Underground Music Showcase Announces Schedule and Outdoor Stages

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Denver's largest and most iconic music festival, the Underground Music Showcase, has announced its complete 2019 schedule. From July 26 - 28, this mile-long festival on Broadway will feature 350+ live shows from local bands and national acts like Honne, Chicano Batman, Black Mountain, Tuxedo, Earthgang and many more.


The music festival will feature three creatively custom outdoor stages: Showcase Stage @ Goodwill, Odyssey Stage @ Import Mechanics, and new to this year’s showcase, Knockout Stage @ Punch Bowl Social. Additional stages include 15+ indoor music venues along South Broadway. Festival-goers can expect a three-day weekend packed with live music, craft beer, cocktails and wine, food, surprise pop-ups and more.


The festival will kick off with Wildermiss on the largest stage, Showcase Stage, @ 3:20 p.m. on Friday, July 26 and close out with Tuxedo @ 8:15 p.m. on Sunday, July 28. The full stage and venue schedule can be viewed at https://www.undergroundmusicshowcase.com/schedule.


Festival-goers are encouraged to purchase weekend passes for $50 now before prices increase to $75 beginning soon. Single-day passes also now on sale for $40. Groups looking to save additional money can purchase a weekend pass four-pack for $140. Weekend tickets include general admission access to any show, any stage, all weekend long. To purchase tickets, visit undergroundmusicshowcase.com.


Gregory Alan Isakov's “SOUTHERN STAR” Music Video

Gregory Alan Isakov’s music video for “Southern Star” is premiering today at Paste. Watch/share HERE. The live video was filmed and directed by Bryan Dos Reis while Isakov and his band were recently passing through Boston.

The track comes from Isakov’s new album, Evening Machines, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Americana/Folk Albums chart and is out now on Dualtone Records(stream/purchase here). Isakov wrote “Southern Star” while doing a writing exercise that involved choosing random words from several books (science-fiction and romance novels) he picked up from the dollar bin at his local bookstore.

In continued celebration of the release, Isakov will be embarking on a tour at the end of July that includes a SOLD-OUT headlining show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre (Aug 4th), with a second show now added at the brand-new Mission Ballroom (Aug 11th). The summer tour will also include stops at the legendary Newport Folk Festival, XPoNential Music Festival, Portland’s State Theatre, Cleveland’s Agora, Milwaukee’s Pabst Theater, Sweden’s Pustervik, Denmark’s Tønder Festival, Amsterdam’s Once in a Blue Moon Festival and Brighton’s Concorde 2 among many others. Complete tour details below.


GREGORY ALAN ISAKOV CONFIRMED TOUR DATES

July 25—Portland, ME—State Theatre*

July 26—Burlington VT—Flynn Center*

July 27—Newport, RI—Newport Folk Festival

July 28—Philadelphia, PA—XPotential Fest

July 30—Cleveland, OH—Agora*

July 31—Indianapolis, IN—The Vogue†

August 1—Milwaukee, WI—Pabst Theatre*

August 4—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre§

August 11—Denver, CO—Mission Ballroom**

August 16—Trondheim, Norway—Pstereo

August 17—Bodø, Norway—Parkenfestivalen

August 19—Örebro, Sweden—Frimis Salonger††

August 20—Gothenburg, Sweden—Pustervik††

August 21—Malmö, Sweden—Kulturbolaget††

August 23—Tønder, Denmark—Tønder Festival

August 23-26—Northamponshire, UK—Greenbelt

August 24—Amsterdam, Netherlands—Once in a Blue Moon Festival

August 27—Leeds, UK—Brudenell Social Club‡‡

August 28—Brighton, UK—Concorde 2‡‡

*support by Haley Heynderickx
§support by Mountain Man

†support by David Wax Museum

**support by special guest Amy Ray

††support by Siv Jakobsen

‡‡support by Carsie Blanton

Ten "Must See" Acts At This Year's Westword Music Showcase

Westword Music Showcase crowd going crazy for Galantis last year. (Photo Credit: Aly McClaran)

Westword Music Showcase crowd going crazy for Galantis last year. (Photo Credit: Aly McClaran)

This year the Westword Music Showcase is celebrating 25 years, an amazing accomplishment. Luckily we have been able to cover this festival for about half of that time. Each year while our staff is narrowing down their schedules we come across a few acts that you must see. Bands that have caught our attention and doing amazing things in the local and national scene. (In no particular order). If you haven’t purchased your tickets today is the last day before they go up in price. Use code: ULTRA5280 for your discounts.

Bailey Elora | 2:30-3:05 | 100% De Agave

Bailey is starting to put her stamp on the Denver music scene with a breakout year in 2019 so far. The singer-songwriter will touch your heart and evoke all the feels of a live performance. Look for her to be a household name in the up-coming year.

Adiel Mitchell | 2:30-3:05 | #VYBE Stage

2019 has been an amazing year for Adiel Mitchell and he is just getting started. With a slew of festivals on the horizon Mitchell brings his own unique sound to the masses. Evoking the persona of Bruno Mars while maintaining the cool of Khalid, Mitchell is set to breakout into one of Denver’s most versatile performers.

Corsicana | 4:10-4:45 | The Church

One of our favorite bands we have been listening to this year is Corsicana. The band is riding the wave of their recently released album and has our stamp of approval. Lead by lead singer Ben Pisano, the band pulls you into a world that evokes the feels of the song truly making a connection with the masterful songwriting.

Yasi | 12:25-12:55 | Breckenridge Brewery Main Stage

Ahhh fresh off the cover of this week’s Westword Magazine, YaSi has been having herself quite a year. The sultry singer has been traveling the country playing gigs in New York, Chicago, and Houston and returns to get things started off on the Breck Brew Main Stage. Her current single “Issues” has been on repeat for us and is sure to conjure up mutual feelings between her and her audience.

CITRA | 7:30-8:05 | The Church

While those of you who prefer your drinks stiff, make sure to catch CITRA headlining The Church. The rock band has become the staple band in the Denver rock scene the last few years and brings one of the better live sets of any band. Make sure you have your Jack & Coke ready!

SHAED | 1:20-1:55 | Breckenridge Brewery Main Stage

Electro-pop darlings SHAED is ready to shine on the main stage. Hailing from our nations capital the band is led by singer Chelsea Lee and rounded out by siblings Spencer and Max Ernst. If you are fans of Bishop Briggs or Marian Hill, you will enjoy their mid-day set at Westword.

The Hollow | 6:40-7:15 | The Church

What can we say about The Hollow? A band that has come into its own the latter part of the last few years along with CITRA has been hailed as one of the best rock acts to grace the Mile High. If you like your music hard, fast, and raw, The Hollow is for you. P.S……Bring your ear plugs.

Optycnerd | 1:40-2:15 | The Church

Optynerd is set to take their act on the road next month but before they do make sure you check out the duo of Chris Kimmel and Chris Scott. Their music just makes you want to dance, even though if you don’t know how. Catchy beats and feel good lyrics makes this band a must see. Come cool off from the treacherous heat indoors for a wild set.

Plastic Daggers | 5:00-5:35 | Bar Standard

We had a chance to see these guys not long ago at Lost Lake and our ears are still ringing. Plastic Daggers consists of Keaton Kidder and Jordan Palmer. The duo has been making music for the last few years cementing themselves as one of the better live acts in our city. Three things, it’s going to be loud, it’s going to raw, and just like your favorite beer.. it’s going to be unfiltered. Get some!!!

CHVRCHES | 7:20-8:35 | White Claw Stage

I mean it CHVRCHES…..

Must See DJ’s

Hexkitten

Polyphoni

Erin Stereo

DJ Bedz

Always gotta give love to our city’s best DJ’s who week in and week out provide us the soundtracks to our weekend shenanigans.

Gods of Summer Tour ft. Ra Ra Riot, Jimmy Eat World and Third Eye Blind

Third Eye Blind (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

On a cold rainy Saturday, Denver witnessed the Gods of Summer Tour featuring Third Eye Blind and Jimmy Eat World. Anybody growing up in the mid to late nineties got to witness two of music post grunge pioneers. The tour stopped at Levitt Pavilion this past Saturday, with rain forecasted throughout the night concert fans got lucky as the stormed only played havoc for about 20 minutes before the skies cleared and the bands belted out all the classics we have come to love. Ra Ra Riot opened up the festivities to get things started. Followed shortly by the band from Tempe, Arizona. Jim Adkins and company rallied in the rain to give us a dose of nostalgia from albums such as Bleed America, Static Prevails and Futures. Fan favorites included “The Middle”, “Sweetness” and “Pain”. The band has maintained its cult following for years now and luckily for us we have had the chance to follow them throughout their fabled careers.

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World slaying in front of a packed Levitt house. (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

As the rain stopped it was time for bay area rockers Third Eye Blind to hit the stage. Adorned in a bright yellow hoodie with matching sneakers frontman Stephan Jenkins and company opened with “Screamer”, which happens to be the name of their forthcoming album set to drop in July. Playing out like the soundtrack to any 90’s teen movie the band ripped through classics such as “Never Let You Go”, “Semi-Charmed Life” and “Jumper”. The band managed to show its relevance with Jenkins commanding the stage, some brief audience banter about the show feeling like a basement show due to its intimate setting and lack of production lighting (weather uncertainties caused them to stay in their trailers). For some it was a show that featured two bands that had a major impact in their teenage adolescent years, while others basked in the comfort knowing that good music still exists even if they achieved popularity in the 90’s.

Ra Ra Riot (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

Bumbershoot Day Lineups Announced

Seattle's Music and Arts Festival, has announced the 2019 day-by-day lineup. Taking place over Labor Day weekend, Friday Aug. 30 through Sunday Sept. 1, the 49th annual Bumbershoot will feature an eclectic list of performers including headliners Tyler, the Creator, The Lumineers, REZZ, Louis The Child, among others. Weekend passes are currently on sale. Single day passes starting at $99 and two day passes starting at $165 are also on sale now for a limited time at Bumbershoot.com.


More than 100 artists will perform throughout the weekend on more than a dozen indoor and outdoor stages spread throughout the 74-acre festival grounds, which includes both Memorial Stadium and Museum Of Pop Culture. Days for Comedy and Conversation performers and programming have also been released.

DAY-BY-DAY SCHEDULE - 2019

Friday

Music

Tyler, The Creator, *****, Hippie Sabotage, Alina Baraz, Snow Tha Product, SOB xX RBE, Bryce Vine, SOL, Flora Cash, Madison Beer, The Dip, Shaed, Morgxn, Y La Bamba, Evan Konrad, Jagwar Twin, School of Rock Seattle, Tourist Company, Art D’Ecco, Laza

Comedy & Conversation

Ramy Youssef, Punch Up The Jam, Ian Karmel, #Adulting with Michelle Buteau and Jordan Carlos, Quinta Brunson, Shane Mauss, Dulcé Sloan, Irene Tu, Emma Arnold, Mohanad Elshieky, Scott Losse, Evelyn Jensen, Levi Manis

Saturday

Music

The Lumineers, H.E.R., Jai Wolf, LP, Carly Rae Jepsen, Summer Walker, Rival Sons, A R I Z O N A, Alec Benjamin, Coin, Matt Maeson, Two Feet, Donna Missal, half*alive, Alex Lahey, Jasiah, The Blue Stones, Snotty Nose Rez Kids, Alex Cade, I///U, Baja Boy, USC Event’s Silent Disco @ Chihuly Garden and Glass feat. Hex Cougar, Lowsh vs. Farraday, Web vs. Coltan Johnson, Hherb vs Vitamin B, DJ Onyxx vs. Night Audit

Comedy & Conversation

Neal Brennan, Ramy Youssef, Ian Karmel, Jak Knight, Zack Fox, Quinta Brunson, Stand Up Science with, Shane Mauss, Jo Firestone, Dulcé Sloan, Irene Tu, Emma Arnold, Mohanad Elshieky, Scott Losse, Evelyn Jensen, Levi Manis

Sunday

Music

REZZ, Louis The Child, Taking Back Sunday, Clairo, Bob Moses, Reignwolf, Gallant, Bea Miller, The Midnight, Kiana Ledé, Pink Sweat$, The Aces, nothing,nowhere., Manatee Commune, Kolars, Ryland James, DJ Scheme, Emily Rowed, Fuzz Mutt, Tracksuit Wedding, L.A. Edwards

Comedy & Conversation

Ramy Youssef, Ian Karmel, Jak Knight, Zack Fox, Jo Firestone, Dulcé Sloan, Fahim Anwar Dance Hour, Irene Tu, Emma Arnold, Mohanad Elshieky, Scott Losse, Evelyn Jensen, Levi Manis

Everyday

Arts & Culture

Totally Legit, Seattle Design Nerds, Urban Artworks, Tariqa Waters presents Martyr Sauce, Electric Sky, Trivia Puppet Company, Drag Queens of Seattle with Arson Nikki, Butylene O’Kipple, Cookie Couture, Solana Solstice, Mercury Divine & Britt Brutality, Laser Dome presented by Pacific Science Center, Hair Flip Comix Newspaper, Kelly O, Alchemy Arts Collective, Design In Public, Eric Nyffeler, Yogashoot presented by CorePower, Sarah Lovett, Polite Society, Art/Not Terminal Collective, SIFF

Culinary

B-Eats: Musang, Wood Shop BBQ, Gracia, Bok A Bok Fried Chicken, Southpaw Pizza, Matt’s In The Market, Radiator Whiskey, Frankie & Jo’s, Adana, The White Swan Public, House, Manolin, Bar Harbor, Sawyer