The Davis Music Festival, celebrating its sixth year, kicks off three days of festivities on June 17. The festival highlights 44 separate acts performing on 10 different stages throughout Davis. Two hallmarks of this festival are its democratic “no headliners” approach and its SXSW-style multi-venue format.

With bands hailing from as far away as Vancouver (Yukon Blonde), and many local expats returning home for a long-anticipated visit (Jon Hatamiya, Joe Key, and Alec Lytle), this year’s fest promises to rock your socks off all day and all of the night. Scour the festival guide for the complete jaw-dropping roster, but in the meantime, do make note of Sacramento-based Vasas (headed for glory with their new album), the funky Kuckaw! coming to us straight outta Oaktown, powerful lady vocals from SF’s Foxtails Brigade and Meredith Axelrod, and the mystical Sunmonks. And speaking of SF, don’t miss Rin Tin Tiger! Of course, there will be the celebrated menu of local favorites, including the Evan Daly Blues Band, Big Sticky Mess, and songwriting sweethearts Misner & Smith.

Patrons can sip, dine, and even shop while listening to sets at participating venues, which include festival veterans Sophia’s Thai Kitchen, G Street Wunderbar, Armadillo Music, Woodstock’s Pizza and Delta of Venus. For music under the stars (or fanned by the summer breeze), visit the two outdoor courtyard venues at the Hallmark Inn and Trackside Stage. Our House will open their doors to the fest for the first time, and on Friday evening, the much-anticipated kickoff party will take place at Sudwerk Brewing Company’s popular dock store.

The Davis Music Festival is the annual flagship event of the non-profit organization Music Only Makes Sense, dedicated to raising funds to benefit music and performing arts education programs in local schools. All profits will go to the Davis School Arts Foundation and the DHS Blue & White Foundation.

Advance tickets are $30 general admission and are available at Armadillo Music (207 F Street, Davis), or online at the Davis Music Festival website. Prices increase to $40 at the door on the day of the festival.

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