E. Joe Brown

If there’s one thing I’ve learned riding the trail as an author, storyteller, and musician, it’s that the spirit of the West doesn’t live in museums or history books alone. It lives in the voices of folks who still sing their songs, write their poetry, and keep the stories of hard land and harder people alive. And once a year, that spirit gathers under one roof for something special—the International Western Music Association’s (IWMA) annual convention. 

In 2025, that gathering is headed straight to one of my favorite places in the Southwest: Albuquerque, New Mexico, from November 12th to 16th, 2025, at the historic, beautifully situated Hotel Albuquerque in Old Town. 

Let me tell you… This is a celebration that every Western heart ought to mark on its calendar. 

What Makes IWMA So Special? 

The International Western Music Association (IWMA) has been carrying the torch for Western music, cowboy poetry, and storytelling since 1989. They’re the keepers of the flame—folks dedicated to preserving the true sound of the West while championing new voices who give the genre its future. 

And this convention? 

It’s the closest thing you’ll find to a family reunion for people who love the West—even if it’s your first time attending. 

There’s something pretty magical about hearing a room full of guitars, fiddles, and honest voices echoing off old adobe walls in the heart of Albuquerque’s historic district. Those sounds carry history. They carry heart. They carry home. 

Why I’ll Be There 

As someone who writes deeply about Western life—its grit, its people, its dreams—I find this event a source of inspiration every year. The conversations, the music, the fellowship… they breathe life into the stories I tell on the page. 

And this year, with the excitement around my Kelly Can Saga, I’m especially looking forward to connecting with others who share a love for authentic Western storytelling. 

If you see me wandering around with my guitar in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other, stop me and say hello. I always enjoy hearing your stories, too. 

IWMA 2026 Conference Schedule Link here.

Happy Trails, 
Joe