The Rouge at the UMS 2010.
Day 3 of the UMS started off with some panel discussions in a church basement. I caught the last few minutes of a discussion with three members of local bands who have had some experience with record labels. I learned more in those few minutes than any of a number of books I’ve read.
Today was just a great, not-too-hot Denver day for walking Broadway and hearing the streets filled with music. One band I saw literally had set up their gear on the sidewalk and were playing to a gathering crowd of passers-by. Quite good, actually.
Acts I caught today:
- The Rouge–alternative rock
- The Yes We Cans–punk
- Angela Jane–indie rock
- Kal Cahoone & the Dirty Pretty–acoustic alternative
- Annie Lynch–folk
- Varlet (with Lilly Scott)–indie
- Megan Burtt–acoustic country/rock
- Andrea Ball–indie
- Ayo Awosika–jazz/soul
- Dan Craig Band–indie rock
- Science Partner–folk
- Churchill–acoustic rock
So many acts, I actually have two favorite picks for today, followed by some honorable mentions:
PICK ONE: Dan Craig Band
I first heard Dan Craig opening for John Common. Dan was quite sick at the time, and his voice reflected it–although he was a good sport. Tonight I could hear the band without the handicap. Great songs, powerful sound. Be looking for a review of the band’s upcoming CD.
PICK TWO: Annie Lynch
I happened on Annie quite by accident. She heads a folk band from Brooklyn called Annie and the Beekeepers, but is playing solo at the UMS. The church building where I started the afternoon also happens to be one of the venues, and she was playing there. Simple, pure vocals with acoustic guitar, set in the live acoustics of the church–it was one of those moments. (Annie gave me permission to share a song from her band’s latest EP–you can find it at the end of this post. If you are local, you can catch her at the UMS again Sunday night at 7PM at the Irish Rover on S. Broadway.)
HONORABLE MENTIONS: I can always count on Megan Burtt and Churchill to give solid performances. I was also pleased to see the way Churchill is gaining momentum as a band. Their 11PM set packed out Moe’s Bar-B-Q. Another shout-out goes to Science Partner, just for being quirky and entertaining.
We’re still not done yet…