What we saw at the last UMS

The Underground Music Showcase turned 25, and said goodbye.

Jul. 28, 2025, 6:22 pm

5 min. read

DeVotchKa plays the last Showcase Stage show at the 25th-annual Underground Music Showcase on South Broadway. July 27, 2025.

Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

For one last time, the Underground Music Showcase took over South Broadway.

Festival organizers announced earlier this month that the 25th year for UMS would also be its last "as we know it."

From discussions about the festival's future to sweaty gigs in Baker dive bars and main stage celebrations, here's what we saw.

Friday, July 25

La Luz plays on the first day of the Underground Music Showcase, July 25, 2025.

Gio Chamba performs on the first day of the Underground Music Showcase, July 25, 2025.

All Them Witches play on the first day of the Underground Music Showcase, July 25, 2025.

Saturday, July 26

Santiago Jaramillo dances with Kalpulli Mikakuika of Westwood as the Underground Music Showcase begins its second day. July 26, 2025.

Kalpulli Mikakuika of Westwood performs as the Underground Music Showcase begins its second day. July 26, 2025.

Underground Music Showcase co-manager Jami Duffy leads a discussion about the future of Denver's local music scene, during a meeting at the MSU Denver School of Music on Kalamath Street. July 26, 2025.

People fill the MSU Denver School of Music building on Kalamath Street as Underground Music Showcase co-manager Jami Duffy leads a discussion about the future of Denver's local music scene. July 26, 2025.

Hi-Dive owner Matty Clark stands outside his South Broadway rock bar during the Underground Music Showcase. July 26, 2025.

Matthew Brown, owner of South Broadway's FM boutique, in his shop as the Underground Music Showcase carries on outside. July 26, 2025.

Raphsody karaoke bar owner Hillary Schefter stands in her South Broadway space before it opens. July 26, 2025.

Emma Parks runs the counter at South Broadway's Femme Fatale Intimates during the Underground Music Showcase. July 26, 2025.

The Main Stage at the Underground Music Showcase. July 26, 2025.

Chelsea and Steve Fast hang out at the Underground Music Showcase Main Stage. July 26, 2025.

Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

Sunday, July 27

Indie 102.3's Alisha Sweeney interviews DeVotchKa member Tom Hagerman during the 25th-annual Underground Music Showcase on South Broadway. July 27, 2025.

Venus Cruz and Super Distant Boyfriend plays HQ Denver during the 25th-annual Underground Music Showcase on South Broadway. July 27, 2025.

People browse the Goodwill offerings at the Showcase Stage on the third day of the Underground Music Showcase, July 27, 2025.

The merch booth on the third day of the Underground Music Showcase, July 27, 2025.

Joshua Abeyta's daughter plays the tambourine at the Los Mocochetes show on the third day of the Underground Music Showcase, July 27, 2025.

Diego Florez shreds during the Los Mocochetes set on the third day of the Underground Music Showcase, July 27, 2025.

People flash IDs to get into the Skylark Lounge during the 25th-annual Underground Music Showcase on South Broadway. July 27, 2025.

Kitty Crimes plays the Skylark Lounge during the 25th-annual Underground Music Showcase on South Broadway. July 27, 2025.

An all-ages crowd at the Showcase Stage on the third day of the Underground Music Showcase, July 27, 2025.

Crowd surfing during Fidlar on the third day of the Underground Music Showcase, July 27, 2025.

Fidlar plays on the third day of the Underground Music Showcase, July 27, 2025.

Security tries to shut down crowd surfing during Fidlar on the third day of the Underground Music Showcase, July 27, 2025.

The crowd boos security after they shut down crowd surfing during Fidlar on the third day of the Underground Music Showcase, July 27, 2025.

The Showcase Stage lot is full as DeVotchKa plays the last major set at the 25th annual Underground Music Showcase on South Broadway. July 27, 2025.

Ryan Gabrinetti whispers to Madison Rincon on the side of the stage as DeVotchKa plays the last Showcase Stage show at the 25th-annual Underground Music Showcase. July 27, 2025.

DeVotchKa plays the last Showcase Stage show at the 25th annual Underground Music Showcase on South Broadway. July 27, 2025.

Linh Nguyen dances in a trance as DeVotchKa plays the last Showcase Stage show at the 25th-annual Underground Music Showcase on South Broadway. July 27, 2025.

Antoinette An swoons as DeVotchKa plays the last Showcase Stage show at the 25th-annual Underground Music Showcase on South Broadway. July 27, 2025.

Underground Music Showcase co-manager Jami Duffy rallies her troops for a big send-off on the Showcase Stage as the 25th-annual Underground Music Showcase comes to an end on South Broadway. July 27, 2025.

Underground Music Showcase co-manager Jami Duffy (left) embraces festival co-founder Ricardo Baca as the last Showcase Stage show comes to an end on South Broadway. July 27, 2025.

Underground Music Showcase co-manager Jami Duffy thanks fans, artists and organizers for their work on the festival, which has gone on for 25 years and may not return to South Broadway. July 27, 2025.

Insipidus plays the sidewalk along South Broadway as the 25th annual Underground Music Showcase comes to an end. July 27, 2025.

The sidewalk outside the Hi-Dive is packed as the 25th annual Underground Music Showcase comes to an end on South Broadway. July 27, 2025.

Pizza is acquired at Pie Hole on the third day of the Underground Music Showcase, July 27, 2025.

Kevin Beaty

Kevin is a multimedia artist who flung himself into the world of journalism. He likes using a camera and microphone to tell stories about workers, the environment, social justice and fascinating humans.

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Lauren Antonoff Hart

Lauren is a Denver native who can use a microphone, a camera or a pen to tell a story. She loves empowering her community with information and supplying moments of joy. Most often, you'll find her covering arts and culture — but wherever news goes, she follows.