Oaktopia returns to Denton in a little over a month. A few weeks ago, they dropped the news that Norah Jones had been added as a headliner in addition to a slightly mysterious kick-off party dubbed "Petty Fest." We knew that Petty Fest would feature musicians playing the music of famed Americana artist, Tom Petty, but we didn't have any specifics as to who would be playing. Sometimes waiting pays off. Read on to find out who will be playing Petty Fest in Downtown Denton, TX this September.
Oaktopia has partnered with The Best Fest for a kick-off event to the 3-day festival. Petty Fest, will be a night celebrating the music of Tom Petty. Musicians such as Norah Jones, Jakob Dylan, Jason Lytle (of Grandaddy), Midlake, Jonathan Tyler, Robert Ellis, Butch Walker, Nikki Lane, Ceren and Jason Lee, Danny Masterson, Michael Pena, Cory Chisel, The Whigs, Nicole Atkins, Israel Nash, Adam Busch and Adriel Denae will perform music inspired by the career of Tom Petty and/or The Heartbreakers. Does that mean we may see Bob Dylan's son perform a rousing rendition of "Rebels?" Quite possibly.
So The Best Fest wasn't being overly boastful when they came up with their brand name, huh? Even better, portions of the proceeds will go to benefit both the The Texas Music Project, a grassroots resource that develops and produces music education programs, and the Greater Denton Arts Council, which provides support for Denton artists and community arts organizations. Alex Levy, co-founder of The Best Fest is down to not only put on a great event, but also help folks. “We see Oaktopia as a great partner because, like us, they love putting on a great event. And if we can raise money for a cause close to our hearts, well, then we feel a responsibility to do it," Levy said.
After the kick-off show, the rest of Oaktopia will feature acts such as Norah Jones, Dr. Dog, Wavves, Nikki Lane, White Denim, Best Coast, Andrew WK, Mates of State, Beirut, Cat Power, Rae Sremmurd and others that have already been announced.
To see the full lineup for this year's Oaktopia Festival, check out OaktopiaFest.com or go ahead and buy tickets here They have reportedly already sold out of single day passes for Friday, so act quick!
You can check out some of our previous Oaktopia coverage here and see their Facebook event page here. Still need more Oaktopia? Here's their Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter. Get connected.