The McDowell Mountain Music Festival has been a yearly event since 2004. It is a place to listen to music and enjoy food and art. It’s a time for everyone in the community to join together, listen to good music while giving back to the community at the same time.

The first show featured David Crosby, Taj Mahal, Keb’ Mo’, Little Feat and Derek Trucks.

Through the years, the festival has slowly transformed as the 2016 event will have a few different elements than the past, according to Nate Largay, the regional talent coordinator at the McDowell Mountain Music Festival.

“This year we will be introducing culinary workshops by a few locally renowned chefs, live art by local muralists and an activation area outside our front gate that will allow patrons to see acoustic bands, vendors and sponsorship booths whether purchasing a ticket or not,” Largay said.

The McDowell Mountain Music Festival changed up the kind of music performers they have at the shows. Before the festival had more blues, rock and jam bands on stage, and now the festival showcases a mixture of musicians with the 2016 lineup headlines Beck, Kid Cudi, The Avett Brothers, Porter Robinson and more.

“For the past 10 or so years, we have made efforts to include as many genres as possible,” Largay said.

Stephanie Jimenez, 22, who attended the show last year said, “the environment was relaxed. I loved every part of it. Being in the crowd itself was fun; and when we got too tired, it was still enjoyable from the outside.”

Eddie Shea, 58, another participant for the past 12 years said that, “it has an old school festival vibe. As the day goes on, the crowd and excitement builds. The evening performances can be electric.”

McDowell Mountain Music Festival isn’t put on just for fun, it is also used to raise money for charity.

“Since 2004, we have donated well over $1 million to local youth charities. Last year alone, we donated $120,000,” Largay said.

The money raised from the event this year will go to Phoenix Children’s Hospital and UMOM New Day Centers. These two have been the main beneficiaries of the event for the last four to five years.

This event is helping children and families and is now moving to improve the environment as well.

“We are also shooting for a Zero Waste Goal that will guarantee all waste to be disposed through either recycling or compost. Meaning, no trash on the festival grounds,” Largay said.

About 13,000- 15,000 people attend the McDowell Mountain Music Festival every year and about 25 to 30 percent of those people come from out of town to enjoy the festivities, discover new music and give back to the Phoenix community.

“I’ve learned to trust the lineup, and I always come out of the festival with a new favorite artist,” Shea said.