In this episode of State of Art, host Bree Pappan sits down with Pueblo musician and entrepreneur Jesse McCoy to talk about Don’t Go to Pueblo, a new DIY music festival that turns a familiar knock against the city into a celebration of Pueblo’s independent music, art and creative culture.

Presented by Bedfires Records, the two-day festival takes place Oct. 2-3 in downtown Pueblo, bringing together punk, metal, alternative, indie and electronic music alongside local artists, vendors and businesses. The event describes itself as “100% local,” built by Pueblo and for Pueblo.

McCoy joins Pappan to discuss the idea behind the festival, Pueblo’s DIY music scene and the importance of creating opportunities for local musicians and creatives. The conversation also explores how music, entrepreneurship and community can work together to challenge outside perceptions of Pueblo while strengthening the culture already being built here.

The festival opens Friday, Oct. 2, at Analogue Books, Records & Bar, followed by the main event Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Gold Dust Saloon, featuring six Pueblo bands and a limited capacity of just 100 attendees.

There is also a community purpose behind the music: 100% of ticket sales will be divided evenly among CASA of Pueblo, SafeSide Recovery and El Pueblo History Museum.

State of Art is a Pueblo Star Journal podcast exploring the artists, musicians, makers and creative voices shaping Pueblo and Southern Colorado.