Tag: Youth On Record

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 S14 EP39 2020

Monday OCT 19 2020 – UGH! I begin this week by paying tribute to an old friend in my radio career, Stu Haskell.  You very very likely don’t know him.  He wasn’t on the air.  He was the guy who made sure that stations made enough money to pay staffs and stay on the air profitably.  He was the guy who gave others chances. 

Stu was around forever.  He started his radio career as an ad salesman in the 70s at 93.3 KTCL before becoming the general manager, when that station was in Fort Collins.  It was he and program director John Hayes who launched what is now known as the Alternative Rock radio format in Colorado in the mid 80s.    I learned last night that he passed away this weekend.  Causes unknown. RIP Mr. Haskell.

It was announced last Thursday that Governor Jared Polis has named Stephen Brackett Colorado’s new Music Ambassador. Brackett is the co-founder and emcee of Flobots as well as a co-founder of the nonprofit Youth on Record. As Music Ambassador, Brackett will serve as the state’s lead advocate for Colorado’s diverse music scene and Colorado’s talented musicians.  

As the new Music Ambassador, Stephen will focus on two initiatives. The first will include assessing the needs of emerging and seasoned artists in the areas of professional and business development training, trauma support, and artistic tools in order to begin rebuilding Colorado’s music ecosystem, which has been deeply impacted by the global pandemic. 

Today is Todd Park Mohr’s (Big Head Todd & the Monsters) birthday.  He’s 55.

TOP SPINS – 2 WKS ENDING OCT 17 2020

Spinitron  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.

  • *This is the first “weekly” spins report for OCTOBER 2020*
  • 185 Titles Tracked / 12 public, community and college stations

1. CARY MORIN – Dockside Saints LP (Jul-20)
2. GASOLINE LOLLIPOPS – All the Misery Money Can Buy LP (Sep-20)
2. AUGUSTUS – Color Tv and Tall Tales LP (May-20)
2. PARKER – Care Not Carry EP (Sep-20)
2. RODNEY RICE – Same Shirt, Different Day LP (Aug-20)
3. GHOST TAPES – FIG EP (Sep-20)
4. JOSH DILLARD – The Natural World LP (Nov-20)
5. PSYCHOLOGIC & KID ASTRONAUT – Kenopsia EP (Aug-20)

The Mishawaka is a legendary music venue, restaurant and bar located 13.7 miles up the Poudre Canyon Highway (CO 14) in the stunning Poudre Canyon in Bellvue, CO. NOW OPEN for food, music and movies.

MONDAY MORNING MUSIC MEETING (MMMM)

Every week I share some or all of the new music played on the show with you, here in the MMMM.  Your rating gets factored into my decision in what to maintain in the show’s “for airplay” library.

A REMINDER:  Please listen to ALL of the songs and rate them.  Thanks 🙂

(D) = debut LP/EP or single
(N) = new track from previously debuted LP/EP
(P) = Colorado Playlist premier / not available online

HOUR 1

Philip Bailey – Walking on the Chinese Wall – Chinese Wall (1985)
Earth Wind & Fire – Reasons – That’s the Way of the World (1975)
(N) Ghost Tapes – Good News – FIG (2020)

The String Cheese Incident – Otherside (W. Ruby Chase) – SCI Sound Lab Radio EP (2019)
(D) Eric Straumanis – You Are Going to Hear Me (2020)

James Lee Baker – 100 Summers – 100 Summers (2020)
Big Head Todd & The Monsters – Runaway Train – Riviera (2002)
Acoustic Junction – Every Heart – Strange Days (2000)
(D) The Wyatts – Home – Forgive Me (2020)

Steve Skinner Band– Self Made Woman (feat. Erica Brown) (2019)
Halden Wofford & the Hi*Beams – Little Rig – Hard Core Broken Heart (2018)
(D) Ron Miles – Queen Of The South – Rainbow Sign (2020)

HOUR 2

Buffalo Springfield – Kind Woman (1969)
Richie Furay – We Were The Dreamers – Hand in Hand (2015)
(D) Mama Lenny and the Remedy – Party Girl (2020)

The Born Readies – Mean Genes (2019)
(P) New Ben Franklins – Sometimes I Don’t Like You Very Much (2020)
Jeremy Facknitz – Watch This Bird Fly – From Those Sweet Ashes (2020)
Rajdulari – Journey of A Woman – Journey of a Woman (2014)
Pretty Lights – Around The Block feat. Talib Kweli – A Color Map of the Sun (2013)
(D) Tenth Mountain Division – 9 to 5 (2020)

Eldren – Hazy Days (2019)
Retrofette – Lover in Japan (2018)
Walter Gorra – ’till Next Time – In Due Time (2018)

THIS WEEK ON YOUTUBE

VIDEO PICK OF THE WEEK