The Underground Music Showcase has been a staple of the Denver music scene, particularly the independent music scene in the city. So when rumors circulated that the Denver Post, which has owned and operated the festival since its inception 17 years ago, was looking to sell the festival, people were naturally concerned.
Denver has been in a bit of a boom in its music industry. There are numerous new venues opening in the city and there is a huge new festival coming this summer, although details remain scant. The thing about the boom is that much of it is driven by national corporations who have increasingly turned their attention to the city’s burgeoning population and interest in music, often at the expense of local, independent event producers.
So the community breathed a sigh of relief when the new owner for UMS was announced: local boutique event producer Two Parts purchased the festival from the Denver Post for an undisclosed amount.
“It’s huge for us,” Two Parts founder Casey Berry told The Know. “We’re trying to be on the forefront for craft beer, food, spirits, and makers in Denver, so we’re super excited to be joining the music scene.”
Under Two Parts, the festival is expected to return to its original South Broadway home pending approval by the necessary community associations. Berry has also indicated other changes are coming to make the SXSW-style festival even better than it has been in years past.
This year’s UMS is set to take place from July 26th to the 29th. More information and updates about the coming festival are available on their Facebook page.
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