| Boot Juice is a seven-piece band from Davis has done things the old-fashioned way – earning everything they have with blood, sweat and tears shed on stages throughout the region. It’s been more sweat than anything else based on the practically inhuman volume of energy output they generate throughout the course of their relentless performances. Boot Juice defies the typical assumption that a big band with horns is sticking to the well-worn path of funk and jazz. They certainly infuse those genres into the mix. More than anything though, this is an unabashed cosmic rock band intent on taking audiences into an alternate dimension of pure freedom and dance euphoria where the outside world ceases to exist. Their three-part vocal harmonies carry major impact with intoxicating doses of soul, blues and sultry appeal. The passionate musicianship and group synergy resonates in their pure sense of joy. Drawing favorable comparisons to the sound of The California Honey Drops and the spirit of the Talking Heads, you’ll have no doubt that the refreshing originality of Boot Juice always has a firm grip on the wheel. (Sudwerk Brewing Co., City Stage, Friday, June 20th, 8:45pm) |  |
| Broken Compass Bluegrass Broken Compass Bluegrass is leading the way in the contemporary bluegrass revival, combining tradition with innovation in a way that appeals to both longtime fans and new listeners alike. Their live performances are characterized by tight harmonies, truly impressive solos, and an undeniable joy that permeates with every note they play. The band’s repertoire includes numerous original compositions as well as fresh takes on timeless classics, all delivered with their own distinctive style. From the moment they take the stage, it’s clear that Broken Compass Bluegrass is something different. Their energy is palpable as they weave intricate melodies and harmonize with ease, creating a wall of sound that transports fans to a place where tradition meets innovation. Whether you’re a die-hard bluegrass aficionado or just looking for some foot-stomping fun, Broken Compass Bluegrass is sure to leave you spellbound and inspired. (Sudwerk Brewing Co., City Stage, Friday, June 20th, 7:00pm) |  |
| Career Woman is the songwriting project of 21 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. Growing up with massive stage fright, Melody ever thought she would become a performer, but now she can’t get enough of being on stage. The band has gone on three tours and plays shows in the local Bay Area DIY scene as much as they possibly can. Recently, Melody has also joined the Santa Cruz band Hearsing as the keyboard player and backup singer, and whenever the original members can’t make a show, members of Hearsing fill in. Career Woman has grown into an 8-piece in that way, which is beyond what Melody ever imagined when she first started writing songs by herself in her childhood bedroom. (Odd Fellows Lodge, Upper Hall, Saturday, June 21st, 5:30pm) |  |
| Clare McKeon is a folk singer-songwriter from the small town of Oakdale, California. Growing up on a cattle ranch in “The Cowboy Capital of the World”, her works have been greatly influenced by the music, landscapes and lifestyle of the Great American West. Clare is renowned for captivating storytelling that transports the listener into the tales of her life, invoking deep emotion. Her music draws inspiration from American songwriters like Kate Wolf, Joni Mitchell, and Gillian Welch. Her debut album “Greetings From Clarifornia” was made possible through the generous support of the community of Davis, the Davis Music Initiative, and mentorship and production of Davis’ own Max Hart. (Sophia’s Thai Kitchen Patio Stage, Saturday, June 21st, 3:15pm) |  |
| Coco Simone is a Sacramento based R&B / hip-hop performer making big impressions at local open mics and jam sessions. She’ll be backed by our Artists in Residence LabRats… (Parkside Bar & Grill Indoor Stage, Saturday, June 21st, 3:30pm) |  |
| DJUSD Tiny Desk Contest Winner TBA 4/20/2025 (Delta of Venus, City Stage, Saturday, June 21st, 2:00pm) | |
| Dog Party is back by popular demand! The California-based, indie rock’n’roll band, is composed of sisters, Gwendolyn and Lucy Giles. Compared with bands like The Go-Go’s, The Ramones, The White Stripes, and The Runaways, Dog Party establishes their own unique west coast sound with a dash of punk and a sprinkle of pop. With 7 records and extensive touring under their belts, Dog Party has been active since 2007. In fall of 2016, they were the Special Guests on Green Day’s Revolution Radio North American tour. (Sophia’s Thai Kitchen Patio Stage, Saturday, June 21st, 7:45pm) |  |
| ELENAH was born in L.A California by the talented multi-instrumentalist David Saenz. Saenz was raised by Ecuadorian parents, moved to Ecuador and started playing drums and guitar at an early age. In his teenage years started his music adventures in the Ecuadorian skate punk rock scene and formed a punk band called K.O. influenced by 80’s punk bands. At the age of 18 moved to San Francisco, California pursuing a career in the music business as a singer songwriter, producer and audio engineer. Lyrically, ELENAH discusses the worlds’ social political and ecological problems, interpersonal relationships issues and love. Elena performs primary reggae music, however experiments and fusions with genres, such as punk, Ska, cumbia, latin jazz and hip hop. (Delta of Venus, City Stage, Saturday, June 21st, 6:00pm) |  |
| The Gold Souls bring mind bending, soul soothing, booty shakin’ boogie music! 8-piece cosmic soul sensation The Gold Souls’ unique retro sound is driven by deep grooves, soaring horns, and powerhouse vocals. Serving up forward-thinking funk that moves the mind and the dance floor, The Gold Souls bring a sound that is fresh yet classic. (Sudwerk Brewing Co., City Stage, Friday, June 20th, 7:45pm) |  |
| Hattie Craven and The Hattie Craven Band is a vibrant and innovative musical ensemble hailing from Northern California, renowned for their unique sound that captivates audiences with its originality and depth. Fronted by the talented Hattie Craven, the band crafts melodies that seamlessly intertwine the rhythmic complexities of jazz, the storytelling essence of folk, and the emotional resonance of soul creating new music that is truly their own. While reimagining traditional folk, bluegrass, country, jazz and pop… Hattie is also the creative force behind many of the band’s original songs, delving into themes of love, loss, and resilience. Her music resonates on a deeply personal level with every listener who experiences it. (Delta of Venus, Porch Stage, Sunday, June 22nd, 2:15pm) |  |
| Ian George delivers the sort of concert you’ll likely dance, sway, sing, laugh and probably cry too. The performance teems with whimsicality, clever arrangements – interrupted by triumphant tangents – and outlandish solos grounded by George’s emotive and gauzy voice and by the simple strength of a good song. Expect an engaging and dynamic haul of gentle and not so gentle folk-rock adventures. (TRIO: Sudwerk Brewing Co., City Stage, Friday, June 20th, 6:15pm) (SOLO: Armadillo Music / KDRT 95.7FM Listening Lyrics Live, Saturday, June 21st, 3:15pm) |  |
| Jakhari Smith is a rising and prominent voice in the Sacramento hip-hop scene with undeniable intensity and heart, and unparalleled lyrics and flow. Catch him on his second trip to DMF by popular demand! He’ll be backed by our Artists in Residence LabRats… (Parkside Bar & Grill Indoor Stage, Saturday, June 21st, 5:00pm) |  |
| Katie Knipp has a voice sensually saunters from a playful Fiona-esque femininity to a powerful operatic. There is simultaneous familiarity and cutting edge experimentation to the sound. Stirring chords and heartbroken melodies. This is unquestionably the blues, but a new shade. Overflowing with the kind of painful self examination that growth requires, Katie Knipp’s latest release, Me, finds the artist exposed at the seams and sewing herself back together in front of her audience. Her fourth top ten Billboard charting album, Me brings Knipp’s hard-fought personal and musical self awareness to the forefront of the contemporary Blues landscape. From sultry to social justice, Katie Knipp dives all the way in on Me, teaming her refreshing vulnerability with expert level musicality and composition. Knipp’s unique euphony and passionate storytelling has propelled her to stages alongside the who’s who of the Blues including Buddy Guy and Robert Cray as well contemporary favorites like Trombone Shorty and Fantastic Negrito. (Pence Gallery Courtyard Stage, Saturday, June 21st, 5:45pm) |  |
| LabRats are a dynamic crew of multi-instrumentalists specializing in jazz, soul, funk, rock, and hip-hop. You can find them at the Torch Club every Sunday night where they curate the Sunday Sessions, a free, inclusive environment for musicians and other creatives to meet and perform together fulfilling the band’s personal mission of giving back to the community that shapes them. They’re bringing that same spirit to DMFXII with a special all-day residency at our new Parkside Bar & Grill stage hosting a rotating cast of talented and familiar local MC’s including Coco Simone, Jakhari Smith, and Lxttle Boy Blue as well as a set of their own originals. (Parkside Bar & Grill Indoor Stage, Saturday, June 21st, 3:30-9:00pm) |  |
| Loose Engines are a Sacramento based outfit of American music enthusiasts led by Grub Mitchell. They’re set to kick off our Sunday with a high energy blend of country, rock, blues, and soul. (Delta of Venus, City Stage, Sunday, June 22nd, 12:00pm) |  |
| Lxttle Boy Blue is rising rhythm and blues singer who’s viral UCD graduation dance put him on the map, and now that he’s here he’s sharing his vision with DMF! “Music, for me personally, pushes the bounds of what can be achieved. For me, it is the climax of achievements – it combines everything – arts, sciences, humanities etc etc. It is a way for emotions to be expressed in a most divine form… I bring electric energy and charisma that’s been missing from the music industry. The real grit, not the fake manufactured stuff. I bring a bunch of new and fresh ideas and songs that sound familiar but are new to the world but old to me because some of the songs took me years and years to perfect.” It’s all Love… He’ll be backed by the LabRats… (Parkside Bar & Grill Indoor Stage, Saturday, June 21st, 8:00pm) |  |
| Milk for the Angry are a San Francisco based psych-pop/rock band with a sound both immediately familiar and new, and we’re excited to have them back for a second round! (Sophia’s Thai Kitchen Patio Stage, Saturday, June 21st, 6:15pm) |  |
| Mission Delirium is an invitation to revel in pounding drums and facemelting brass. Let your hair down, get delirious and shake your ass. If it moves you, MD plays it: Bollywood, Balkan, Brazilian, 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! (Parkside Bar & Grill patio and G Street parade, Saturday, June 21st, 9:00pm) |  |
| Nat Lefkoff, born and raised here in Davis, is a musician dedicated to distilling the human condition and disarming listeners. His music displays the honesty, vulnerability and intensity of his lyrics and performance. Nat’s pieces are more than a collection of chords and sincere words. They are the experience of life, pain, and hunger masterfully articulated into song. He has gained popularity throughout the West Coast and beyond through persistent touring and has earned many millions of online streams in the process. (Odd Fellows Lodge, Upper Hall, Saturday, June 21st, 8:30pm) |  |
| Object Heavy is Humboldt County’s hardest hitting soul sensation. The band is led by the nuanced and powerful voice of Richard Love, alongside explosive, tasteful keyboardist Brian Swislow, masterful guitarist Leo Plummer, and the man holding down the low end, bassist Ian Taylor. You might find rock steady drummer Dan Weiss in the loop. Object Heavy has spent the last few years establishing themselves as a stand out live experience in touring the greater western United States and sharing the stage with diverse talent such as Orgone, Galactic, The Motet, Rebirth Brass Band, Polyrhythmics, Turkuaz, Lyrics Born, and Chali 2na. Object Heavy’s magnetic blend of classic Cadillac soul, effortlessly contagious dance grooves, vocal harmonies and blazing musicianship is a must see live experience. (Delta of Venus, City Stage, Sunday, June 22nd, 4:45pm) |  |
| Pure Hex is an up-and-coming shoegaze indie band out of the Bay Area showcasing dynamic guitars, vocals, and a memorable live show. (Delta of Venus, City Stage, Sunday, June 22nd, 1:30pm) |  |
Rainbow City Park is an indie alt-rock/dream pop band from – you guessed it, locals – Davis, CA. The band draws inspiration from 90’s alt-rock acts such as Third Eye Blind and The Smashing Pumpkins, infusing their music with a modern twist akin to the sounds of Boygenius and Snail Mail. The band takes you on a journey through various soundscapes, from dance-inducing rhythmic sections to heavy breakdowns, to ethereal interludes where shimmering guitars blend seamlessly with the vocals. The lyrical content often delves into existential and melancholic themes, offering a stark contrast to the buoyant musical atmosphere. (Odd Fellows Lodge, Upper Hall, Saturday, June 21st, 7:00pm) |  |
| Rose’s Pawn Shop makes Americana-Folk-Rock music inflected with the pulsing, vibrant energy of their hometown Los Angeles, interwoven with strains of old-time Appalachian folk, country, and bluegrass, and infused with poetic lyrics gleaned from hard lessons learned and years on the road. From their high energy headline shows to sharing a stage with Lucinda Williams, Railroad Earth and Jack White and The Raconteurs to playing prestigious festivals like Riot Fest Chicago, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass San Francisco. Bottle Rock Napa and Wakarusa in Ozark Arkansas, the band delivers folk-rock strains of banjo, fiddle, and 4-part vocal harmonies, with super-charged electric guitar, thumping stand-up bass, and driving percussion. This arsenal of sound is all held together by frontman Paul Givant’s vocals and songwriting which make folk archetypes new, and bring personal experiences to life with lyrics that are alternately incisive, exuberant, whip-smart and heart-breaking. (Delta of Venus, City Stage, Saturday, June 21st, 9:00pm) |  |
| Smoking Data Guns embody what it means to create something for its own sake. Not that they can’t or won’t perform – in fact, you may have seen them on tour with artists like AJJ, Joyce Manor, and Pool Kids. But where some musicians write to perform, Smoking Data Guns is focused on the creation itself, and everything else is a result of that. This attitude has led them to handle all creative operations in-house, including recording and album art. Their DIY approach is best showcased on their most recent and self-defining releases to date, Data, Volume 1 and Data, Volume 2. “Learning to record was sort of like reverse engineering our own writing abilities since it immediately put our songs under the microscope,” explains vocalist/guitarist Zach Miller. “I imagine it will probably always be an ever-moving goalpost when it comes to producing a satisfactory recording, but that is just part of the fun,” he says. “It’ll never be perfect, and that’s okay. There’s always another song to be written.” Data, Volume[s] 1 and 2 are out now. (Sudwerk Brewing Co., City Stage, Friday, June 20th, 4:45pm) |  |
| The Snares are quickly becoming the Sacramento region’s premier purveyors of American psych-rock goodness. The band consists of Izzie Gomez, Lukas Brodie and Julian Paz. Their influences range from garage, psychedelic rock, pop, noise rock, and post-punk. (Sophia’s Thai Kitchen Patio Stage, Saturday, June 21st, 9:15pm) |  |
| Sun Casino is Brady Corcoran (Davis native), Stephen, and Spencer. Just 3 fellas playing their lil hearts out and making hooking, driving indie surf rock out of San Francisco. They met on Craigslist but claim to be way more classy these day. (Sophia’s Thai Kitchen Patio Stage, Saturday, June 21st, 4:45pm) |  |
| Ten Foot Tiger may be DMF’s most requested band of the last few years. With a sound beyond traditional categories, they’ve found themselves absorbed into the jam-band scene, but they stand well outside that label with their catchy indie-pop, rock, and funk tunes. They have poignant and provocative songs as well as powerful improvisations that stem from so many genres there’s “something for everyone” says front man Dan Green. But it is unmistakable that their exhilarating live performances make Ten Foot Tiger a must see for any music lover. Every year they’ve played DMF they’ve exceeded the capacity at that stage, so this year we’re giving them an entire brewery. Let’s see if we can break that cap too! (Odd Fellows Lodge, Upper Hall, Saturday, June 21st, 10:15pm) |  |
| tinvis is the musical project of songwriter Joel Daniel, whose years in the Davis/Sacramento music scene have shaped a unique blend of indie rock influences. The album was made possible by an arts grant from the City of Davis, CA, through its Arts and Cultural Affairs Fund, a program that has since contributed over $50K to local artists. Blending elements of contemporary Bob Dylan, vintage Neil Young, and the sonic textures of Wild Pink and Radiohead, Daniel’s songwriting also nods to the influence of modern female singer-songwriters like Phoebe Bridgers, Ex:Re, Flock of Dimes, and Adrianne Lenker. The result is a collection of songs rich with melancholy, nostalgia, and cautious optimism—reflections of the expansive landscapes between Texas and California. (Odd Fellows Lodge, Upper Hall, Saturday, June 21st, 4:00pm) |  |
| Tracorum blend rock, soul, honky tonk, and roots americana with a rhythmic diversity that adds elements of funk, latin-caribbean and gospel stomp to their unique sound. Led by New Orleans flavored pianist and singer Fletcher Nielsen, great songwriting, classic R&B and soul stirring vocals are the backbone of this all star bay area band that has won the hearts of fans worldwide with their spirit filled, energy charged, eclectic live shows. They have shared the stage with great acts such as Robert Randolph Family Band, Trombone Shorty, Rebirth Brass Band, Ivan Neville Dumpstafunk, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Umphreys McGee, Bill Kreutzmann’s (Grateful Dead) 7 Walkers, Mickey Hart Band (Grateful Dead), Anders Osborne, Leo Neocentelli and performed at great events like Sundance Film Festival, New Orleans Jazz Festival, SXSW, High Sierra Music Festival, Hangtown Halloween Festival, Redwood Ramble, Camp Deep End, 4 Peaks Music Festival, Memphis Film Festival, Salmonfest Alaska ,ECU Paris and venues across the USA and Europe. (Delta of Venus, Porch Stage, Sunday, June 22nd, 3:45pm) |  |
| Voluntary Hazing formed in San José, CA, as a moderately large and dorky ska/pop-punk band (although they occasionally stumble into disco, acoustic and other alternative sounds). The group began as friends in the San José State University marching band. Each member has been classically trained, but they decided to change things up and play rock music with their horns. Expect both angst and antics. (Pence Gallery Courtyard Stage, Saturday, June 21st, 4:15pm) |  |
| White Rose Motor Oil is a two-piece woman-fronted Cowpunk / Garage Country band from Denver, CO features married couple Eryn DeSomer (guitars and vocals) and Keith Hoerig-DeSomer (drums). They play loud, and often fast. Eryn and Keith have been active in the Denver music scene for over 15 years, previously as members of The Hollyfelds and The Jekylls. Prior to those bands, Keith was also a member of the band Five Iron Frenzy. In 2018, they formed White Rose Motor Oil and released their first EP, “Suburban Horses,” followed by the release of their second EP, “One For The Ages,” in 2019. The full length album “You Can’t Kill Ghosts” was released in 2020, as was the EP “Broken Heart Holiday”. “Country Pop”, their album of cover songs originally recorded in the 60s and 70s, was released in 2021, which was followed up by the EP “Oh Lucretia” in fall of 2022. (Delta of Venus, Porch Stage, Sunday, June 22nd, 12:45pm) |  |
| Wolf Jett will make you dance, sing, and possibly even howl! Its roots run deep through the soul and help heal the heaviness of life. Their all-original songs are a celebration of perseverance that infuses, blues and Americana into what they describe as “Cosmic Mountain Music.” Frontman Chris Jones was born in the south and raised in California. As a result, his songs combine the best of both worlds to create a vibe that is fresh, yet immediately familiar to a broad audience. He is joined by long-time musical collaborator Jon Payne on drums, Duncan Shipton on bass and Will Fourt on lap steel and guitar. (Delta of Venus, City Stage, Saturday, June 21st, 7:30pm) |  |
