7 Must See Acts: UMS 2023

As we embark on our 13th Underground Music Showcase’s an outlet, we wanted to celebrate the amazing Denver community and its vibrant music scene for allowing to capture and cover some amazing bands from the last decade.

Every year we scour our lineups and schedules to make a list of our top ten acts we recommend. While each year has its challenges, it also allows us to share bands some of you may not be familiar with.

Without further adieu…..

Seven Must See Acts


Spill Tab

Showcase Stage | Sunday, July 30th | 6:35-7:20 PM

Welcome to the world of Spill Tab, where musical boundaries are shattered, emotions run wild, and acoustic landscapes transport you to another dimension. With a unique blend of haunting melodies, soul-stirring lyrics, and ethereal vocals, Spill Tab offers a transformative acoustic experience that leaves audiences captivated and craving more.

Led by the enigmatic and immensely talented artist Spill Tab, this musical project invites listeners to embark on a journey through the vast depths of human emotions. Drawing from personal experiences and introspection, Spill Tab's music serves as a cathartic outlet, resonating with anyone who has ever felt lost, vulnerable, or overwhelmed.

Incorporating elements from various genres like indie-folk, dream pop, and alternative rock, Spill Tab weaves a sonic tapestry that is profoundly intimate yet universally relatable. Each song tells a story, inviting you into a world where heartaches and triumphs merge to create something truly extraordinary. The lyrics delve deep into the human psyche, exploring themes of love, pain, self-discovery, and the complexities of the human condition.


Air Dubai

Showcase Stage | Sunday, July 30th | 4:25-5:10 PM


Air Dubai is an American alternative hip-hop band formed in 2008 in Denver, Colorado. The band consist of five talented individuals who came together with a shared passion for music and an unwavering desire to create something unique and unforgettable. Combining elements of hip-hop, rock, and pop, Air Dubai quickly gained recognition for their energetic live performances and diverse sound.

Air Dubai disbanded in 2016, leaving behind a remarkable catalog of music that continues to inspire and captivate fans worldwide. Their legacy lives on through their unique fusion of genres, thought-provoking lyrics, and unforgettable live performances. Some of you may remember their reunion show during our 5th anniversary party at Pearls.

Air Dubai's influence can be seen in the countless artists that followed, incorporating elements of hip-hop, rock, and pop in their own work. Their ability to push musical boundaries and stay true to their artistic vision. Excited to see the band back together for this year, we could not be more excited.


Levi Double U

Oasis Stage | Friday, July 28th | 4:50-5:40 PM

Levi Double U, the incredible musical prodigy, is making waves in the music industry with his extraordinary talent and unique style. Levi's passion for music has been instrumental in various projects he has been part of. His ability to effortlessly switch and adapt to his music projects gives us a hint of his musical knowledge. His dj sets are always consistent with house bangers and carefully orchestrated dance floor starters. Wether its playing drums for Neoma or making us shake our ass to to his DJ moniker Levi Double U, he is a must see this week.


ROOTBEER RICHIE AND THE REVEILLE

UMS House | Friday, July 28th | 11:59-12:45 AM

We first came across this band a few years ago as our last act at UMS on a hot, sweaty, Sunday night at The Hi Dive. Our lives haven’t been the same since. A fusion of all the genres we love, the band manages to pull off a set inducing dance party with all kinds of elements at its disposal. From horns to infectious anthem cries, this band will steal the show this year, we guarantee it. Be ready to dance, be ready to sweat and be ready to talk about it the next day!


Virgi Dart

HQ Denver | Sunday, July 30th | 6:00-6:45 PM

In Colombia Virgi's musical prowess has afforded her the opportunity to perform on the most important + grand stages in her hometown, Cali, along with many respected venues throughout her home country. Prior to moving to the US, Virgi headlined at the most prolific disco group in Colombia for six years, granting her access to performances with some of the most well-respected artists in Latin America.

Virgi is excited to bring her professionalism, talent, and commanding stage presence to her newfound home in Colorado and in venues across the US. She looks forward to continuing to honor her influences of pop-rock/Latin music while delivering memorable performances for her crowds. Virgi recently released her first album, a versatile EP with 6 songs where the audience will be delighted with pop music, cumbia, bachata and electro-pop as well as a beautiful ballad with a symphonic orchestra.

She is currently working on the recording of her second album, she is also releasing music videos and performing throughout the US, Mexico and Colombia.


King Isis

Underground Stage | Sunday, July 30th | 5:40-6:15 PM

Born and raised in the cultural hub of Oakland, CA, King Isis shifts shapes and fuses sounds ranging from rock and R&B to jazz and blues, sweeping through pain, growth, and transformation.

Music has been in King Isis' blood for generations. They were taught on the piano of their great-great-grandmother Omega King, one of the first Black opera singers in Chicago. King Isis’ artist moniker pays reverence to Omega’s legacy of pursuing her passion of art and creation in segregated, post-slavery America. “Her name holds a lot of power in my house and in my family,” Isis reflects, “A big part of the reason my artist name incorporates hers is to remind me that there is power in my voice, that music has always been a deep-rooted part of me, and to keep going.”


Ogi

Underground Stage | Saturday, July 29th | 9:00-9:40 PM

Our voices indicate how we feel. Joy, sadness, trepidation, and truth filter through the tone and timbre. For as pensive and reserved as Ogi may be in everyday life, the Los Angeles-based Nigerian American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist speaks her mind when she sings. After captivating audiences on social media and earning the endorsement and support of iconic GRAMMY® Award-winning producer No I.D. [JAY-Z, John Mayer, Kanye West], she expresses who she is through every note on a series of singles and her 2022 debut.

Our Top Ten Must See Acts For The UMS 2021

Our favorite weekend of the year is upon us and we are celebrating our tenth year covering this amazing festival. The Underground Music Showcase is set to return to the streets of South Broadway this weekend and we have made our annual list of who to see. So without further adieu we present our “Ten Must See Acts”.

ERIN STEREO | OASIS STAGE AT IMPORT MECHANICS | FRIDAY 6:00-7:00 PM

We have had the pleasure of seeing Erin Stereo on various occasions throughout the years and there hasn’t been an empty dance floor needless to say. She commands and is in full control of her sets and is able to adapt on the drop of a dime. Let’s get this UMS started off right on Friday with her amazing set.


Citra

CITRA | STONEY’S CANTINA | FRIDAY 10:50-11:40 PM

Our favorite Denver rock act returns to melt your face. We always love when bands play early in the festival because it sets the bar for other bands that weekend to top what this four-piece brings. It’s going to get loud, it’s going to get rowdy, and it’s going to be an all out party. Be prepared.


The Grand Alliance (Photo: Anthony Maes)

The Grand Alliance | Showcase Stage at The Goodwill | Saturday 2:40-3:30 PM

The cat is out of the bag as The Grand Alliance has landed and is setting the pace for what is our early favorite for “Band of The Year”. Mixing elements of funk, hip hop, r&b, with a twist of afro-funk the band combines three Denver locals (who each have their own amazing solo projects) to give us an intergalactic dancer party. We suggest dressing up in your favorite space garb for this one, you never know what will go down.


NEOMA | SHOWCASE STAGE AT THE GOODWILL | SATURDAY 3:50-4:40 PM

It’s been a whirlwind couple years for Neoma, the Ecuadorian outfit has cemented their place in Denver as one of the most exciting live bands to see in the last couple years. Led by songstress who also goes by the name Neoma, she manages to capture the audience with a unique ability to sing in English and in Spanish rarely seen in pop music (think Selena meets Rosalia). Their set will leave you falling in love and appreciating every note from their infectious dance set.


POUT HOUSE | THE HORNET | SATURDAY 7:40-8:30 PM

Garage Rock isn’t dead yet. Just ask the members of Pout House who deliver a sound that is hard to compare with any other band. Utilizing their affection for early garage acts such as The Strokes, The White Stripes and to top it off throw in a hint of Blondie and The Velvet Underground. If you are seeking a sound reminiscent be sure to check out their set Saturday night to get your evening started for the late night heavy-hitters.


ADIEL MITCHELL | COCHINO TACO | SATURDAY 10:00-10:50 PM

Adiel Mitchell put on one of the most electric performances of UMS 2019, and now the prodigal son Is back for more. Wit a more polished set and mature sound, Mitchell has been honing his skills during the pandemic to give us what is set to be another epic performance. Fresh off an opening set for Bishop Briggs, Adiel Mitchell is going to turn your Saturday night into an unforgettable evening.


IZCALLI | STONEY’S CANTINA | SATURDAY 12:20-1:10 AM

At this point we can safely say IZCALLI are UMS veterans. Over the years we have had the pleasure of seeing this amazing Spanish rock outfit bring some of the most memorable live performances we have had to chance to cover. Not much has changed as the band continues to give us a mix of music the way it was supposed to be played….in all languages. The band has established itself as the festivals late night headliners and you will see why on Saturday night.


LEVI DOUBLE U | OASIS STAGE AT IMPORT MECHANICS | SUNDAY 5:00-6:00 PM

Producer/DJ/Drummer/…….we can literally go on. Levi Double U wears many hats among the Denver music scene, but it has been his DJ sets that have elevated him to one of the elites among the city’s best. With a love of house music, Levi Double U can spark a dance floor at the drop of a beat setting off a dance party that even you want to participate in. Look for Levi Double U to continue to set forth a blaze among the scene amongst his different projects.


ELEKTRIC ANIMALS | HI-DIVE | SUNDAY 7:40-8:30 PM

We are going to be honest here, we had never heard of Elektric Animals until an email reached our inbox back in July of 2020. We featured a song called “Reckless” that just blew our mind. We were the midst of the heyday of the pandemic so music was our only vice we could really enjoy. The band has grown on us and has become a regular on our playlist here at the office. This will be our first time seeing them live and we cannot wait. If you like rock music at its core you won’t want to miss this set.


VYNYL | STONEY’S CANTINA | SUNDAY 11:10-12:00 AM

One of Denver’s best pop acts will end our UMS this year. VYNYL gives us feel good rock that portrays their penchant for the love of music they have adopted as their own. With infectious riffs and heart felt lyrics, the band gives us our own version of what rock should sound like. We are excited to see these guys play as it has been way too long and we are craving some feel good music to end our fest this year.

Don't Call It A Comeback: UMS Returns In August

 

Our favorite weekend of music is back after a year break (still did an amazing job virtually) the annual gathering of music on South Broadway is set to return in late August. In what has become one of the most exciting independent music festivals in the country we cannot wait to gather with our friends this year and celebrate this amazing event.

UMS IS BACK FOR 2021. We're hitting the streets of Broadway from August 27 - 29th for a year unlike any other. It's our duty as the Underground Music Showcase to provide the stage for Denver's music community and to let your voices be heard. We're rising from the ashes of 2020 in full color and we're counting down to best weekend of the summer.

We'll be announcing artist applications shortly. Stay tuned for more details on how to apply to this year's edition of Underground Music Showcase.

P.S.: Presale tickets go live on TODAY – tell your friends!

Go buy your tickets today!

Join ‘UMSomething’ – a virtual festival, telethon, and fundraiser in the spirit of Denver’s famed indie music festival

bc00a853-c47d-4108-aae0-6ec4513d8351.jpg

On Saturday, July 25th, 2020, from 7:00 – 10:00 PM MT, The Underground Music Showcase (UMS), Denver’s largest music festival, returns with an irreverent virtual music festival, variety show, and retro telethon. In partnership with the Colorado Music Relief Fund, the digital version of the 20th edition of UMS promises to capture the energy and rock ‘n’ roll spirit of the festival while raising relief funds to support Colorado musicians and music industry professionals affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Delivering a diverse and eclectic lineup of Denver’s most exciting artists, UMS 2020 will feature live performances from Bud Bronson & The Good Timers, Float Like a Buffalo, Los Mocochetes, Neoma, Ramakhandra, The Milk Blossoms, The Still Tide, TheyCallHimAP, Turvy Organ, Wes Watkins, Wildermiss, and YaSi. 

Hosted by acclaimed Colorado comedians Christie Buchele and Sam Tallent, UMS 2020 combines live performances broadcast from iconic UMS venue Hi-Dive, exclusive UMS music video premieres shot from Denver’s Broadway venues, a throwback telethon with prize giveaways, and party supplies delivered to viewers -- ensuring that ‘UMSomething’ honors the raucous traditions that UMS fans have cultivated over the festivals’ famed 20 years in Denver.  The livestream will be hosted at www.undergroundmusicshowcase.com on Saturday, July 25th from 7:00 - 10:00 PM MT
 
UMS has partnered with The Colorado Music Relief Fund to help raise money for its community affected by COVID-19. With the live music industry indefinitely on hold, this support is essential. The Colorado Music Relief Fund was created to support all of those who help bring music to our lives — host of talented and dedicated individuals, crews, and businesses working on stage and behind the scenes. Applications for the Colorado Music Relief Fund are available hereDonate here to help support Colorado’s music industry.
 

Farewell to The Three Kings

The Velveteers (Photo Credit: Kate Rose)

One of Denver’s longest running independent venues Three Kings Tavern will be shutting its doors down. With tough times, come tough losses, as it is apparent during our current time. Luckily for us we have had the opportunity to catch some amazing performances at the venue for the latter part of the last ten years. From the sauna like conditions, to the sketch bathrooms, Three Kings was home for us during the sweltering UMS summers. It was a place where everybody congregated to watch amazing bands all while throwing down tall boys of PBR. Three Kings you will be missed that’s for sure, but in retrospect and as we have seen overtime, all Kings rise eventually. Goodbye old friend. Thank you to all the Ultra5280 photographers who have captured some amazing photos over the years, Andrew Rios, Alyson McClaran, Kate Rose, Kelly O’Keefe, Robert Castro,