In this episode I have the pleasure of speaking with Jesse Ogle and Julianne Marqua both co-executive directors of iAM Music Institute about the exciting 10th annual iAM Music Festival which begins this Thursday May 1st and continues through Sunday May 4th with seven stages presenting 35 artists over three nights. Along with many local bands such as Desiderata, Eldergrown, Secret Circus Society, and Joy’s Familiar there will be regional, national and international bands including the March 4th big band from Portland, Oregon and Blessing Bled Chimanga from Zimbabawe. Most of the music takes place on Second Avenue at the 7th Street Stage, the San Juan Smiles Stage and the Artesanos Stage. There are late night shows at the Durango Arts Center and the Black Heron as well as brunch with artists both Saturday and Sunday mornings at Lola’s. iAM Music Festival is known for bringing a diverse variety of music to our town. iAM Music was founded by artists for artists to empower and cultivate a collaborative ecosystem along with full music programs at multiple high schools in Durango, CO. iAM Music provides private lessons for all skill levels, band coaching internships, works with outreach partners for at risk kids, also scholarships and free instrument rental for those in need. Julianne Marqua also teaches vocals and songwriting at iAM Music and Jesse Ogle, a bassist is also a co-founder of the Institute which began thirteen years ago from the project Hello Dollface together with Ashley Edwards, a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist. For more information about tickets and a schedule for the iAM Music Festival, visit their website at www.iammusic.us. You can also follow them on Instagram @iammusicfest.