For five years, the Fort Worth African American Roots Music Festival has been creating space for Black artists in American roots music, reclaiming traditions, fostering community, and challenging erasure. Brandi Waller-Pace, the festival’s founder, shares how their background as an educator led to creating the festival, and the impact of FWAAMFest on artists and audiences. As the festival continues to grow, financial support remains crucial to sustaining its mission: helping to ensure that Black musicians, culture bearers, and tradition keepers receive the recognition and opportunities they deserve.

Rat City Arts Festival is a totally free hyper-local festival in Allston, MA featuring two stages of music, dozens of art vendors, and more. I talked with organizers to discuss the importance of supporting local talent with reasonable pay and opportunity.

In the midst of the pandemic in 2021, a new local festival was born to sustain both the community and the bands in Somerville, MA. Now in its fourth year, NICE, a fest has grown tremendously while maintaining its local focus. Read to see where the festival started and how it has grown to four days and three stages!

Last year, a movement began in the state of Nebraska: GRRRL CAMP, a music festival and celebration of women and non-binary artists in music, art, and business. They are now preparing for a second inspiring year of music and more. Keep reading to find out how GRRRL CAMP came about and how they made such a huge step up this year!

Returning to Olympia, WA for its third year, South Sound Block Party has landed their biggest headliner yet: Bikini Kill. The festival has a unique location in the Port of Olympia that makes it a classic Pacific Northwest experience. Read to find out what it was like to land a dream headliner, how their location adds to the experience, and what else makes South Sound Block Party special.

Camp Punksylvania is returning to PA this July for it’s fourth year! With the move to a new location in Gilbert, PA, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever. A focus on community and equity by the organizers results in a unique, diverse lineup. Read about what makes the festival so magical!

Seattle's Belltown Bloom festival is back for its fourth year, championing music discovery, community building, and elevating marginalized voices. I asked organizers/sisters/bandmates Valerie and Veronica Topacio about their influences and process.

Welcome Campers is an all-inclusive adult summer camp music festival. This year, they are presenting a lineup entirely of bands featuring women. I asked the organizers about this and more!