Something Like Sound

The five classic questions that every journalist must ask are: “Who? / What? / When? / Why? / How?” Over the course of a few posts I hope to answer those questions in advance of the 10th annual Underground Music Showcase. To keep things straightforward, here’s the quick-and-dirty.

What? (with some Where?) South Broadway’s Baker neighborhood has always been a hub for great music in Denver. Whether it’s the Brooklyn-inspired Hi-Dive, the more punk rock 3 Kings Tavern, or any number of other bars and venues, there’s always a good show going on. Unlike LoDo, you won’t see people who look like they just came off the set of Jersey Shore. Rather, most patrons and shopkeepers tend to keep a low profile and a friendly attitude. It makes complete sense that this would be the setting for one of the city’s most prominent summer music festivals.

As far as the Underground Music Showcase (UMS) is concerned, it has developed into what some would say (yours truly included) is “the greatest music festival in Denver.” Marking its 10th year, the UMS has greatly expanded from a one night affair into a four day marathon of live music and revelry.

This year’s festival will bring the same SXSW-style atmosphere as seen in previous years, however there will be a few additions including industry panel discussions, a pre-UMS trivia night (co-sponsored by Geeks Who Drink), burlesque shows and more (click here for more details).

When? July 22-25, 2010. While staying out until 1 am on a Thursday night might sound like a poor decision, don’t let your work-related conscious deceive you! Some of the best happenings of the UMS occur during the first couple days, before the weekend crowds descend.

Why? This is perhaps the most important question. Why are events like the UMS important? The simple answer: discovery. It’s not about paying nearly $200 for a ticket (just $30 for all 4 days until July 21) or paying $2000 for a beer (the local shops and restaurants stay open throughout the festivities), rather, it’s about finding a new band or simply finding out how sleep deprived and exhausted you can become before passing out.

Stay tuned for more coverage as SLS dives in to the schedules for each day and examines the bands that should not be missed. Photos all via Tim Weilert at the 2009 UMS. From top to bottom: Dan Kaufman Superstar Eruption, Langhorne Slim, Rabbit Is A Sphere, Everything Absent or Distorted.