The PPMEA was founded in 2011 and is a recognized 501c3 non-profit organization. Our mission is to raise money for local kids’ music programs by hosting musical events in the area. Because we also support many Colorado artists by bringing them in to play we not only benefit the kids but help strengthen the overall community of support for music and musicians in Colorado.
We are a local organization in the Colorado mountains along the “Peak to Peak Highway.” The “Peak to Peak” region in Colorado is basically the area stretching from Central City and Black Hawk on the south end, through Nederland and to the town of Allenspark on the north end along CO state highways 119 and 72.
The Peak to Peak Music Education Association was formed after the death of “Michigan Mike” Torpie, the founder of NedFest (below), to continue the festival and support music education programs in the peak to peak region.
Michigan Mike (center) with light shirt) celebrates a successful 2011 NedFest with friends at the late-night Black Forest show. Pictured (left to right) PPMEA President Rob Savoy, Jarod (NedFest parking director), Happy Jack (long-time NedFest volunteer), Michigan Mike Torpie (NedFest Founder), Kristen McFarland (PPMEA Event Coordinator), Lyn Hanna (founding PPMEA Board Member), Ben Griffin (founding PPMEA Board Member), Mark Latiolais (PPMEA Board Member).
Young local musicians perform at NedFest
Grants
November 2, 2014 The Very Nice Brewing Company hosted a special annual awards event for the PPMEA featuring a performance of the Colorado Bluegrass Music Society’s Young Pickers. The PPMEA awarded 2 grants. The first went to the Nederland Elementary School music department to use to get a matching grant for musical instruments for beginning kids. The other went to provide a scholarship for music lessons for a promising young local musician in need who could not afford them. Thanks to Very Nice for its generous support!
April 12, 2013: The Peak to Peak Music Education Association Board of Directors presents a check to Stephen LeFaiver, TEEN Center director, to support an after school music tutor in conjunction with the Mark Vann Foundation.
Tickets are now on sale for the NedFest Family Reunion, to be held August 26-27 at the Caribou Room property on the hill above Nederland. We’ll have all the wonderful stuff that NedFest is known for, from kids’ activities to artist booths to great local beer sponsors!
Gilpin County Fairgrounds Barn 230 Norton Drive, Black Hawk, CO 80422
General Information:
This show is under roof, so no worries about rain and no need for sun shades. Do bring a camp chair. Small coolers are allowed but NO GLASS and NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL. No pets and PLEASE only real, trained service dogs.
There is plenty of free parking and this event is fully accessible.
Camping:
There is no onsite camping but just across the street is the Base Camp , a private campground. Since it is a holiday weekend we suggest reservations as early as possible!
