Our Story
How we started
In 2015, the inaugural iAM MUSIC Fest! launched with an aim to unite and showcase hardworking independent musicians, as well as artists, dancers, comedians, poets, circus performers, and local businesses. In return, the funds raised from this event would be recycled and used to benefit iAM MUSIC’s efforts to provide Zero-obstacle music education and access to music in the Four Corners Region. For 3 years, the first iterations of iAM MUSIC Fest! emerged as one of Colorado’s largest independent music festivals, curating 3 days, multiple venues and stages featuring regional and national touring bands, visual and performing artists, dancers, poets, robotics, painters, with convergence of local businesses and vendors. In 2017, iAM MUSIC was elected to host the Colorado Music Summit – an educational networking opportunity for state-wide musicians in collaboration with the Bohemian Foundation, Colorado Creative Industries with the Colorado office of International Economic Trade & Development.
Starting 2018, the Fest! morphed into a Summer Concert Series, continuing into 2019, and a Covid-19 friendly 2021 event. In 2021, iAM MUSIC Fest! will continue to expand, spanning 6 months in launching in May. This year we are proud to announce our inaugural events in Silverton and Pagosa Springs in addition to our base in Durango, CO.
About the Founders
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.