This summer marks AMPFest’s fifth year. It’s easy to see its success reflected in the fiercely loyal community that returns to the mosh pit year after year.
“Back in the early days of organizing shows together, my friend Raffi and I had casually joked about how cool it would be to do a heavy music festival someday. We didn’t think it would ever be possible here,” says Kasey Suchowersky, who has been a heavy music promoter in the Bow Valley since 2013.
That changed in 2019 when a chance presented itself to partner with artsPlace on a show. Kasey and Raffi decided to think bigger, creating an event that would give local bands a festival of their own. “This was a chance for the smaller local bands to get the recognition and a dedicated audience they deserved,” Kasey says.
“I honestly thought that it was just going to be a one-time opportunity. But then artsPlace suggested that we continue,” he adds. After a pandemic-forced pause in 2020 and 2021, the show resumed in 2022 and has continued to grow.
“It’s been a really important event to the community, and it has helped the scene grow.”
While loud in nature, AMPFest has quietly challenged assumptions—not just about heavy music, but about who community arts are for. It has become a tangible reminder that an arts centre is at its best when it reflects the full spectrum of the community it serves.
“I’ve always wanted AMPFest to be a safe, friendly, inclusive space for people of all ages, all colours, ethnicities, religions, all genders and sexualities to experience the culture of this music,” Kasey says. “That’s how it’s been since year one and that’s how it’s going to stay.”
“I’m hoping the success of this show makes others realize that this music is valid and valuable in our community,” he adds.
That belief takes many forms. On any given day, artsPlace might host a Latin dance session, an electronic music night, or a gathering of local Burning Man-loving creators sharing interactive art. From the outside, these groups can seem worlds apart. Step inside, though, and the similarities are hard to miss: each one of them is built around people who are eager to share what they love, welcome newcomers, learn from one another, and create something they’re proud of.
The art form changes. The feeling doesn't.
As our community continues to grow and diversify, so does the demand for more—and larger—spaces where all people can gather, connect, and belong. AMPFest offers a glimpse of what’s possible when community members have the space and support to bring their big ideas to life.
By the time the festival rolls around each year, it feels like another part of our community has come home.
“If AMPFest goes to 10 years, it will be awesome,” says Kasey. We look forward to it too.
AMPFest is organized in partnership with Beauty In Chaos Productions.
The next event is set for July 25. Get tickets here.
Photos in the article by Jungmin Ham, Rocky Mountain Outlook.
