Jackson Indie Music Week Returns for Its Eleventh Year

Kicking off on March 22 with a launch party at the Patton House, the festival is returning for its eleventh year and brings together independent musicians from Mississippi and across the region for several days of performances throughout Jackson. The festival unfolds across multiple venues including Rami's Sports Bar, Midtown Depot, Duling Hall, Martin's and others, giving audiences the chance to explore different neighborhoods, meet new artists and experience the city's music scene from several angles.

A Festival Built Around Original Music

The focus is on original music. Indie rock bands, singer-songwriters and experimental artists will take the stage to share their songs and connect with new booking agents. You might catch a quiet acoustic set in one room and walk into a loud indie band around the corner. Moving between venues becomes part of the experience, offering visitors and locals alike a chance to see Jackson after dark while discovering musicians they may not have heard before.

For many artists, the festival is an opportunity to share new work and connect with other performers navigating the independent music world. Without the structure of major labels or national tours, these musicians build their careers one show at a time.

Festival Director Brad Franklin says, "I started this festival to show independent artists that there is a living to be made without a big label. This week isn't just music. We offer different panels on how musicians can grow their careers as independent artists."

Jackson Indie Music Week gives the artists a place to learn, gather, collaborate and introduce their music to new ears.

Jackson's Music Legacy on Full Display

The week also highlights a side of Jackson that visitors sometimes overlook. The city has long been a crossroads for music, from blues and gospel traditions to punk, alternative and indie scenes that continue to grow today. Jackson Indie Music Week reflects that range, bringing together artists whose styles vary widely but who share a commitment to writing and performing their own songs.

Franklin wants this event to lift Jackson and Mississippi as a home for musicians and live music. He says, "Cities like Austin and Atlanta have big festivals and big scenes, but Mississippi is the 'Birthplace of America's Music.' We should recognize that contribution, and this event does just that."

JXN Indie Music Week Icon Awards Honor Mississippi Music Trailblazers

On Thursday, March 26, the JXN Indie Music Week Icon Awards show will take place at Duling Hall to honor trailblazers and vanguards in the Mississippi music industry. Franklin focuses on roots, "You can't debate who paved the way for the Grammy winners and top of the charts artists. That is why we honor these icons."

The awards show focuses on celebrating people and organizations for the work they have done to promote the indie music scene. Past awards have been given to recipients in person and posthumously. This year's recipients include hip-hop record label One Light One Love Records; bluesman Jessie Robinson, who has made an impact performing on the Chitlin' Circuit; and James "Tiger" Christian, the southern soul and hip-hop manager and promoter who was responsible for bringing many of the big hip-hop shows to Jackson in the 1990s. Recipients will be introduced by their family, friends, and colleagues that have supported their journey in Mississippi Music.

What does the full schedule look like?

The 2026 lineup features a variety of artists across multiple genres performing across the city. Highlights include:

• Sun, March 22 | The Patton House | 6–9pm — Official Kickoff Party featuring Epic Funk Brass Band + the Operation Zero Out Benefit show
• Mon, March 23 | Midtown Depot | 6–11pm — JIMWeek Rocks! Rock + Singer-Songwriter Showcase featuring Trailaniea Shiba, Seth Beamer, and The Broken Maloan Dler
• Tue, March 24 | Rami's Sports Bar & Grill | 6–10pm — The Wave Showcase featuring Britnib, Qwansie, Femi9, Travey, Kanayo, Fresh24&DaRealSone$, Nspire, HumanRecordPlayer, and Sateeva
• Wed, March 25 | The Patton House | 6–10pm — Many Moons: Women's Panel + Showcase featuring Sadé Thee Poet, Shakayla, Mona Lisa, Briar Blakeley, Tia J., and Trouble
• Thu, March 26 | Duling Hall | 6–10pm — The Icon Awards featuring Kelli Young Hart, Southern Soul Damo, and Kessey Monae, with special performances by Elsie & The Femcees and Kamikaze
• Fri, March 27 | Martin's Downtown | 9pm–12am — Beats & Bars: Rap Showcase featuring Knightro, Forevac, King Drastic, SuaveC, Mr. Fluid, and $lick4Stacks
• Sat, March 28 | 301 Capitol | Noon–4pm — Do the Knowledge: Panel & Showcase
• Sat, March 28 | Green Ghost Tacos | 3–7pm — JIMWeek St. Paddy's Day Party featuring DJ Twigga

What if I’m not familiar with the artists and creatives you bring in? Why should I come?

You should attend JIMWeek events because it's not just about the music, its about experiencing our city's greatest asset...ITS PEOPLE. You'll get to meet some of Jackson's music lovers, business owners, and tastemakers.

Why is supporting the creative community so important in Jackson?

When you support the creative community, you are supporting Jackson. JIMWeek has become a destination event for music industry folks for the last ten-plus years. They will come into the city and spend money at retail stores, restaurants and hotels. That in turn helps to shore up our city's infrastructure.

History

Jackson Indie Music Week (JIMWeek) is an annual, week-long festival celebrating Central Mississippi's independent music scene. Established in 2014, JIMWeek showcases a diverse array of genres—including Rock, Hip Hop, EDM, Blues, Singer-Songwriter, and Independent Film & Video—through concerts, showcases, panels, and parties. Often referred to as Jackson's version of South By Southwest, the festival highlights the rich musical heritage of the "Birthplace of America's Music."

Who started it and why?

Brad Franklin founded JIMWeek after attending the SXSW festival in Austin and A3C in Atlanta. "I was inspired to start something similar in Jackson because Mississippi is the 'Birthplace of America's Music,'" he said. "It's appropriate that we have a festival to highlight our rich music scene."

Plan Your Visit to Jackson Indie Music Week

For visitors planning a trip to Jackson, the festival offers an easy way to experience the city's nightlife and creative community at the same time. Each night presents a different lineup and atmosphere, whether you prefer a relaxed acoustic set or a late-night show with a packed crowd.For a few days, Jackson becomes a gathering point for musicians and listeners who simply want to hear something new. You can join the fun with individual $10 event tickets, or a $60 festival pass.

jxnindiemusic.com.