[TSS Interview] DUSK Music Festival’s Co-Founder Page Repp Gives the Inside Scoop on What to Expect Out of the Festival’s 10-Year Anniversary

DUSK Music Festival has become a staple to the Tucson community over the past decade, giving the mid-sized college town something to look forward to each November. Over the years, it has evolved quite a bit, from the location to the lineup curation to the community involvement, and more. Ahead of this year’s festival, we were able to speak to the festival’s co-founder Page Repp about how DUSK came to be, how it has transformed since its inception, and what to expect at this year’s 10-year anniversary. 

TSS: What is the story of the founding of DUSK and what gap were you trying to fill?

Page Repp: I got a call one day from some friends saying they were thinking of starting a music festival and thought I would be a good fit. I didn’t ask any questions, I just said yes and jumped right in. DUSK was started as a way to provide something great for Tucson. Growing up here all of the good, large scale events occurred in Phoenix, we wanted something that Tucson could proudly call their own. 

TSS: How has DUSK evolved from its inception 10 years ago to today?

PR: We have evolved in a lot of ways, from location, number of days, to time of the year. We have finally landed on our permanent home in early November in Jacome Plaza. We have added extra stages and a lot more options for our fans. The evolution I am most proud of is how we have engaged with our local artists. By that I mean the musicians and also the physical artists that make the magic happen at DUSK. We get to work with some incredibly talented people and they are all local to Tucson, showcasing them is such a thrill. 

TSS: What is one thing from the original vision of the festival that you have stayed completely true to today?

PR: We always wanted DUSK to be the best of Tucson and we have kept that as our North star. We use local vendors, hire local artists, commission artwork from locals, and fill our staff with folks from Tucson. Dusk is hyperlocal and will always remain that way. 

TSS: How has DUSK embraced the Tucson community and culture and how does the festival incorporate it?

PR: Expanding on the last question here but we really put such an emphasis on producing a grassroots event. DUSK takes a lot of coordination from the city and county to put it on in the heart of downtown, it’s a crazy undertaking but we make it work. I think our connection to the local community has been what has sustained us as we continue to operate a festival inside a public space. We give so much back to the community and we are just getting started. 

TSS: DUSK curates its lineup differently from other Relentless Beats produced festivals. Why is this and why was DUSK the right event to branch out from primarily electronic music?

PR: DUSK is a 50/50 co-pro with RB and we work directly with them to make a lineup that balances a few different genres. We wanted DUSK to have something for everyone and we feel like this collaboration gets us there.  I love seeing the crowds migrate from stage to stage and discover things they maybe wouldn’t if we were only electronic music. 

TSS: What is a tradition around the festival that has become uniquely yours?

PR: Over the years art has become a big part of the fabric of the festival. We love to create new things and the bigger they are, the better. Every art piece tells a little bit of our story and gives folks an opportunity to engage with DUSK in a way that is deeper than just the music. I’d say the aspect of discovery of something new is great but the thing that makes the festival warm and inviting is what doesn’t change: our 80′ artist mural, the neon windmill where you can grab your own DUSK Duck, the wacky inflatable tube men everyone tries to dance with, a giant disco duck, a hidden portal stage you enter via a porta potty, and a few other staples. Those pieces and moments are the backbone of our visual traditions at DUSK. 

TSS: Are there any surprises in store for the 10th year anniversary?

PR: There are always a few surprises each year but we may take it a bit further for the ten year. The overall site layout will be a bit different, VIP and Platinum areas will get a revamp, and there will be more interactive things spread around the site, more opportunity for discovery. 

TSS: What do you want people to feel when they leave this year’s festival?

PR: I hope they feel like this is the best one yet and that they are now an indelible part of DUSK going forward. We are hoping to create lifers at DUSK, folks that mark it on the calendar no matter what. Dusk isn’t only about headlining artists, it is about community, about getting out and supporting Tucson, and about meeting new people and bonding over a shared moment. 

TSS: Where do you see the festival in another 10 years? 

PR: My hope would be that DUSK continues to grow and becomes a regional attraction that can showcase the best of Tucson. The sky is the limit and we will find out where we end up together, hopefully watching your favorite band play as the sun goes down, right at DUSK! 

TSS: Anything else you would like to add?

PR: DUSK is a really family friendly festival and a great experience, there is something for everyone there.

DUSK takes place November 13 and November 14 at Jácome Plaza. Two-Day General Admission are on sale now. VIP passes, with air-conditioned premium bathrooms, premium food experiences, comfortable lounge seating, front-of-stage viewing areas, complimentary coat-and-bag check service, and complimentary massages, will also be available. The DUSK Platinum Experience includes everything that the Standard VIP pass has, plus: access to an all-inclusive, elevated viewing area with comfortable seating, complimentary wine, beer, craft cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages, and a buffet of snacks throughout the day and a catered dinner each evening. All ticket types, including DUSK extras, are available online.

There is a lot to look forward to here and a deep connection to the Tucson community which makes this a festival worthwhile of supporting. There are also plenty of great musical acts to see here as well spanning all types of genres, which you can checkout in the image below. So grab your ticket now and we’ll see you this November!

DUSK Music Festival | Tickets |

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