400 bands. 35 stages.

Last weekend was FoCoMX, which stands for Fort Collins Music Experiment.

It’s an incredible, giant fundraiser that promotes local bands, raises money for the Fort Collins Musicians Association, and turns all of downtown Fort Collins into a kickass, come-as-you-are music festival.

Except for the pandemic, my husband and I have gone every year. We walked over 12 miles in two days, hopping from breweries to museums to local bars, chasing the music. We saw something like 14 bands and volunteered to help work the festival.

My favorite show? Hard to choose, but probably one of the 3 brass bands we saw. Because apparently ten horns is now my personal baseline for joy.

But here’s why I’m telling you this:

The festival only works because the community shows up.

Musicians share their talent. Venues open their doors. Attendees buy wristbands and pack every room. And the proceeds are split between every performer, giving emerging artists a platform and a paycheck.

It’s a reminder that good things grow when people participate.

Not perform. Not perfect. Just show up.

And that’s the same energy I try to bring into my own world - working with people who care about what they do and helping them build something worth showing up for.

Hope you find your version of ten horns this week.

Stacey