ABOUT THE ARTISTS

ACME Rocket Quintet is a Davis institution featuring Thin White Rope guitarist Roger Kunkel, drummer Rusi Gustafson, bassist Dave Thompson, horn player John Killebrew, and guitarist Adam Hancock. The band’s debut received a rave review in Option magazine. Reviewing their second album, Tom Schulte of AllMusic wrote “Gritty, spare, and marked with B-movie sound bites, [Ultra-High-Frequency] is a flowing, stylized album of nostalgia and experimentation. It begs to be listened to throughout” Come for the ridiculous chops, stay for the everlasting groove. Saturday, Odd Fellows Hall, 5:15pm

Alicia Huff is the founder and lead vocalist of the Sacramento jazz outfit Hayez. Getting her start in church down south (Texas), she was afforded the opportunity to watch, build, and grow with some of the top musicians in the music industry. Her education and career in jazz allows her to meld genres and create a unique sound of her own. DMF is proud to welcome her to town and we can’t wait for what promises to be a memorable Sunday set! Alicia will be joining LabRats on Sunday at Delta of Venus Cafe.

Anna May With deep ties to Davis, Anna’s music is referred to as “emotive lyricism” by Americana UK and compared to artists like Jeff Buckley and Mazzy Star, Anna creates her own brand of atmospheric folk music.  Her lyrical sensibility is layered with evocative musicality and metaphysical embroidery. She expertly mingles hope and despair in a blend of genre defying fluidity. Anna has opened for Amythyst Kiah, Jolie Holland, Stella Prince, Altan, & Ariel Pink. Anna has been a featured guest on NPR’s Great American Folk Show, WDVX’s Blue Plate Special, KXLU ‘s Wildwood Flower Radio Hour, & on WKU PBS Lost River Sessions. Her song, The Show won song of the Day on KUTX Austin. Anna will join us live and on the air for a special solo performance and conversation with KDRT95.7FM Saturday, Armadillo Music, 3:15pm

Beti Masenqo makes music that straddles the line between indie and pop, with her sound deeply rooted in folk and rock. Even more interestingly, the Davis and Sacramento-based singer-songwriter, violinist and producer has Ethiopian ancestry, and the influences are discernible. In fact, ‘masenqo’ is the name of an Ethiopian string instrument. We first became aware of Beti when she played with another local favorite and friend Nat Lefkoff, and we are proud to welcome her to Fest! Live and on the air at KDRT95.7FM Saturday, Armadillo Music, 5:15pm

Big Blu Soul Revue is a San Francisco-based powerhouse ensemble that brings the rich, timeless traditions of soul, funk, and rhythm & blues roaring into the present. Anchored by a deep-grooving rhythm section, searing guitars, and vocals that can shake the rafters or break your heart on a dime, the band delivers a live experience built to move bodies and light up dance floors. Drawing from the classic sounds of Memphis, Muscle Shoals, and Motown, Big Blu Soul Revue doesn’t just play music — they put on a full-blown revival, fueled by infectious funk-drenched beats and irresistible grooves that keep the crowd locked in and dancing from the first downbeat to the last. A fixture on the Bay Area live music scene, this is a band that knows how to throw a party and make it feel like church at the same time. Whether they’re tearing through an up-tempo funk stomper that has the whole room moving or slowing it down for a slow-burning soul ballad, Big Blu Soul Revue understands that the best music lives in the body as much as the heart — and they’re here to make sure you feel every single note. Saturday, C Street City Stage, 5:15pm

bloodsugar formed in Chico, CA in late 2024 and has been making waves in the NorCal alt-rock scene ever since. Their debut EP ‘gut feeling’ is an invitation not to forgive and forget. Blending pop hooks, a grunge palette, and a DIY ethos, bloodsugar has found their niche. If you’re craving loud guitars and brutal honesty, this one’s for you. After hosting them for opening sets at shows with Rainbow City Park and Dog Party, we’re excited to give the band the spotlight and roll bloodsugar into the DMF family. Saturday, Sophia’s Thai Kitchen, 6:15pm

Boot Juice is no stranger to DMF or a good time, and we are very happy to keep it that way. This six-piece high-energy rock ‘n’ roll / Americana act from Northern California has deep ties to our home town of Davis! They are notorious for their barn-burning live shows that get entire crowds on their feet dancing: a reputation earned from recent performances at legendary venues like The Fillmore and Dillon Amphitheater, festival sets at Treefort, High Sierra, and Golden Road Gathering, and packed club shows all across America during their many years on the road.  The group’s fervently-anticipated fourth album, Keeping Out Of The Ground (out 3/20) exemplifies the tradition of kickass eclectic American rock ‘n’ roll: With three vocalists, dueling acoustic and electric-guitar shredding, a bawdy horn section, and driving, soulful rhythms, the album offers everything from groovy, danceable bangers (“Hard Time for Hard Times”, “Slingshot”, “Struggles”) to heavy, show-stopping rock anthems (“Try Again Tomorrow”, “Rise and Shine”, “Boise”), and tender, swinging ballads (“Anywhere With You”, “Love From Here”, “Keeping Out of the Ground”). Throughout it all, the band sends a poignant message: Despite everything going on in the world and the hopelessness creeping in around us, the best thing we can do is push it through, keep ourselves out of the ground, keep showing up for ourselves and our neighbors, and forgive ourselves when we just need to try again tomorrow. Saturday, Delta of Venus Cafe, 9:00pm

Career Woman is the songwriting project of 21 – maybe 22 by the time we all get together – year old Melody Caudill, who has been writing and releasing her music since she was 14. As soon as she moved to Santa Cruz for college, she teamed up with Jackson Felton, Allen Moreno, and Joey Chavez, who became the backing band for the project. Now, Career Woman feels like a real band unit. Melody writes the songs, Jackson helps arrange and flesh them out, Allen records them, and Joey brings the live performance to a whole new level on stage. Welcome back Melody and friends! Saturday, Delta of Venus, 5:45pm

Dead Winter Carpenters It’s been a long time, DWC! Since we last saw them in Davis, the band has built a reputation for pouring their heart and soul into each performance. Celebrating 15 years on the road in 2025, the band has worked hard to position themselves, wrote Portland Metronome, “at the forefront of a youthful generation trying to redefine what string music is and what it can do.” That progressive nature shines through loud and clear on the band’s latest release “Sinners ‘n’ Freaks.” The 5-song EP is DWC’s fifth studio effort and is a celebration of the hard roads previously traveled and the road that lies ahead. Reminiscent of genre-benders like Jack White, Chris Thile, and Sam Bush, Dead Winter Carpenters harmoniously blend refined musical ability with a scarcely restrained tendency to let it all hang out. The result is a controlled burn, a riveting sound, and a connection with fans that sells out shows and has the band sharing stages with the likes of Jason Isbell, Easton Corbin, Greensky Bluegrass, Rising Appalachia, Railroad Earth, The Infamous Stringdusters and Hard Working Americans. Members include Jesse Dunn (acoustic guitar, vocals), Jenni Charles (fiddle, vocals), Nick Swimley (lead telecaster guitar, vocals), Brian Huston (drums, vocals), Jeremy Plog (bass, vocals) and the latest addition, long time collaborator Matt Mitchell (keys, vocals, acoustic guitar). A steadily touring band since forming in 2010, Dead Winter Carpenters has entertained growing crowds at notable festivals including High Sierra Music Festival, Strawberry Music Festival, California Worldfest (CA), DelFest (MD), Northwest String Summit (OR), Harvest Music Festival (AR), WinterWonderGrass (CA and CO), Hangtown Music Festival (CA) and more. Dead Winter Carpenters is a band engrained with ambition, talent, and authenticity. Look for them to continue to delight – and invite – fans from many music camps. Friday, Sudwerk Brewing Co. City Stage, 9:00pm

Dog Party It has become difficult to imagine DMF without Dog Party, and we wouldn’t have it any other way! Dog Party is a Sacramento-based pop-punk/indie rock band and DMF fan favorite. Sisters Gwendolyn and Lucy Giles started the band in the late 2000s when we were all just kids. Known for a high-energy, DIY sound often compared to The Ramones or The Go-Go’s, the Sacramento-based duo has released multiple albums and maintained an active presence in the indie music scene, including an opening set for Jack White in Sacramento last year. Please welcome back Dog Party! Saturday, Sophia’s Thai Kitchen, 9:30pm

Fitting are one of the most exciting things happening in the greater Sacramento (indie rock scene) right now, a group that is developing their own sound and style devoted to questioning the hows and whys behind the performative acts we act at a time when every construct that we have ever known is in a major state of change. – Week in Pop Saturday, Sophia’s Thai Kitchen, 4:45pm

The Gold Souls If there is a single overarching principle that unifies DMF it has to be JOY! Joy shared by friends new and old in the consuming wash of live music. No artist embodies this better than DMF favorites and Sacramento’s very own The Gold Souls. Born from a love of groove, grit, and golden-era funk and soul, The Gold Souls are all about connection–on stage and in the crowd. With soaring vocals, a killer rhythm section, and horns that hit just right, the music is built to move you, body and soul. Equal parts throwback and right-now, The Gold Souls’ sound is tight, vibrant, and impossible not to dance to. Saturday, C Street City of Davis Stage, 7:00pm

The Golden Cadillacs are a Sacramento-based band known for blending psych-country, roots rock, and classic country music. Formed in Northern California, they feature experienced musicians with a repertoire ranging from original songs to covers of legends like Merle Haggard. They are well-regarded for high-energy live performances. We last saw them in Davis opening a show for the incomparable River Shook, and it was only a matter of time before we found a way to bring them back. Friday, Sudwerk Brewing Co. City Stage, 5:15pm

Ian George & the Knee Pockets Who’s ready for some fun loving freak folk? Born and raised in the deciduous forests of Minnesota, Ian George’s musical expression reflects the ephemeral seasonal landscapes he was bred in.  George has founded and led a handful of bands (including members of Billy Strings, Caleb Klauder Band and Patchy Sanders); touring extensively through the US, Canada, and Europe and gracing some of the western world’s most beloved festivals and venues. In the summer of 2019 Ian performed his debut solo set at the Cambridge Folk Festival in Cambridge, England. Ian’s debut solo album Kingdom of My Youth – recorded in Paris, France at famed Labo M Studios with French pop icon Matthieu Chedid – charted on the national NACC Folk charts 7 consecutive weeks.  Ian’s release, Post-Corona*, was shortlisted at WXPN’s 2021 Non-Comm Convention as top 10 songs of the year to consider.  Ian is also one half of the award winning folk duo Fellow Pynins and is currently based on an off-grid commune deep in the mountains of Southern Oregon. The live performance is an extremely entertaining one…. Ian George along with his band The Knee Pockets (jubilant, ferocious young men) have one motive : ALLOW Sunday, Delta of Venus Cafe, 1:30pm

Jakhari Smith is coming back for the DMF trifecta and we couldn’t be happier! Jakhari is a talented and versatile  artist hailing from Sacramento, CA. He started his musical journey in July Of 2021 after losing his grandfather. He began journaling daily, turning that into a passion for poetry and song structure. Jakhari has been honing his craft and captivating audiences with his unique delivery and powerful lyrics. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and social issues, His music is a captivating blend of raw emotions and thought-provoking storytelling. His ability to connect with listeners through his authentic and relatable content sets him apart in the competitive world of hip-hop. Jakhari believes in using his platform to make a positive impact and inspire change within self. Jakhari remains dedicated to delivering impactful and unforgettable performances and is committed to leaving an indelible mark on the world of rap and beyond. We’re proud to share some time and space with the man himself. Jakhari will be joining LabRats on Sunday at Delta of Venus Cafe.

LabRats are back for another year in residency at Davis Music Fest! They band is a dynamic quartet of multi-instrumentalists specializing in many forms of popular American music. A year after the band’s formation, the band has proven itself to be an integral part of their hometown music scene. LabRats, performing all over Sacramento and the Bay Area, has their growing fanbase clamoring for more of their smooth yet psychedelic sounds. In addition to their many gigs and recording sessions, you can find LabRats at the Torch Club every Sunday night where they curate the “Sunday Sessions,” a free, inclusive and safe environment for musicians and other creatives to meet and perform with one another fulfilling the trio’s personal mission of giving back to the community that has shaped them. LabRats have worked/performed with Kamasi Washington, Tower of Power, Talib Kweli,  GZA (of Wu Tang Clan), Rebirth Brass Band and more. Never miss a Sunday show. These guys will show you why. Sunday, Delta of Venus Porch Stage, three sets, 12:30 – 5:00pm

MAITA When Maria Maita-Keppeler was in college, she studied the ancient art of Japanese woodblock printmaking. “By the nature of the medium, you have to be bold,” she says — but, you also have to be delicate, deliberate, exacting. All those little cuts on their own add up to the whole — to a picture, a story, a life. The Japanese-American singer-songwriter applies that same approach to her band, MAITA; she only writes songs she intends to finish. She only makes cuts in service of the whole. And once the debris has been blown away, the melodies remain — vibrant, sharp, and often heartbreaking. The band’s latest LP, want, which was released in 2024 via Fluff & Gravy Records, is all of the above. A razor’s edge look at a relationship in turmoil, the record serves to strip away everything undesired in Maita-Keppeler’s life, leaving behind only that titular word: want. You don’t want to miss this unique and intimate solo performance! We’ve been fortunate to host MAITA as a full band a few times over the years, but this year is special. Catch Maria live and on the air at KDRT95.7FM Saturday at Armadillo Music, 7:15pm

Marty O’Reilly You may have been among the lucky 100+ folks who caught him at the intimate Sudwerk Beer Hall show, or the luckier still who saw his unforgettable set at the Veteran’s Memorial Theatre last year, or maybe you saw him on NBC’s The Voice and wanted more. You haven’t seen him like this. Not yet. There’s something about Marty O’Reilly’s music that feels like it’s always been here—like an old story being told in a new way. His voice is raw and real, his guitar playing gritty and soulful. It’s music that doesn’t try to be anything other than honest, and that’s exactly why it hits so hard. He pulls inspiration from the roots of Americana; his sound references folk greats like Woody Guthrie, blues legends like Howlin’ Wolf,  gospel pioneers like Sister Rosetta Thorpe, and master storytellers like Tom Waits. It’s a sound that captivates and connects audiences, and leaves them wanting more. His live shows aren’t just concerts—they’re cathartic experiences. One moment it’s soft and haunting, the next it’s wild and electric. The kind that stay with you long after the lights come up. But it’s not just about the sound. Marty’s songs dig deep into the human experience—loneliness, connection, love, loss. Whether it’s an intimate solo set or a full band show, he makes every audience feel like they’re part of the story. Over the years, Marty has built a dedicated following through relentless touring and staying true to his craft. He’s shared the stage with artists like Shakey Graves, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Sarah Jarosz, and Alice O’Donovan and played at festivals like Bottlerock, SXSW, and High Sierra Music Festival, but his focus has always been on making music that means something. Marty has poured everything into his music—spending years on the road, self-funding his albums, and navigating the ups and downs of life as an independent artist, husband, and father. But through it all, he’s never lost sight of why he started: to make honest music that connects. If you’re looking for music that feels real, that makes you stop and listen, Marty O’Reilly is someone you need to hear. Be there and be right at the front of the stage if you know what’s good. Playing as a trio, Friday, Sudwerk Brewing Co. Hopyard Stage, 8:00pm

Megan Claire Davis born and raised (@meganclairemusic) is an independent singer-songwriter blending indie-folk, indie-rock, and alt-pop. Known for raw, emotional songwriting and powerful vocals, she released her debut album, Bad Habits, in 2025 and her debut single “I-5” in 2024, often likened to artists like boygenius and The Cranberries. Please welcome her and her full band to DMF! Saturday, Sophia’s Thai Kitchen, 3:15pm

Megan Slankard Okay, so we’ve been trying to make this happen literally for years, but her band tours with Foo Fighters and Chuck Prophet and stuff, so it took a minute. We’ve loved having Megan at DMF as a solo artist, but this year we get the full experience, and we couldn’t be happier! Self proclaimed San Francisco indie-rock nerd Megan Slankard and her band The Wreckage have independently sold over 50,000 copies of six self-released albums, and much to the chagrin of nearby neighbors, are currently working on a brand new EP of delightfully belligerent indie rock songs. Megan’s most recent adventures include performing with 90’s rock band Cracker (and members of Camper Van Beethoven) at their Camp In festival in Athens, GA, performing on Sister Hazel’s floating cruise ship festival The Rock Boat, and singing with Matt Nathanson. Slankard has also recently toured with Toad the Wet Sprocket across the East Coast, and opened for Chris Shiflett (Foo Fighters). Megan won first place in 2017 in the Unsigned Only Music Competition (AAA Category) for a punk song she wrote, recorded, and performed herself in her kitchen, smack dab in the middle of San Francisco. (Sorry neighbors.) Not sorry Davis. Friday, Sudwerk Brewing Co. Hopyard Stage, 6:00pm

Mestizo Beat will make you dance. It’s not an opinion or hype, it’s just facts. The band is an Afro-Latin Soul Ensemble based out of Los Angeles, CA. They are an instrumental group that blend the sounds of early 70’s Funk & Soul, Latin Jazz, Afrobeat, Psychedelic Rock and Hip-Hop. The group is highly inspired by artists such as War, James Brown and The J.B.’s, Mongo Santamaria, Fela Kuti, Parliament Funkadelic, and The Meters. The band’s music carries a certain sense of nostalgia, using their creativity to fuse the old with the new, constantly paying homage to the greats who came before.   Mestizo Beat was formed in late 2016 in Topanga, CA by the Magaña Brothers, Aquiles and Agustin Magaña. The band name is influenced by their Salvadoran roots and their aspiration to provide music that will set fire to dance floors. Both working musicians in the Los Angeles music scene, they wanted to combine their efforts to create compositions inspired from some of their favorite artists that would focus on elements of tight rhythms, big horn sections, and instrumental arrangements. Quickly organizing a collective of musicians to help jump start the project they began performing, writing and recording.  After recording their first few songs at “Killion Sound” in North Hollywood, CA the two were fascinated by the experience of recording live on to an analog tape machine, producing a feeling and sound that is not easily replicated with digital technology. Aquiles and Agustin knew there was no turning back and spent the next few months collecting analog studio equipment and vintage gear, building their own home studio which is now known as “The Roadhouse” located on Topanga Canyon Boulevard. The band is built around “The Core Four” led by Aquiles (guitar) and Agustin (drums), backed up by Pedro Flores (percussion) and Jose Castro (bass). What is unique about Mestizo Beat’s sound is the musicians surrounding the four players. Aside from the core members, the lineup often fluctuates inviting different horn players, keyboardists and guest singers to jam and create with them. Over the years the band has grown with members rounding out to an eight-piece band and has now become a national touring act while producing a music catalogue with the help of several independent labels such as Colemine Records, Common Good Records, and California Soul Music. The Mestizo Beat live experience displays a very intriguing contrast of the group’s versatility by being spontaneous though elaborate, liberated while under control, and explosive but still maintaining the solidarity as a unit within the group. One can expect high energy and an ecstatic delivery of rhythm and harmony at every live performance. With a mighty brass section that reminds us of Kool & the Gang or Fred Wesley’s J.B.’s to blazing guitar solos reminiscent of Hendrix and Santana, filled out with soulful melodic organ solos and ground shaking bass lines, all which ride on the foundation of flavorful Latin rhythms and rock-solid drum grooves. Their passion for this music is a force that cannot be denied, igniting the dance floor into an electric frenzy, leaving your soul with the vibration of love. It is their legacy to share their appreciation for this music with the world, to spread the message of unity and equality while embracing the beauty of diversity and cultural differences by living, loving and dancing with one another in peace and harmony. Friday, Sudwerk Brewing Co. City Stage, 7:00pm

Mission Delirium There is no containing this band, so we’re not even going to try. A love letter to your feet from the dance floor, San Francisco’s Mission Delirium is back and inviting you to revel in pounding drums and face-melting brass. Let your hair down, get delirious and shake your ass. If it moves you, MD plays it: Bollywood, Balkan, Brazilian, Cumbia, Ethiopian, Tango, Afro-pop, Middle Eastern, Salsa and more- all served with a unique twist of San Francisco. Brought to you by members of What Cheer? Brigade, Extra Action Marching Band, LoCura, The Loyd Family Players, Blue Bone Express, Brass Liberation Orchestra, Tango Number 9, Katdelic, Environmental Encroachment, East Bay Brass Band, Brass Animals, Manicato and Inspector Gadje, this 20 piece is ready to party! Saturday, E Street Plaza, 7:00pm

Nineteenth Operator is the rising indie pop project by current UC Davis students Bernadette Grace & Rosie Mendoza. The band formed in early 2025 and their sound combines 90s-inspired, upbeat rock and funk, with influences including Remi Wolf and Mazzy Star. They are active on Instagram and perform in local California venues, now proudly including Davis Music Fest! If youthful energy and excellent music is your thing, you are already a fan! Saturday, Odd Fellows Hall, 6:45pm

Not Yet, Old Dog is the Santa Cruz/San Francisco based hard to describe indie rock/americana-ish heartfelt and impossible to ignore band of Avery Murphy, Jordan Taylor, Sarah Wild, and Melody Caudill. Their band name, like much of their music, came to them in dream.  With great lingering care for what has come and endless wonder for what still lies ahead, Not Yet, Old Dog invite you to court the world with them. Saturday, Delta of Venus Cafe, 4:15pm

Orchestra Gold is back! The band is an undeniable and infectious Oakland-based Afro-psychedelic rock band blending Malian vocals, West African traditions, and 1970s-inspired funk/rock. Founded by vocalist Mariam Diakité and guitarist Erich Huffaker, the ensemble creates high-energy music focused on healing and cultural connection. Start your Saturday in your dancing shoes with them! Saturday, C Street City Stage, 3:30pm

Paddy on the Binge was born from weekly Irish music sessions among friends in Davis, California. Taking their name from a tune played in those early gatherings, Paddy on the Binge brings lively tunes and authentic songs to communities across Northern California, infusing shows with infectious, energetic dance music, while keeping the warmth and intimacy of a session at your cozy local pub. Sunday, Delta of Venus Cafe, 12:00pm

Party Nails is the artist, producer, and engineer Elana Carroll. She has been called “a force to be reckoned with when she takes the stage”, “the punchy pop act of your dreams”, and “chaotically fun” by the likes of PAPER, Billboard, Earmilk and American Songwriter. She operates a recording studio, Top Coat Music Studio, in Los Angeles, and is a co-founder of Derby, a nonprofit residency for women and gender nonconforming music producers. We first met her when she played a DLMC show with Bad Bad Hats last year and we have been trying to find a way to bring her back ever since. Don’t miss her sunset set… Saturday, Sophia’s Thai Kitchen, 7:45pm

Rita Hosking Band Rita Hosking’s got the spirit, and she knows how to reach ours through her grace, heart, chops, and spunk. With award-winning music spanning 9 albums and 20 years of touring, this sweet-singing, country-folk troubadour is a heavy hitter in the Northern California songwriting scene.  In a wavy world where we can struggle to swim, Hosking paddles up and canoes us through black holes, sinks of dirty dishes, demo-derbies, and wildfires until we’re safe at shore. Her style of country-folk is lauded for story and sense of place, and her performances praised with capturing the audience. A descendant of Cornish miners who sang in the mines of Cornwall and Grass Valley, CA, she grew up with a deep regard for folk music and the power of the voice. Hosking’s longtime partner in song and versatile multi-instrumentalist is Sean Feder on dobro, banjo, guitar and voice. Feder, a consummate accompanist, has over three decades of eclectic musical experience with a strong penchant towards everything rooted in rhythm. Rounding out the trio is Bill Dakin with his soulful and sensitive playing on upright bass and voice. All together, the three deliver what Acoustic Magazine calls “timeless, unhurried elegance.”  “A soulful howl from the mountains,” –California Bluegrass Association  “Razor-sharp songs and great live performances,”  -The Daily Mirror  “Authentic American folk music that stirs the soul,” –No Depression  Saturday, Odd Fellows Hall, 3:45pm

Rituals of Mine is the project of artist Terra Lopez, known for her genre-bending mix of electronic, alt. R&B, and trip-hop. Originally known as Sister Crayon, the project has evolved into a project where Lopez expands and explores a broader range of sonic influences. Critically acclaimed by outlets like BBC, Pitchfork, Billboard, and Rolling Stone, Rituals of Mine has earned worldwide recognition for the project’s emotional depth, introspective lyrics, and powerful live performances – including Paste Magazine naming Hype Nostalgia as one of the Best Albums of 2020. Rituals of Mine’s catalog also includes Devoted, co-produced by Omar Rodriguez-Lopez (The Mars Volta, At the Drive-In) released on Warner Bros. Records.  In 2026, Rituals of Mine is set to release Endure, an EP that sharpens the electronic and alt. R&B palette they’ve been building for years, blending immersive synth design and dance music through moments of stark emotional clarity. Debuting a dynamic live show in collaboration with hip-hop trio LabRats, the live set is yet another example of how Rituals of Mine continues to push boundaries within the electronic genre, carving out a space all their own.  We’ve booked over 200 artists in our 14 years of doing this, and it is no understatement to say that this one is up there with the ones to remember. Don’t miss what promises to be a special set with Terra and LabRats. Saturday, Odd Fellows Hall, 8:15pm

Rosemother began in 2016 when singer-songwriter Haley Rae began to record tracks in her bedroom. She layered ethereal synths, rich vocal harmonies, and reverb-soaked guitars.  As the project evolved, Haley teamed up with producer and multi-instrumentalist Jake Romine, with whom she has released two albums to date. Their third album ‘It’s Beautiful In Here’ dropped July 18th, 2025. She also began to collaborate with vocalist and songwriter Courtney Reeves, whose harmonies and lyrical contributions have become an integral part of Rosemother’s sound. Together, the group has grown from its lo-fi beginnings into a full 6 person live band, aiming to create a wall of dreamy ambient rock. Gigging regularly throughout Sacramento, NV, and SF, they’ve built a solid following and just finished their first tour summer of 2025.  Saturday, Delta of Venus, 2:45pm

Royal Jelly Jive “San Francisco Soul” is the best term to describe Royal Jelly Jive’s unique and intoxicating sound. Led by dynamic front-woman Lauren Bjelde, this sultry sextet rocks into uncharted musical territories with their infectious blend of modern and throwback sensibilities. Armed with retro horns, razor-sharp beats, and groovy songs that are near impossible to resist, RJJ can pair with your fancy cocktail at that smoky jazz club or shake up even the funkiest dance party. And they’ll still leave you wanting more.   Born out of Funk and Happenstance at John Lee Hooker’s Boom Boom Room in 2014, only steps away from the historic Fillmore Auditorium, Royal Jelly Jive has gone full-steam ahead in embracing music as their truest calling. They’ve produced two full-length studio albums, headlined sold-out shows across the U.S., and toured tirelessly. All with the hope to “Spread the Jelly.”   From the West Coast to the U.K., RJJ continues to sweep crowds off their feet, hooking the hearts and ears of everyone that sees them. Tour highlights include sharing stages with Michael Franti and Spearhead, New Orleans legends Rebirth Brass band, as well prominent slots at festivals such as Napa Valley’s Bottlerock. “…Jazzy, cabaret sounds blend with hints of funk, traces of rock, and smidgens of soul to create a unique album that is every bit as retro as it is modern.” -SF Weekly  ​ “Royal Jelly Jive create exciting musical earworms that can light up a dancefloor or accomany a pleasureful night of gin cocktails.” – Popmatters.com ​​​ “Royal Jelly Jive delights in creating a danceable vibe that defies easy description.” – American Songwriter Magazine  Saturday, Odd Fellows Hall, 10:00pm

The Sam Chase & the Untraditional hails from San Francisco, California. This juggernaut of a band blends rock n roll with folk music while maintaining the sensibilities and attitudes that come from growing up on a healthy diet of punk rock. The leader of the band is The Sam Chase himself, a natural storyteller with a voice that sounds as if it has weathered many an epic tale.  With boot-stomping orchestration and lyrics that have been immortalized on the tattooed skin of their fans, The Sam Chase & The Untraditional doesn’t mess around… These are the warriors we need in these troubled times. On a side note, Sam and company are the only artist to earn the lofty Davis Live Music Triple Crown, playing not one but three DLMC member sponsored shows, three years at Davis Music Fest AND the City of Davis July 4th Celebration. He’s basically your neighbor. It would be rude not to say hi. Saturday, C Street City Stage, 8:45pm

Sol Peligro is bringing their own brand of block party to Davis again this year, and we are ready! The band has been one of the premier latin/alternative bands in Sacramento and Northern California for the last 21 yrs! Along the way they have won the Sacramento Area Music award for best latin band 3 times as well as being enshrined into the Sacramento Area Music Hall Of Fame! They have shared the stage with Los Lobos, Ozomatli, Trish Toledo, The English Beat, Grupo Fantasma, Pitbull and Celso Pina! They have rocked stages up and down California at events such as Fiesta En La Calle, Millbrae Art and Wine Festival, Menlo Park Summer Fest, Dodgers Stadium and The Fillmore/San Francisco to name a few. Welcome back! Sunday, Delta of Venus, 3:00pm

The Tens are a funky, rock ‘n’ roll band with ripping jams and grooves that don’t quit, The Tens are a hearty stew of grit and passion, slow-cooked over the fire of blues, country and Americana. ​ They began their musical conversation in the 2010s while busking in Los Angeles. Late night performances on the street corner gave the band the freedom to improvise to their hearts’ content. The band eventually picked up shows around town. In the following years, they toured the U.S. and Mexico, appearing over 500 times.   On their first tour in 2016, The Tens tracked a live, direct-to-vinyl, double-LP at Welcome to 1979 in Nashville. Each side of the record was cut in a single take.   The Tens are currently producing their next album on a farm in Central California with new releases coming in 2026. Please help us welcome them to Davis! Saturday, Delta of Venus, 7:15pm

The Westones  Born in 2024 out of a weekly residency in Oakland put together by DMF founder Danny Tomasello, The Westones built their sound in front of a local crowd, honing a groove-driven style that’s equal parts dance party and soul revival. Their shows are fueled by joy and connection—audiences often say one of the best parts of a Westones set is watching how much fun the band is having together on stage. Since then, they’ve recorded their debut EP at Hyde Street Studios in San Francisco, memorized audiences at the legendary Fillmore, Concerts at Commons Beach in Lake Tahoe, and shared bills with heavy-hitters including the New Mastersounds, Joe Marcinek, Robert Randolph and Diggin Dirt. Already making waves on the festival circuit, in their debut year The Westones performed for music lovers at Joshua Tree Music Festival, Golden Road Gathering and Same Same But Different Festival. With undeniable energy, deep Bay Area roots, and a contagious exuberance, The Westones are quickly carving out their place as one of California’s most exciting new live bands. We’re all about the full circle moments and we’re excited to welcome The Westones to Davis Music Fest! Sunday, Delta of Venus, 5:00pm

Wet Wreckless is a music collective from Davis, California, bringing together a diverse group of multi-instrumentalists and MCs who first came together at a local jam session held inside a grain silo. Known for their energetic live shows and DIY spirit, the group blends funk, jazz, hip-hop, and jam-band influences into a groove-driven sound they describe as “funk fusion”. Featuring a 9-piece ensemble of horns, guitars, keys, rhythm section, raps and vocals, Wet Wreckless’ high-energy performances are quickly becoming a staple of the Sacramento area music scene. We honestly don’t know what they are except fun, so show up early and enjoy! Friday, Sudwerk Brewing Co. Hopyard Stage, 4:30pm

TBD… DJUSD Youth Band Contest Winner Saturday, C Street City Stage, 2:00pm