Director’s Letter

After a two year covid-induced hiatus, plenty of soul searching, and nearly a year to shake off some rust, Davis Music Fest (DMF) is bringing back the city’s biggest weekend of live music. And this is no ordinary DMF. We are celebrating a belated tenth anniversary… it’s DMFX!


Founded in 2011, Davis Music Fest is a celebration of live music and community intended to kick off summer and bring music lovers together to enjoy a wide range of artists, as well as all the food, drinks, and charm downtown Davis has to offer. In its ten years, the festival has grown from a one day event on two stages to its current three days and nine stages showcasing forty local, regional, and nationally touring artists.


DMF remains a labor of love for the all-volunteer Davis Live Music Collective with generous support from local venues, business partners, sponsors, and performers. We’re committed to curating a unique, inclusive, and highly entertaining event as well as supporting our community by donating a portion of proceeds to our charitable partner, the Davis School Art Foundation in support of arts and music education in Davis public schools. You know, for kids!


Part of the unofficial DMF mission is to create balance in the event’s line-up between returning “alumni” artists and new voices. We also work consciously to present a line up that reflects, welcomes, and celebrates a diverse cross section of our community. Since our’s is an event with no true headliners, you are just as likely to catch the highlight of your DMFX weekend in the middle of the day as you are at 10pm. I encourage everyone to attend with an open mind, willing to follow their ears to something interesting and new as well as supporting DMF veterans. Over the last ten years we have hosted nearly 300 acts, some of whom have gone on to headline the nation’s most prestigious venues, so this is your chance to see them now! The event has also drawn thousands of guests to downtown Davis stages and helped a generation of students access high quality arts education through our donations.


We appreciate the ongoing support of everyone who makes the event successful. This includes our Rockstar sponsors Armadillo Music, Berryessa Brewing Co., Davis Downtown Business Association, People’s Kush, Sudwerk Brewing Co., and the Yolo County Food Bank as well as the financial and volunteer support of the Davis Live Music Collective and a City of Davis Arts & Culture Grant. Additional support comes from 420 F Street Dispensary, Davis Odd Fellows Lodge, Dunloe Brewing, Ink Monkey, KDRT 95.7 FM, realtor Lori Prizmich RE/MAX Gold, Morse Remodeling, Parcel Dispatch PDQ, Yoloberry Yogurt, and Producer level DLMC members Stacie and Lucas Frerichs, John and Katherine Hess, Janet and Joe Kravoza, David Feldman, and Shelly Gilbride. Your generosity makes this event possible – thank you!


DMF is about bringing people together, and I can’t wait to see y’all out there!


Kyle Monhollen
Executive Director
Davis Music Fest
Davis Live Music Collective