Check Out Brandon Decker’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Decker.

Hi Brandon, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Sedona VortiFest arose out of the pandemic time. I had been a career musician – touring and releasing records – and when the pandemic hit was trying to keep some music magic in my life. I had done an intimate house concert in the summer of 2020, and my friends, who would become my business partners – David Schmidt, Rachel Grant, and Jason Lawrence – were at the show. They said, “let’s do this at our store next time!” They own Sedona Water Works, a local water purveyor, and more, really a hub in Sedona. So we moved the events to their store and called them “The Rosewater Session.” From there came the talks of throwing a music festival. We’re all longtime Sedona residents, and we’ve just seen the climate for music, art, and community shift here so much. So, we wanted to do something cool. We had set out to do a small but professional music festival with the hopes of 200-300 people in September 0f 2021. Over 800 people attended and loved it. So, we did it again in April, and it grew again. With this momentum, we have decided to grow it again and bring in legendary music acts Arrested Development, G Love & Special Sauce, and more. We are excited for our next event on September 23 and 24!

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Throwing a music festival has proved an uphill battle. Having spent most of my adult life touring and hosting events, I knew much of the work, but this is another level. The permitting, working with the city, and licensing and insurance are things to do right. They also cost a lot of money!! Past that, it’s like throwing up a village and taking it down in a matter of days. Truly a marathon, and it seems there’s no way to be fully prepared for the actual event and you really have to let the teamwork of the village rise to carry the day to success.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I have been a musician for my adult life. I have written songs, made records, and performed them. Subsequently, that has led to a great deal of event promotion. My partners at the event come from diverse backgrounds – a world-class chef, yoga instructor, and more. We’re all artists in our own ways!

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
As the old cliché goes: the teacher arrives when the student is ready. If we are clear in our intention and doing the work, we always find the right people to learn from and teach. If we are going about the business of being the best person we can be for ourselves and those around us, we find our people.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sedonavortifest.com
• Instagram: @vortifestexperience
• Facebook: facebook.com/sedonavortifest