Let the festivating begin
iAM Fest, Seun Kuti, Tico Time and Montezuma Rising

Greetings, dear readers! A happy May Day to you all. This month, we finally slide into our local, outdoor festival season with plenty of opportunities for you to catch world-class music – all from the comfort of your local lawn chair. Between iAM Music Festival, Tico Time Bluegrass and Montezuma Rising, this month is stacked with reasons to get outside, see old friends and hear something brand new. The best part? All of these festivals are more than reasonably priced, which means that if your calendar allows, you can – and absolutely should – go to each! Consider this your personal permission slip to lean into the season of sunshine, sound and small-town magic. As always, see you on the dance floor!

• iAM Music Fest, multiple venues in downtown Durango, Thurs.–Sun., May 1–4 – iAM Music Fest celebrates 10 years of independent music with four days of concerts, parties, workshops and collaborations. Featuring MarchFourth, Blessing Bled Chimanga, Elder Grown, Desiderata, Westfield, Dana Ariel, Eli Emmitt and many more, the lineup this year is bigger and more diverse than ever. There is perhaps no other nonprofit in town that has been so vital in keeping our music scene fresh, dynamic and accessible for curious folks who want to join the fun. From pop-up shows to downtown stage takeovers, iAM keeps it grassroots and community-centered. Big shoutout to the team at iAM for their vision, resilience and continued success 10 years running! Full schedule at iAMMusicFest.us.

• Annie Brooks, Jenn Rawling, Tashi T, Adam Millard and Erik Nordstrom, Studio &, Fri., May 9, 5 p.m. – In celebration of Studio &’s “Visions of Johanna” exhibit, five standout local musicians perform their own renditions of Bob Dylan’s classic tune along with original songs. Expect a night of heartfelt interpretations, creative arrangements and a fitting tribute to one of folk music’s greatest songwriters at Durango’s most beloved independent gallery.

• Noonz, Squoze, Teknique & Nuffsaid, and Red, Animas City Theatre, Sat., May 10, 7 p.m. – Local heavy-hitters take over ACT for a Saturday night packed with hip-hop, house, bass and the infamous Hennessy Sound System on full deployment at the Animas City Theatre. Local legend DJ Noonz is at the helm of this party, and he’s made sure to pull out all of the stops with an incendiary support lineup. Don’t forget your earplugs, and get ready to have a few of your cells vibrated to the best sound system in all of the land.

• Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 w/ DJ Rasta Stevie, Animas City Theatre, Tues., May 13, 7 p.m. – Wait, WHAT?! The youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti leads Egypt 80 in a fiery, politically charged night of music and movement. Seun Kuti carries the torch of his father’s revolutionary spirit while infusing his own generation’s urgency into every note. Mad props to ACT promoter Eugene Salaz for snagging this incredible booking – it’s rare to see this level of musical royalty grace a stage our size. The one and only DJ Rasta Stevie warms up the stage with a roots reggae set to get the fire burning.

• Tico Time Bluegrass Festival, Tico Time Resort, Fri.–Sun., May 16–18 – Taking place along the Animas River at the beautiful Tico Time Resort just south of the state line, this three-day fest features a brilliant lineup, outdoor adventures and plenty of sunshine, strings and spontaneous jams. This year’s headliners include Leftover Salmon, The Infamous Stringdusters, Railroad Earth and the best of the best from locals like the Alex Graff Duo, Robin Davis Duo, High Country Hustle and dozens more. Expect campfires, late-night picking circles, yoga sessions, riverside hangs and a family friendly vibe that feels like summer camp for grownups. Bring your tube, your dancing shoes and your best festivarian spirit.

• Tom Ward’s Downfall and Fractal String Band, Durango Contra Dance, Durango Senior Center, Sat., May 17, 7 p.m. – Durango loves a good contradance. Live old-time tunes will keep your feet moving all night at the monthly Contra Dance. Beginners are more than welcome – no partner needed and no fancy footwork required. If you’ve never tried contra before, this is the perfect chance to jump in and find out why it’s one of the most joyful, community-centered ways to spend a Saturday night.

• Montezuma Rising Festival, Fenceline Cider, Mancos, Sat.-Sun., May 24-25, 4 p.m. – Celebrate spring and sound in Mancos with two evenings of music. Day one features Montezuma Rising, featuring Influsense, Yope, Little Brother and Mojo Birds. Good music, good cider and wide-open skies await you at this grassroots gathering. Fenceline’s riverside setting and small-town hospitality make it one of the best hidden gems for live music in the region.

The second day of Montezuma Rising brings Thylan, Hotel Draw, Lavalanche and Desert Child to Mancos. Expect another perfect late-afternoon of music, community and cider-fueled vibes, with incredible talent, golden-hour light and a backyard feel you won’t find anywhere else. ?