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."

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.