5280 Magazine: Denver’s Music Scene Celebrates the Return of Underground Music Showcase

“That annual tradition is coming back to Broadway August 27–29, bringing more than 100 acts to eight blocks of South Broadway, including headliners like Pinegrove, Remi Wolf, Neil Frances, Shannon & the Clams, and Allah-Las—plus dozens of local favorites like Wildermiss, Wes Watkins, Down Time, The Still Tide, and more. And after most live art was relegated to virtual experiences this past year, that same excitement is palpable from other artists, independent venues, and Mile High City music enthusiasts alike.

“It’s been kind of awesome to see the reaction, especially right off the bat … the first couple of shows [back at Hi-Dive], were sort of our bands—or bands that play the Hi-Dive a lot—and there were just high emotions in the crowd,” Matty Clark, president of Hi-Dive, says about the return to in-person concerts this summer. “It was really emotional for a lot of people when we got back to doing what we do. And I think that there’s gonna be a lot of that this weekend.”

The hope is that the festival’s return will both revive some of the pre-pandemic momentum for the city’s thriving entertainment industry, and offer a much-needed boost for surrounding venues, restaurants, and bars that also suffered under pandemic restrictions.”