Where you grew up and your background can often have surprising effects on our lives and careers. We’ve asked folks from the community to tell us about how their background has affected them.

Kayla Spaar | Music Photographer

I’m from the suburbs of Baltimore, MD, and I’ve always loved music and playing around with cameras. Growing up I was influenced by my parents’ love of 60s-80s rock; they taught me to appreciate things like album art, and the bands with stories behind the songs. The first concert I remember attending was when my parents brought me, my brother and sister to see Carlos Santana at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD. At 11 I was transfixed; I remember him playing guitar behind his head, and I think I’ve been hooked since then on the energy that live music creates. Read more>>

Justin Clark | Small Business Owner

I grew up in Ouray, CO, a small mountain town with roots in mining and tourism. As a fifth generation born and raised here, I love how I grew up. I walked to school. I worked at businesses in town. I was constantly outdoors and exploring the mountains. Everyone knew everyone, like a big family. Because of my upbringing, I knew Ouray was exactly where I wanted to stay. Being a local, I knew I had the love and support to start a business in this town. Read more>>

Colin Rheingans | Ticket Operations & Travel Blogger

I am from a small town in Michigan, about an hour north of Detroit. I was born and raised there and attended college less than 2 hours away. I had never really ventured out of this area, until the year I turned 28. Taking a job in Phoenix, it had me leaving the only lifestyle I knew, for a completely different one, 2,000 miles away. Although I only stayed for less than a year, it was an experience I wouldn’t change for the world. Read more>>

High Mountain Duet | A heartfelt folk duet from the hills of Manitou Springs, Co

We are both born and raised in the Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs area respectively. James grew up in a musical family with both his father and older brother being in successful bands around the Colorado area. James’ father was founder of the long running Grateful Dead based band “Shakedown Street” while his brother was a member of “Creating a Newsense”. James’ upbringing was very influential on him personally as well as impactful in our influences and aspirations. Samantha’s father was also musical in his younger years playing drums with numerous bands. Read more>>