On June 22 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., five local bands will perform at Mancos Brewing while raising money for the Cancer Support Community Southwest Colorado and the Cancer Resource Alliance of Montezuma and Dolores Counties, two regional cancer support organizations.
The event doesn’t require registration or tickets, but organizers encourage a $20 donation to help raise money for the cancer organizations chosen to benefit from the event.
Nordfest took place for the very first time in June 2023, after Mancos resident Erik Nordstrom was diagnosed with prostate cancer. In the midst of his cancer battle, his friends rallied and threw a benefit they titled “Nordfest” to help raise money for Nordstrom while he underwent chemotherapy.
“It really helped me change the narrative from one of pity and sorrow to one of celebration and freedom,” Nordstrom said. “There was a great outpouring of community support, and I felt the love. It was very meaningful.”
Now, Nordstrom wants Nordfest to become an annual event to help others battling cancer in the Southwest Colorado region.
“I was having a lot of reflections on my purpose for living and all of that, and one thing I really wanted to do was to give back because it was very humbling and an honor that people wanted to support us,” Nordstrom said.
Local bands of various genres will perform, and attendees are invited to sing along, dance or even just sit and enjoy the performances. Those who attend are encouraged to bring their own chairs.
“I’m looking at this as a celebration of continuing survival and perpetual remembrance of loved ones that are no longer with us,” Nordstrom said. “The tone will be upbeat, with a mix of tears and laughter, and I’m hoping that you can join the party.”
The lineup for Nordfest this year is Midnight Cowboy at 3 p.m., Nathan Schmidt & the Kickers at 4 p.m., Acid Wrench at 5 p.m., Nordstrom’s band Lawn Chair Kings at 6 p.m. and Afrobeatniks at 7 p.m.
In addition to the food and drinks that will be available at Mancos Brewing, the event will also include beverages from WildEdge in Cortez, Dolores River Brewery and Anarchy Brewing in Durango.
“I know that almost all of us are impacted by cancer in some way,” Nordstrom said. “Whether it’s a friend or family member or we’ve experienced it ourselves or are scared of it, awareness help is out there. Part of my survival, I think, has been to celebrate reasons to live my purpose in life, really doubling down on loving other people. My wife, family, community and friends have been especially important to my survival.”
“I hopes this comes across that there is hope for people that are coping with cancer and that ultimately life should be fun, and I hope this is a fun event,” Nordstrom said. “I hope that this will be a celebration of survival and also perpetual remembrance of those who aren’t with us anymore, so I anticipate there might be tears and laugher and mixed emotions, but I’m really hoping it brings people together to have fun for a great cause.”
The event will be held outside, so Nordstrom said there isn’t a max number of people who can attend.
The event is sponsored by Mancos Brewing, Brand Central, Ska Brewing, Fenceline Cider, KDUR, KSJD, KSUT, Music Masters and Jimmy's Music with the support of Bryant Liggett, Wynn Jones, Kathy Hands, Jody Chapel, Toni Abbey and Sue Tompkins in “keeping Nordfest alive as an annual tradition.”
