Tag: UMS

Youth on Record’s Full Underground Music Showcase (UMS) Statement – For Youth on Record, UMS Was Part of the Story. Young Artists Are the North Star.

For Youth on Record, UMS Was Part of the Story. Young Artists Are the North Star.

By Jami Duffy
Executive Director, Youth on Record
Former Co-Manager, Underground Music Showcase

Last week, I sat in a leadership meeting with 13 young creatives selected to help build the future of Youth on Record’s workforce program. These rising stars are launching their lives in Denver and their careers in music and entertainment. Most have graduated from our programs and are now booking shows, releasing work, building networks, and figuring out who they are and who they’re becoming. They’re also deeply motivated by this moment in the United States, when human rights are being violated and our democracy is on the line.

I sat, overwhelmed by their collective power. They are bright. Capable. Wildly talented. Ready.

What isn’t quite ready for them is the world they’re stepping into—specifically, Colorado’s music industry, our creative economy, and our political systems. The systems meant to support young adults, artists, and creatives are strained. Opportunities are uneven. The path from talent to sustainability is still far too fragile. Sitting in that room, listening to them talk about their hopes, fears, and their hustle, I felt the urgency of this moment in my bones. And I knew—without hesitation—that selling UMS to its next capable stewards is the right move. 

Four years ago, Youth on Record stepped into ownership and co-management of the Underground Music Showcase because we wanted to ensure that the fest was rooted in values, access, and care. We stabilized this iconic festival, protected space for music discovery, and pushed for artist-first practices—particularly thriving artist wages, accessibility, sober spaces, harm reduction, mental health supports, and career pathways for emerging musicians. We also leveraged government and philanthropic dollars, encouraging those sectors to see the value of music festivals as a public good. 

Now, this moment calls for something more from Youth on Record.

We’ve made the decision to spend the next chapter putting our full institutional energy into shaping what comes next for music, culture, and the creative workforce in Colorado. This means partnering with Colorado’s music and sports industries to deepen their impact and build new job opportunities for the next generation. We will also work with community organizations, mutual aid networks, immigrant rights organizations, and young leaders to respond to direct threats to our work, our students, and our freedoms. This will require our full focus for the foreseeable future.

Discovery music still matters—especially now. That’s why we’ve begun the process of passing the UMS torch of co-ownership to RiNo Business Improvement District (RINO BID). RiNo BID is designed to steward large-scale cultural experiences and would carry this festival forward with the resources and infrastructure it deserves. We trust that they would continue cultivating the seeds of impact Youth on Record planted—particularly around artist care and thriving artist wages. 

As the festival potentially moves to RiNo, we also hope that policymakers and civic stakeholders continue to be proactive in understanding and addressing the economic and cultural impact that music has long had on South Broadway—a beating heart of Denver’s creative community, and a 20-year neighborhood partner in UMS.

To Colorado’s young artists: you are Youth on Record’s North Star. Your creative lives and your freedoms matter. You can count on us to continue to provide free programs and creative spaces, so you are ready not only to rock the UMS stages, but to build those stages—and one day, to lead the festival itself. We are committed to working closely with you on your art and your impact, because the future of this industry must be built with you, not around you.

The work ahead is urgent. It is harder. And it is worth it. We are choosing to meet this moment in Denver and in our nation with clarity, courage, and hope rooted in action. And when the next UMS unfolds, you’ll find us there, front row, cheering you on, proud of what you’re building, and excited for what comes next.

ABOUT YOUTH ON RECORD 

Youth on Record is a youth development nonprofit equipping Colorado youth ages 11-24 to find their voice and achieve their goals through free music and media arts programming. Since 2008, the organization has combined award-winning programs with community-building efforts to provide holistic support for young creatives. Through for-credit classes, out-of-school programs, hands-on and technical training, and paid apprenticeship opportunities, Youth on Record helps youth succeed not only as artists but in their education and lives. Learn more at youthonrecord.org. 

Underground Music Showcase (UMS) Returns for its 24th Year, Adding a Mental Wellness Strategy To The Festival

Denver, CO – July 11, 2024 – The Underground Music Showcase (UMS), Colorado’s premier music festival, is thrilled to return for its 24th year. This year, the fest plans to introduce a robust mental wellness initiative, an impressive enhancement to the festival’s mission-aligned achievements from previous years. 

“UMS wants every artist and attendee to feel valued, supported, and empowered at the festival this year and that’s why we’re introducing some exciting new initiatives,” Danielle Lumpkin, UMS and Youth on Record Mental Health and Wellness Manager, said.

Danielle is a newly hired employee of Youth on Record, with support from  Denver Department of Public Health & Environment and the Caring for Denver Foundation. She is working to ensure that mental health and wellness programming is integrated into all UMS and YOR activities. Both UMS and YOR recognize that mental health is one of the most pressing issues of our time. And, UMS knows that bringing community resources to their “party” is one of the most effective strategies for meeting the needs of their community.

“I’ve witnessed firsthand how music positively influences the lives of artists and fans. Unfortunately, I’ve also witnessed struggles—depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse,” Lumpkin continued.  “It’s crucial to foster a culture where mental health struggles are openly embraced in the music community. We hope to create such a culture and provide resources for folks to thrive at the festival and beyond.” 

Through powerful partnerships with Backline and Ardent Grove Foundation, the UMS will introduce strategic mental wellness care for festgoers including one-on-one support resources, wellness pop-up activations for artists, a collaborative art activation, mental wellness resources and affirmations on the UMS app, sober spaces and sober bars, and a community care campaign about how to “Be a Friendly Face in the Crowd.” The festival will also provide exclusive care for the over 700 performing musicians including opportunities to attend a mental health workshop and EMDR experience and distributed resources, wellness swag, and support messaging. 

” UMS is more than just a music festival; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of our community and our commitment to fostering positive change,” Jami Duffy, Co-Manager of the UMS said. “Our ability to adapt and innovate while staying true to our mission is what sets us apart. This year, we’re re-committing to accessibility and community impact, and delivering mental wellness support for festival-goers and musicians alike.”

July 26-28, the UMS promises a mile-long, unforgettable experience for music lovers, artists, and the broader community. With hundreds of acts set to perform on 4 outdoor stages and 12 venues along the Broadway business district, the festival offers an eclectic lineup that showcases the vibrant diversity of Colorado’s music scene. This year’s headlining artists include Beach Fossils, Tkay Maidza, and Amyl and the Sniffers. 

The UMS released its 2023 Impact Report this spring, highlighting mission-aligned achievements from the last festival including commitments to accessibility, harm reduction, artist care, and more. The Impact Report details some of the unique offerings of the UMS – including a two-day conference called “Impact Days” for official UMS artists and creatives that will reprise again this year.  Additionally, the UMS celebrates new accolades, including a CBCA Award and Westword Editor’s Choice for Best Music Festival for Local Bands. 

While the soul of the festival remains unchanged, the UMS has an unparalleled ability to bring together both seasoned festival-goers and new Denverites. With a new partnership with the state of Wyoming and Visit Denver, the UMS is also poised to become not only the favorite homegrown festival but also the premier destination festival in the West.

“We’re incredibly excited to see the UMS returning for its 24th year,” Casey Berry, Co-Manager of the UMS said. “The festival’s ability to evolve while maintaining its essence is truly remarkable. It’s a testament to the strength of the Colorado community and the enduring appeal of the UMS. As stewards of this beloved event, we’re committed to ensuring its continued success and impact for years to come.”

CP S15:EP29 2021

MONDAY JULY 19 – I needed to wait until this morning for the official announcement for Bohemian Light Music Festival (formerly Bohemian Nights at New West Fest), the first of the three major Colorado-centric music events held over the summer.

This year’s event will be a smaller version of previous festivals, held over two days – Aug 14/15 – instead of three. Of course, it also means fewer acts than in past years: I count 45, down from what is normally about 70-75. Bohemian put together their own ’21 Bohemian Light Music Festival playlist.

Last week, the UMS announced its own scaled down lineup for Aug 27-29. I lost count of Colorado acts when I got over 95, a pretty hefty representation. Check out seventy-five of my favorites for the UMS on Spotify.

Adiel Mitchell, Heavy Diamond Ring, Kiltro, Los Mocochetes, The Milk Blossoms, The Still Tide, The Velveteers and Wildermiss are among the acts performing at both Bohemian Light and the UMS.

The annual Westword Music Showcase has moved to two days, Sept 17-18. Westword has not yet announced its Colorado lineup.

I’ll be featuring acts appearing at these events over the next several weeks.

TOP FIVE WK END JULY 17 2021

  1. LEFTOVER SALMON – Brand New Good Old Days LP (Mar-21)
  2. REVEREND FREAKCHILD – Supramundane Blues LP (Apr-21)
  3. THE CRUSH – Essential EP (Mar-21)
  4. DARKARTS – Story of Sirens EP (May-21)
  5. AMBAR LUCID – Get Lost In the Music EP (Jun-21)

TOP 5 and TOP 30 charts are pulled from published spins at 13 Colorado non-profit community/public and college radio stations.  Designed to benefit non-commercial public and college radio stations, record promoters and artists are among those most likely to benefit from the detailed search function.

Currently 11 Colorado radio stations utilize Spinitron.

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MONDAY MORNING MUSIC MEETING (MMMM)

HOUR 1

Serendipity Singers – Don’t Let the Rain Come Down (Crooked Little Man) (1964)
The Astronauts – Movin’ – Surf Series: With the Astronauts (1965)
(D) LVDY – Lean In – Gold (2021)

Kerry Pastine and the Crime Scene – Under Your Spell – City of Love (2019)
Reverend Freakchild – Hippie Bluesman Blues – Dial It In (2018)
Flobots – Me & You (Happy 2gether) (2021)
Big Head Todd & the Monsters – Fortune Teller (2021)
Born In The Flood – If this thing should spill – If this thing should spill (2007)
Jinx Jones – Bopalena – License To Twang (2001)
The 89s – Apple Of My Eye – Wash Away (2020)
(D) Thomas Harpole – Headlights (The 1916 Funk) – In Finite (2021)

Wildermiss – Carry Your Heart – Lost With You EP (2017)
The Still Tide – Keep It – Between Skies (2020)
Gerald Albright – Taking Control – G (2016)

HOUR 2

Bob Lind – Colorado Line – Since There Were Circles (1971)
Zephyr – The Radio Song – Going Back To Colorado (1971)
(D) The Velveteers – Charmer And The Snake – Nightmare Daydream (2021)

Kayla Marque – Mercy – Brain Chemistry (Right Brain) (2020)
Love Stallion – Big Rock Radio – Unforgettable Ride (2018)
Jay Silence – Rock n Roll – Grandma’s 45s (2021)
West Side Joe & The Men of Soul – Keep On Climbin’ – Keep On Climbin’ (2021)
Philip Bailey – Love Is Real – Love Is Real EP (2010)
Zuba – Planet Of Love – South Of Eden (1998)
(D) Erik Lunde – Long Time Overdue – Water From A Stone (2021)

Gabrielle Louise – Love On The Rocks – If The Static Clears (2016)
Johnny & The Mongrels – Louisiana Girl – Creole Skies (2020)
Emily Takahashi – Chicken Feather Blues – Not Spoken (2017)

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