About Western Music and Poetry
Crisis Fund Committee
Rich Dollarhide
buckskin529@gmail.com
Hall of Fame Committee
Marvin O’Dell
Send inquiries to meoteo@aol.com
Media Committee
Juni Fisher, Chairman
juni@junifisher.net
IWMA New Mexico Monthly Meeting
Meetings are held the fourth Sunday of every month beginning at 2 p.m. (MT) Vineyard Clubhouse,
Join Us!
Become a member or make a donation today!
https://iwesternmusic.org/donate.php
Contact Us
IWMA New Mexico Secretary
secretary@westernmusicnm.com
International Western Music Association New Mexico Chapter
The International Western Music Association (IWMA) New Mexico Chapter is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We promote the culture of the American West through music, poetry, literature, and media by offering:
Education and entertainment at special events
Youth scholarships for performer camps and workshops
Hosting the annual IWMA Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Donations and sponsorships help us continue this work and are tax-deductible. Please visit our Donation page to contribute — thank you for your support!
What is Western Music?
Western Music is the folk music of the American West, with roots in English, Scottish, Irish, and Welsh ballads, jazz, blues, and immigrant traditions. It captures the lives of cowboys, settlers, ranchers, soldiers, miners, and townspeople who built the West — not just the "singing cowboy" image, but the wider tapestry of Western life and culture.
Our Mission
The IWMA preserves, promotes, and encourages the performance of both traditional and contemporary Western music and poetry. Our members include performers and fans from the U.S., Canada, Australia, England, Spain, and Switzerland.
We foster the professional growth of artists, publish The Western Way magazine (the only professional magazine dedicated to Western music), and maintain a central website connecting performers and fans. Our Youth Chapter introduces young people to the rich musical heritage of the American West.
Our History
Founded in 1989 by performers and fans in Las Vegas, Nevada, the IWMA has grown to include twelve regional chapters. In 2018, we became the International Western Music Association, reflecting the worldwide reach of Western music and poetry. We have held our annual convention every November since our founding.
Why Get Involved?
The IWMA celebrates the values and spirit of the American West — honor, integrity, and family-friendly entertainment. Members can support our mission by joining a local chapter, volunteering on a committee, or contributing time, talent, or donations.
We keep the cowboy spirit alive, honoring the legacy of artists like Roy Rogers and promoting the enduring "Code of the West."