Underground Music Showcase trains staff on opioid overdoses

DENVER (KDVR) — The Underground Music Showcase, expected to draw tens of thousands to South Broadway in Denver this weekend, is taking new measures to ensure the party is safe.

"We're going to host over 700 musicians, 10,000 music fans a day," said Jami Duffy, co-manager of the Underground Music Showcase. "It's always been a beloved festival, but it's just really grown in size and scope and mission."

Part of the growing mission is an emphasis on harm reduction.

In 2023, Colorado reported almost 1,900 overdose deaths. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, nearly 60% of those deaths involved fentanyl.

"Last year, we were here on site and provided naloxone to all of the guests that came through," Keep the Party Safe representative Julianne Collins said. "We had, I believe, around 1,600 doses that were handed out over the course of the three-day festival. This year, we really wanted to focus on education for the individuals that are helping put on this festival."