iAM MUSIC Institute

iAM MUSIC Fest!

Our Story

Founded in 2015, iAM MUSIC Fest was created to celebrate creativity, connection, and community—while directly supporting access to music education in the Four Corners region. From the beginning, the festival has served a dual purpose: showcasing independent artists and cultural creators, and reinvesting every dollar raised back into iAM MUSIC’s mission to remove barriers to music education.

In its early years, iAM MUSIC Fest quickly grew into one of Colorado’s most ambitious independently produced music festivals, spanning multiple days, venues, and stages. The festival brought together regional and national touring artists alongside local musicians, visual artists, performers, and small businesses—creating an immersive, community-driven cultural experience rooted in Durango.

Over time, the festival evolved alongside the organization—adapting formats, expanding programming, and responding to the changing needs of artists and audiences. Through it all, the heart of iAM MUSIC Fest has remained the same: elevating local talent, fostering meaningful connections, and strengthening the creative ecosystem of Southwest Colorado.

In 2026, iAM MUSIC Fest returns to its roots with a focused, four-day celebration in downtown Durango, taking place April 30–May 3. Across multiple indoor and outdoor stages, the festival brings together standout local youth musicians, regional favorites, and nationally recognized artists for an inclusive, city-wide experience featuring live music, free programming, family-friendly events, and community gathering spaces.

More than a festival, iAM MUSIC Fest is an investment in the future of music. Every ticket sold supports iAM MUSIC’s educational programs—funding scholarships, performance opportunities, and access to music education for musicians of all ages.

About the

iAM MUSIC FEST!

Our Mission

iAM MUSIC Fest! celebrates and unites independent artists and community, reclaiming the spirit of collaboration. Our aim is to engage community, stimulate the local economy, encourage tourism, and showcase original music supporting local, regional, and touring musicians and artistic genres. All participants are encouraged to have roots in social justice, education, mentorship or a desire to strengthen the culture and community of the Southwest. Events will feature bands, visual and performing artists, and iAM MUSIC students, while establishing partnerships with local food, venues, and businesses.

Our Vision

Inspired by a collective of musicians and creatives dreaming to give back the power of music and art to the people, we consider artists of today social entrepreneurs; catalysts for the peaceful call to invoke love and global change, one festival at a time. iAM MUSIC Fest! was launched to bring world-class independent musicians, visual artists, performing artists, local eateries and businesses together for the purpose of sharing ideas, creating meaningful relationships & exchange, social activism through creative expression.  

About

Our Team

After several years of relentless touring and spearheading with Colorado-based independent project Hello Dollface, bassist Jesse Ogle, and vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Ashley Edwards began to notice a lack of connection and support opportunities in the music industry for hard-working, talented, independent musicians. In 2011, the two founded Independent Artist Management, a by-artists-for-artists networking and tour management cooperative for like-minded, unsigned musicians pursuing careers in original music. This is the origin of the “iAM” in iAM MUSIC. The name has become an affirmation of the organization’s deepest goals and principles. iAM MUSIC is committed to its mission to pursue innovative ways to empower and encourage mutual support among musicians of every level while cultivating originality, and creating opportunities and space for collaboration. iAM MUSIC Fest! was launched to bring world-class independent musicians, visual artists, performing artists, local eateries, and businesses together for the purpose of sharing ideas, creating meaningful relationships & exchange, and social activism through creative expression.

Staff

Jesse Ogle

Co-Founder Program Director & Development

Julianne Marqua

Events Manager Invoicing & Admin

Ashley Edwards

Co-Founde/ Executive Director (Pro Bono)

Dana Stahl

Social Media & Assistant Marketing/ Assistant Outreach Specialist

Clarke

Outreach Specialist

Sam Kelly

Marketing - Social Media - Instructor

Jason Lemon

Assistant Outreach Specialist

Sponsors

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