The Denver Post Underground Music Showcase has always been about local bands. Even after the mammoth celebration of live music broadened its scope a few years ago to include national and international acts, the vibe on South Broadway hasn’t changed a ton.
There still are more Colorado bands, DJs, singer- songwriters and artists playing the UMS this year than any other festival. It’s just that now, they’re partying with and playing alongside an increasing number of national acts at the festival, which takes over Broadway between Sixth and Alameda avenues Thursday through July 24.
As the largest indie music festival in the Rocky Mountain region, the UMS is expanding even more in its 11th year. And here are six national bands playing the festival to look out for. (Note: Some of these venues are small, so if you really want to see one of the bands, national or local, consider showing up a half- hour early.)
1. Generationals
This is potentially the buzziest band playing the UMS. The indie rockers from New Orleans love packaging their big pop hooks into a minimalist, fuzzed-out box. And their full-length from earlier this year, “Actor-Caster,” is already a frontrunner for one of the year’s best albums. Midnight Friday, Illegal Pete’s Stage at the Hi-Dive
2. El Ten Eleven
That rare instrumental band that whips up a dance party wherever it goes, El Ten Eleven might look unassuming on that stage, with their double-necked guitar and assortment of pedals. But you’d better bring those dancing shoes — and please, avoid open-toed sandals. Midnight Thursday at the Illegal Pete’s Stage at the Hi-Dive
3. Sage Francis
The Rhode Island-based MC’s penetratinig rhymes and thoughtful lyricism has made him a favorite in conscious hip-hop circles the world over. As the title of his latest album, “Li(f)e,” suggests, Francis is an introspective and occasionally cynical rapper. But here’s what sets him apart from the underground hip-hop masses the most: his collaborations with indie- rock and alt-folk heroes such as Will Oldham, Jason Lytle, Chris Walla and even Denver’s own DeVotchKa. 9 p.m. Friday, Sailor Jerry Main Stage in the Goodwill parking lot
4. The Black Heart Procession
The San Diego Band specializes in brooding, often moody rock compositions that fill a certain void in indie rock today. The Pall Jenkins and Tobias Nathaniel duo, while they’re past their late-’90s heyday, still carry weight in modern indie rock. Midnight Saturday, Mayan Theatre
5. Colourmusic
Colourmusic makes its Oklahoma neighbors proud by crafting some of the freakiest indie pop in the game. But don’t be afraid. They’re also cuddly and affable, a la their buddies, the Flaming Lips. Oh: Their live shows also are among the best in indie rock. 11 p.m. Friday at the Sailor Jerry Stage at 3 Kings Tavern
6. Hellogoodbye
This is the power-pop band the kids love unabashedly — and the same band that adults secretly hold affection for. Formerly a Drive-Thru Records hero, the band released its most recent album, “Would It Kill You?” independently. 6 p.m. Friday at the Sailor Jerry Main Stage in the Goodwill parking lot
