Denton’s Oaktopia Festival seems to have hit its stride this year. The lineup is a well-curated mix of big name acts and local favorites. There are non-musical, very-festival activities like “glow yoga” and a gaming tournament. There are VIP passes that include a “Swag Bag w/ Fest Merch.”
The little festival is all grown up.
In the past year, several beloved Denton music venues have shut their doors. Yet, if this year’s Oaktopia lineup is any indication, it seems the college town’s music scene is as lively as ever.
Oaktopia has gained serious momentum in the four years since it began. Starting Thursday with a bevy of food trucks at Oak Street Drafthouse and a live tribute to the music of Tom Petty on the main stage, the festival will offer an abundance of local talent along with a meaty list of headliners including Norah Jones and rap duo Rae Sremmurd.
Oaktopia has set itself up to be the biggest music festival in North Texas. It’s not just for Denton-dwellers, it’s for everybody. Whether Denton has cashed in its DIY spirit or simply grown, this festival seems to be ushering in a new era of music to the city, and we want in.
Go here for more info and a full schedule of bands. Performances take place at two outdoor stages at 206 East Oak St. in Denton, just off the downtown square, and in venues throughout the area.
Here are 10 acts you don’t want to miss at this year’s Oaktopia:
O.T. Genasis | Saturday, 8 p.m. at the UNT Stage
Best known for his viral hits “CoCo” and “Cut it,” OT Genasis is on the forefront of the trap music movement in hip-hop.
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Norah Jones | Friday, 10 p.m. at the UNT Stage
The songstress will perform in Denton for the first time since she was a student at UNT. The performance comes just two weeks before the release of her new album, Day Breaks. If lead single, “Carry On,” is any indication, you can expect Jones to deliver the same pretty, sad, and powerfully soulful kind of music she always has. Jones is also performing Thursday night at the UNT Stage for Petty Fest, a tribute to the music of Tom Petty.
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Dr. Dog | Friday, 7 p.m. at the West Stage
If this psychedelic band could be described as one thing, it’s consistent. The music is weird but not willfully obscure, nasally-voiced but not annoying, folksy without being derivative. It’s solid rock and roll, and Dr. Dog does a great job delivering it live.
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Animal Spirit | Friday, 9:30 p.m. at the Bearded Monk
The Fort Worth indie rock band’s gritty sound is set off by delicate vocals, as exemplified in the song “Move To The Air.” The group’s recordings are a little diamond-in-the-rough, but don’t let that deter you: their strength lies in live performance.
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AV The Great | Friday, 12:45 a.m. at The Labb
The Denton emcee’s music ranges from chill and laid-back to upbeat and danceable.
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DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown | Saturday, 6 p.m. at the UNT Stage
AKA Erykah Badu. Need I say more?
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Wavves | Friday, 6 p.m. at the UNT Stage
The beloved California-based pop punk band will bring its fun, beachy sound to the festival on Friday.
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Best Coast | Saturday, 9 p.m. at the West Stage
Inspired by 1960s surf rock, the indie duo makes music that is charming, angsty, and a little kitschy. The band’s most recent album, California Nights, may be a little less playful than longtime fans are accustomed to, but Bethany Cosentino’s serenading vocals are ever-present.
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Andrew W.K. | Saturday, 5 p.m. at the West Stage
You may know the “singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, entertainer, motivational speaker, and music producer,” for raging hits like “Party Hard.” The multi-talented performer is sure to put on a show to remember.
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Pearl Earl | Friday, 11 p.m. at Andy’s Bar
Another great band based out of Denton, this psych-rock group is locally acclaimed for its colorful and catchy tunes.
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