The UMS: Blog

MANY MANY THANKS!!!

Kendall Smith — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 18:42:00 MDT

Well, #11 is in the books. What a fantastic weekend! As we begin our come down, we must share our gratitude. We are thankful to many.

Thank you, UMS Artists. You are the reason this event exists. Thank you for sharing your gifts.

Thank you, UMS Fans. We are amazed and humbled by your unwavering support for our mission. We do not take this task lightly, and endeavour to continually improve your experience at The UMS.

Thank you, Sponsors. We are proud to be associated with you and look forward to working with you in the future.

Thank you, Volunteers. Your dedication to providing our region with a premiers, artist friendly event is unmatched. You give so freely of your time and energy. It is inspiring.

Thank you, Venues and Neighbors of Baker District on Broadway. It is no easy feat to absorb the thousands of music loving folks who flock to The UMS. We appreciate your patience and support.

So, while our staff catches a few winks, know that we are ever grateful and proud to have worked with you all… And, 2012 is gonna be great!!!

SUNDAY FUNDAY!!!!

Kendall Smith — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 12:56:00 MDT

It’s been a tremendous few days, but we are far from finished. A full slate of goodness awaits us. Come on out for Day 4 of the UMS!!! Over 100 acts! More films! More Comedy! More panel discussions! More Art! MORE! MORE! MORE!

*Single day passes are still available at the box office on Archer Street next to Goodwill. *

See you out there!

Its On!

Ben DeSoto — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 09:54:00 MDT

Have you been doing your homework? Do you have a plan? Are you ready to see friends both new and old?

Do you have your passes? Remember, the box office is cash only. It will be located on Archer St. next to Goodwill. Friday, the box office opens at 4:15.

Also, please note. We are starting earlier on Thursday and Friday than past years. Thursday we kick off at 6:00 and on Friday, at 5:15, The Heyday get the Goodwill lot rocking. Lay that groundwork to scoot out of work early!

Reel Sounds: Music Film at The UMS!

Kendall Smith — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:05:00 MDT

Since there’s no limit to the amount of awesome we can pack into one single late July weekend, we are proud to announce the inaugural year of Reel Sounds: Music Film at The UMS, a 3-day film odyssey into the heart and soul of Denver underground music… and a little beyond.

As we all know, Denver hosts one of the most vibrant, diverse, and exciting local music communities in the world. We are further blessed with an excess of video documentation of our scene, from music videos to documentaries to features. Reel Sounds: Music Film at the UMS will piece together a grassroots history of Denver independent music on film. Video premieres, feature screenings, and in-person director Q&A’s make Reel Sounds at the UMS a “can’t miss” addition to the festival.

The festivities begin on Friday, July 22nd, right in the thick of UMS goodness with a music video lounge at Delite. Over 2 hours of local music videos will be running non-stop starting at 7pm. At 8pm we’re proud to present premieres of new music videos from Fingers of the Sun, Hindershot, Hot White, and more. So stop in, have a drink, mingle with some of Denver’s finest audio-visual talent, and watch some kickass music videos by all of your local favorites.

Then it’s on to the main event. On Saturday, July 23rd and Sunday, July 24th, we are proud to present a program of feature length films, hosted by the fine folks at the Spark Theater (240 S. Broadway). Get out of the sun and into the AC for a few hours, and feast your eyes and ears on the best of Denver music film as well as a few surprises. Did I mention that there will be filmmakers present for the majority of the screenings? Yeah, we went there. There’s a little somethin’-somethin’ for everyone. Check it:

Friday, July 22 @ DeLite

7:00 pm Local Music Videos

8:00 pm Music Video Premiers featuring new music videos from Fingers of the Sun, Hindershot, Hot White, and more .

Saturday, July 23 @ Spark Theater

3:00 pm Soulz of the Rockies – An oral history of Denver hip-hop in the 80s and early 90s, with director Musa and special guests in person.

5:00 pm Denver Undiscovered – Westword writer Tom Murphy and local man-about-town Dane Bernhardt’s triumphant attempt to catalogue Denver’s kaleidoscopic indie music scene, directors in person.

7:00 pm Echotone – An eye-opening look into the nuts and bolts of “making it” as a musician, this Austin-focused documentary is a must-see for any musician seeking fame, fortune, or even just a comped drink at the bar.

Sunday, July 24 @ "Spark Theater":http://sparktheater.org/

3:00pm Friends Forever – The classic Denver documentary about perhaps the most exciting band in the history of Denver DIY, Friends Forever. If you are new to the scene, this is essential viewing! Your ears will bleed.

4:45pm We Are the Sea – A Denver-produced, heartstring-tugging drama set to the haunting sounds of Iron and Wine, with director Neil Truglio in person.

So come on down to the Spark and Delite on UMS weekend for Reel Sounds: Film at The UMS. See the sights and hear the sounds! Witness the spectacle! Be all the UMS-goer you can be!

The Denver Music Summit presents The SESH @ the UMS

Kendall Smith — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 08:25:00 MDT

The Denver Music Summit presents The SESH @ the UMS

Our friends at WESTAF and the Denver Music Summit are graciously providing the programming for this year’s Sesh. A combination of panel discussions, a Spotlight on the President of a non-profit organization dedicated to the growth and development of the independant recording industry and “Storm Sessions”

These Storm Session seminars provide high-level opportunities for local musicians to receive important professional development tools to expand their careers. Storm Gloor, assistant professor in the Department of Music and Entertainment Industry Studies at the University of Colorado-Denver, will lead each seminar.

South Broadway Christian Church, Lincoln St and Ellsworth Ave

Saturday, July 23

1:00 p.m.

Networking: Coffee and Snacks provided by Pablo’s Coffee

1:30 p.m.

SESH Spotlight 1

Is your Band Tour-Ready? A panel on touring
The Western States Arts Federation (WESTAF), conveners of the Denver Music Summit, is developing a program to assist touring musicians and bands in the western region of the United States. In developing this program, WESTAF is bringing together international experts in public, nonprofit and commercial support for touring artists to discuss what makes a band “tour ready”. The panel will also be a chance for the Denver music community to weigh in on the needs of touring artists in the West through facilitated audience participation.

Panelists:
Duncan McKie, President, FACTOR Canada
Shawn King, Devotchka
Craig Grossman, Green Room Touring Source
Shannon Daut, Deputy Director, WESTAF

2:45 p.m.

Storm Session Music Seminar 1

When You’re 64: What You Should Know About The Future of Music and Planning Your Career Around It
Career planning should be no different for musicians than for any other profession. It’s even more challenging, though, given the uncertain shape of the music industry of the future. The realities of quitting one’s “day job” and looking ahead given such an environment are the focus of this session.

4:00 p.m.
The SESH Spotlight 2

A conversation with Duncan McKie, President, FACTOR Canada
FACTOR, a private nonprofit organization, is dedicated to providing assistance toward the growth and development of the Canadian independent recording industry. The foundation administers contributions from sponsoring radio broadcasters as well as two components of the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Canada Music Fund to support the Canadian music industry. Duncan McKie has a broad and distinguished career in association management, media and market research. He will discuss FACTOR’s programs and commitment to musicians, and share ways in which the FACTOR model of support may be translated to strengthening Denver’s musicians.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

1:00 p.m.

Networking: Coffee and Snacks provided by Pablo’s Coffee

1:30 p.m.

Storm Session Music Seminar 2

‘Til Our Next Record Do We Part: Maintaining Fan Relationships in a Social Media World
In a world of overwhelming media, especially in social networks, how do artists gain and keep the attention of their fans and continue to engage with them? What part should it play in their work as artists? How have some artists successfully and creatively utilized their relationships with their fans and networks?

2:45 p.m.

Storm Session Music Seminar 3

Pennies From Heaven? How Do Artists Make Money in the Digital Age?
Technology has transformed the ways musicians and songwriters profit from their work. We’ll take a look at just what these changes mean, and some creative ways artists are monetizing what they do in such an evolving business.

4:00 p.m.

Storm Session Music Seminar 4

Your Art as a “Product” and Tracking Its Success
“Product”, “brand”, and “content” are among the several un-hip descriptions of artists and their work these days. Why do they need to understand these concepts in order to be successful? How could they know WHEN they have achieved success in those terms?

Illegal Pete's + 4 nights + Great Music + Discount UMS Tickets + Free Stuff = AWESOME

Kendall Smith — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 09:35:00 MDT

That’s easy math!

Come on out to Illegal Pete’s (schedule below). Tonight, the Downtown store at 1530 16th St plays host to Denver Unplugged. Some of your favorite UMS artists will be there playing short acoustic sets. This is always a good time.

But, there’s more! Our good friends and co-sponsors of the UMS, Verizon Wireless will be there showing off their spiffy Samsung Galaxy Tablet. We can’t think of a better way to test drive those sexy new machines than to buy UMS tickets. That’s why, if you purchase tickets on-line from these tablets, we will give you a sweet discount – half off the box office price!.

That’s pretty good, right? Well, there’s more! Twist and Shout has provided a some killer schwag. These mysterious grab bags will go to winners of random drawings during the first couple of hours of the event.

Rumor has it our friends at Jeremiah Weed and Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum will be at some of these as well.

Come on out! Bring friends! If you can’t make it tonight, there are other chances! Check it out:

07/07/11 Unplugged @ Pete’s Downtown (FREE, start at 9pm)

07/08/11 Bonnie and the Beard and Guest at Illegal Pete’s Boulder (Pearl St) (FREE, starts at 9pm)

07/09/11 Bonnie and the Beard and Eric Halborg (of The Swayback) at Illegal Pete’s Downtown (FREE, starts at 9pm)

07/15/11 Bonnie and the Beard and Guest at Illegal Pete’s DU (FREE, Starts at 9pm)

11th annual UMS to include EyeRock: Art in Music Show

Kendall Smith — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:49:00 MDT

The Denver Post Underground Music Showcase (The UMS), Ink Lounge, and Black Cloud Workshop cordially invite you to attend the inaugural EyeRock: Art in Music show.

Taking place during the 11th annual UMS, EyeRock is designed to highlight and focus on the amazing visual art talents we have in the Denver area that help push and sculpt the music industry. EyeRock is an art show like none that Denver has seen before. It was conceived to showcase works by local artists that have been featured extensively in the music scene regionally as well as nationally. It is our intent to showcase work from all aspects of the music related art fields including: screen printed posters, album layout, rock photography, printed materials, and merchandise design.

EyeRock: Art in Music show will be Friday, July 22nd through Sunday July 24th and will be centrally located at 227 Broadway in the heart of the UMS. Doors will be open to the general public each day. Each artist has been invited to create an official poster for the 11th annual UMS. These posters are the only official posters for the show this year and will be available on a first come first serve basis in very small editions with 100% of all sales going directly to the artists. We urge you to show up early to ensure you get your first pick of these unique pieces of memorabilia.

EyeRock will begin with an artist reception and opening, on Friday July 22nd from 6pm-8pm at 227 Broadway. This will be the first chance the public will have to view and buy works as well as meet and greet the artists. Additional hours of the show will be Saturday and Sunday July 23rd and 24th from 2pm-7pm. Please come out to support the artists who work so hard to enrich our thriving music scene.

While no wrist bands or access passes will be needed to view the show or purchase work, we encourage everyone to support the Denver Post Community Foundation by purchasing tickets to the UMS and enjoying the extensive offering of music, comedy and film. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.theums.com.

Holy Smokes!

Kendall Smith — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 10:40:00 MDT

We are just over a month away from the 11th annual Underground Music Showcase!

With a little help from the Reverb team we recently announced our third round of artists confirmed to play at this year’s event; and with talent the likes of Sage Francis and Hellogoodbye joining an already amazing lineup of national acts including the Black Heart Procession, Bear Hands, Generationals, Colourmusic, and many many more, it’s apparent that this year’s showcase is going to be the best one yet!

Not to mention the outstanding cast of local musicians confirmed to play this year, including Air Dubai, The Epilogues , Snake Rattle Rattle Snake, and the Heyday, to name the very tip of a rather large iceberg.

Check out the full lineup and preview music on the ARTISTS page. You can also check out our YouTube Channel for some great videos.

We can’t wait to fill the historic Baker District on South Broadway with music. So we’re not! Join us on Thursday, June 30, for the UMS takeover of Reverb’s monthly Steal This Track Dance Party at hi-dive, 7 S. Broadway! This official UMS pre-party will feature host Eryc Eyl and DJ Saviour Breath spinning tracks from many of this year’s performing artists, as we release the schedule and set the mood for what will undoubtedly be an unforgettable 11th Underground Music Showcase!

Check back with us soon. More news on official UMS Panel Discussions, Film Screenings, and the EyeRock: Art in Music Show is on its way!

If you want to check out the previous announcements on Reverb, they are here and here.

Take your time. Soak it all in. Get as excited as us. Our booking team has done a terrific job again this year!

Badges are sold out but 4 day passes are still available. Get yours today!

Kendall Smith — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 09:18:00 MDT

Thanks to everyone who purchased badges for this year’s event. We are sold out! We still have 4 day passes available. Get yours now!

It Keeps Getting Better!

Kendall Smith — Tue, 24 May 2011 08:58:00 MDT

The folks over at Reverb just announced our 2nd release of performers. Cruise on over and check it out. Then, head over to our facebook page and tell us who you are excited to see!

And, of course, BUY PASSES NOW. Prices go up real soon and we are almost out of Badges.

Daily Artist Spotlights On Our Facebook Page

Kendall Smith — Mon, 23 May 2011 14:00:00 MDT

Hi Everybody! We know our fine event presents challenges to our fans. There are so many terrific artists playing this year it can be a daunting task to familiarize one’s self with all the offerings. That is why we have started our spotlight series over on our facebook page.

Visit daily for links and introductions to a whole host of fine acts. In the morning, we will feature an act from out of town and, in the afternoon, we will spotlight folks from our own backyard. THIS IS THE FUN KIND OF RESEARCH!!!!

Also, please feel free to comment on the posts. We would love to hear your stories about all these lovely artists who will be making this another memorable UMS.

Calling all Volunteers!

Kendall Smith — Fri, 13 May 2011 16:34:00 MDT

Hey, everybody! The volunteer application is up and running! There is no way The UMS would be where it is today without the generous people who give their time and talents. Check out the application and let us know if you have any questions.

UMS presents Vivian Girls

Kendall Smith — Mon, 09 May 2011 16:27:00 MDT

The UMS proudly presents Vivian Girls at Larimer Lounge on Thursday, May 12th. Want tickets? Check the Facebook event for a sweet ticket giveaway. The folks over at Reverb are feeling generous, too. Double your chances…

Performance Submission Deadline Extended

Kendall Smith — Mon, 02 May 2011 14:25:00 MDT

Think you missed out on your opportunity to submit for this year’s event? We have extended the deadline to May 6. Hit the link to our Sonicbids event listing. The clock is ticking….

THE 2011 UMS IS SHAPING UP NICELY!

Kendall Smith — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 14:49:00 MDT

… if we do say so ourselves. Perhaps you saw the breaking news earlier this week over at Reverb. PLEASE UNDERSTAND that this is just a taste of what we will be offering this summer. There is plenty more good news to come. Stay Tuned!

UMS presents Royal Bangs

Kendall Smith — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 08:52:00 MDT

The UMS proudly presents Royal Bangs at Larimer Lounge on Wednesday, April 20th. Want tickets? Check our Facebook page for a giveaway. If Patrick Carney, drummer of The Black Keys, likes these guys, chances are good you will too!

UMS + Flobots.org + Denver Post Community = TRUE GOODNESS

Kendall Smith — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 14:53:00 MDT

We are so proud to announce Flobots.org as one of our charitable partners. For more heart warming details, check out the press release.

UMS presents The Joy Formidable

Kendall Smith — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 14:06:00 MDT

The UMS proudly presents The Joy Formidable at* Larimer Lounge* on Friday, April 8th. Want tickets? Check our Facebook page for a giveaway.

AUSTIN WAS GREAT!!!

Kendall Smith — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:41:00 MDT

As were all the region’s bands that made it to SXSW! We really represented well down there. All our showcases were packed. Suffice to say we put the nation on notice. We have a thriving, diverse scene. And, of course, we told them the UMS, in July, is an excellent way to sample the BOUNTIFUL GOODS. Check out the Reverb coverage here http://www.heyreverb.com/tag/sxsw/

There is no rest for us! We are back and working hard to put on another memorable edition of the UMS. Stay tuned for announcements regarding our charitable partners, sponsors, ticket giveaways to shows all over town. Yes, we have generous friends…

Hey, South by Southwest!!!

Kendall Smith — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 09:31:00 MDT

Our friends at HeyReverb.com, Bocumast, and Vinefield Agency are presenting some of Colorado’s finest in Austin. For FREE! Saturday, March 19th, 11 a.m.. RSVP and find the rest of the details here… http://www.reverbparty.com/

SEE YOU THERE!!!

Monday is a ticket buying day!

Kendall Smith — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 09:05:00 MST

Just a reminder – tickets are on sale. The reverb promo runs out soon, AND our very limited VIP tickets are going fast!
http://www.heyreverb.com/2011/02/14/news-tickets-to-the-ums-to-go-on-sale-tuesday-discount-for-reverb-readers/#

Reverb SXSW Party

Kendall Smith — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 12:29:00 MST

You don’t want to miss this one! Saturday! March 19th! Austin! Find more details at http://www.heyreverb.com/2011/02/18/youre-invited-the-reverb-party-at-sxsw/#

Don’t sleep on this one…

Tickets are on sale!!!

Kendall Smith — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 13:55:00 MST

Check it. Reverb just announce UMS ticket sales info. AND a special promo code for discounted tickets!! Cruise on over and get the special code – because we love you. http://www.heyreverb.com/2011/02/14/news-tickets-to-the-ums-to-go-on-sale-tuesday-discount-for-reverb-readers/#

Proud to join the family!

Kendall Smith — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 13:24:00 MST

We are the newest addition to the portfolio of Denver Post Community Signature Events. Check out http://denverpostcommunity.com/sponsorships.shtml for a look at the entire portfolio. Proceeds from the event will be distributed locally through The Denver Post Community Foundation. The Foundation’s mission is to improve and enrich the quality of life in our Community through the support of programs that benefit Arts, Youth, Education and Human Services. Soon we will announce our beneficiaries. Stay tuned!

Wanna Play?

Kendall Smith — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 18:38:00 MST

Our Sonicbids link is live! Apply now to be part of the Goodness. You know you want to. And you know we want you to, too. Go there now… http://www.sonicbids.com/ums