What to do in Davis on the first weekend of summer?
With 37 bands over three days on nine stages, Davis Music Fest is our town’s biggest music explosion of the year
Okay, the NBA Finals are over and the Kings did not win. The Stanley Cup has moved to North Carolina, the Giants are not going to win the pennant, you can’t afford even a single ticket to the World Cup, the election is over, the UFC desecration of the White House Lawn ended with absolutely no winners and Dad says he doesn’t want anything for Father’s Day.
So what’s there to do on the warm summer nights that await us this weekend?
As it turns out, the exact instant when the Summer Solstice will strike our beloved hometown is smack in the middle of the Davis Music Fest.
The 14th annual Davis Music Fest, by the way.
In my book, when you’ve done something for 13 straight years without a single hiccup, it’s time for a standing O.
Music is good for your heart and good for your soul. I don’t know about you, but many of us could use that sort of spiritual lift right about now.
So, on with the show.
Presented by the all-volunteer Davis Live Music Collective with support from local venues, businesses, sponsors and performers, Davis Music Fest is back once again, running for three days from Friday through Sunday.
This year features a whopping 37 bands from near and far and is easily Davis’ biggest annual weekend of live music.
Davis Music Fest puts artists, fans and the overall community first, bringing people together to enjoy a wide range of music as well as all the food, drink and charm our town has to offer. Since its origin, Davis Music Fest has been a celebration of local, regional and nationally touring artists; a reason to gather as a community around music.
Importantly, but sometimes forgotten, it is also a fundraiser for the Davis Live Music Collective & Davis Music Fest Matthew Blake Memorial Scholarship that provides financial support for graduating DJUSD high school students pursuing art or music beyond Davis public schools.
The festival has doubled in size since its start, now spanning three days and nine local stages while showcasing artists from Portland to LA, New York to the Bay Area, and plenty of local favorites who might actually live next door.
Festival organizers, all dedicated music lovers, volunteer their time year-round to build and promote the event as a widely accessible and inclusive weekend of musical revelry and discovery, bringing back favorite performers and introducing new artists.
This year, the crew is excited to welcome back seasoned Fest veterans and local favorites Dog Party, The Gold Souls, Boot Juice and Rita Hosking, plus returning regional California standouts Royal Jelly Jive, The Sam Chase & the Untraditional, Career Woman, twenty-piece marching band sensation Mission Delirium, African psych rockers Orchestra Gold and Americana jammers Dead Winter Carpenters, who haven’t played Fest in more than a decade.
New acts to the event include Sacramento indie rockers Fitting and Rosemother, Bloodsugar from San Francisco, and for those who love to dance, Party Nails from Los Angeles.
Soul, funk and jazz are on the menu as well with Bay Area virtuosos Big Blu Soul Revue and The Westones, along with LA’s Mestizo Beat with its psychedelic Latin dance party.
Marty O’Reilly is bringing his trio and all the heartfelt soul you could ask for, and Americana funk collective The Tens will make their DMF debut.
Fans should also be on the lookout for artists with strong local connections such as Beti Masenqo, Megan Claire and Paddy on the Binge playing the Fest for the first time, plus the DMF youth band competition winners Home by 5:30, featuring Davis High and Da Vinci students kicking things off on Saturday.
For a third year and by popular demand, back is the all-day artist-in-residency with Sacramento jazz/soul/hip-hop virtuosos LabRats with guest vocalists Alicia Huff and Jakhari Smith. You can also catch the versatile LabRats on Saturday night when they back legendary Sacramento performer and activist Rituals of Mine.
Every year the Music Fest tries to bring something new to the table without skimping on what guests enjoy. This year it is hosting music at a new stage on C Street between 2nd and 3rd on Saturday from 2 to 10 p.m. Also welcomed back on an expanded stage area at Sudwerk on Friday is KDRT 95.7 FM Listening Lyrics Live with performance and conversation on the Armadillo Music stage Saturday. Also look out for nonprofit partners Davis Media Access filming all the fun.
Davis Music Fest launches with what can only be called the city’s best block party Friday from 4:30 to 10 p.m. at Sudwerk, featuring non-stop performances on two stages, a not-to-be-missed lineup, award-winning beer, and food selections from the Sudwerk kitchen and two food trucks.
The party continues Saturday from 2 to 11 p.m. on five stages in familiar spots throughout downtown Davis including Armadillo Music, Odd Fellows Hall, Sophia’s Thai Kitchen, C Street and Delta of Venus Cafe.
Saving some of the best for last is a Sunday full of music and fun on two stages at Delta of Venus from noon to 6 p.m.
The whole festival is made possible by the generous support of sponsors including Armadillo Music, Berryessa Brewing Company and Sudwerk, as well as financial and volunteer support from the Davis Live Music Collective.
DMF is funded in part by Arts and Culture grants from the City of Davis.
Additional support comes from Davis Odd Fellows Lodge, Dunloe Brewing, Ink Monkey Graphics, Morse Remodeling & Custom Homes, KDRT 95.7 FM, Davis Food Co-op, The Terry & Pearl Toy Fund, and producing members John & Catherine Hess, David & Kirsten Feldman, Stacie & Lucas Frerichs, Paul Waterstraat, and Shelly Gilbride & Sangho Byun.
Plus, and most importantly, from everyone who buys a ticket to enjoy the fun.
For tickets and information visit davismusicfest.com and follow the event on social media @davismusicfest.
If you would like to talk with festival organizers about volunteer opportunities or with general questions, contact info@davismusicfest.com.
FAQs
DMF started in 2011 and is a fundraiser for arts education in Davis public schools.
This year’s Fest features 37 bands across a wide range of genres performing on 9 stages over 3 days.
Digital or physical tickets must be exchanged for an event wristband before entering any venue.
Digital or physical tickets may be exchanged for an event wristband at Sudwerk on Friday, Delta of Venus Cafe, C Street stage, or Odd Fellows Hall on Saturday, or Delta of Venus Cafe on Sunday.
Wristbands provide entry to all venues all weekend. All guests must present a wristband for entry to any DMF venue.
Children under 12 do not require a ticket.
Advance tickets are $40 + fees online and at Armadillo Music.
Ticket prices will increase to $50 starting Friday, June 19.
A limited number of $40 single-day passes will be available for purchase on site, Friday and Sunday only.
Full weekend passes are required for all venues Saturday.
No single venue entry tickets will be sold Saturday, June 20.
$30 student tickets are available at the door with valid student ID.
DMF merch will be available at Sudwerk on Friday, C Street stage on Saturday, and Delta of Venus on Sunday.
Artist merch, when available, will be at that band’s stage.
Parking is limited. Consider biking or walking.
On Friday you can park on 2nd Street or the DMV on 5th.
No outside alcohol is permitted at any venue.
DMF is run entirely by volunteers, please be patient and say thanks.
All performers and audio / lighting technicians are paid professionals. This is how they make a living and we are proud to support them.
Follow the event on social media @davismusicfest.
Contact info@davismusicfest.com with questions.
Best weekend in Davis!
What a wonderful description of a wonderful event! I go to a fair number of music festivals, and I'll tell ya there ain't another that costs just over a dollar a band. Nor that I can ride my bike to. See you there!