underground Music Showcase main stage over the fence from their neighborhood alleyway in Denver on Friday, August 27, 2021.
Eli Imadali for Denverite
From left, friends Dan Haque, Schmike Vienneau, John welch and Brendan Murphy hang out at the Goodwill pop-up while waiting to see Pinegrove at the Underground Music Showcase main stage in Denver on Friday, August 27, 2021.
Eli Imadali for Denverite
Dozens gather on Broadway, hopping from show to show at the Underground Music Showcase in Denver on Sunday, August 29, 2021.
Eli Imadali for Denverite
Korryne “Koko La” Coleman of RAREBYRD$ performs outside of Mutiny Information Cafe on Broadway at the Underground Music Showcase in Denver on Sunday, August 29, 2021.
Eli Imadali for Denverite
Kenny and Liz Vasko enjoy Shannon and The Clams at the Underground Music Showcase main stage in Denver on Friday, August 27, 2021.
Eli Imadali for Denverite

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