Denton Convention & Visitors Bureau

Nielsen’s third quarter survey of mobile users revealed that 43 percent of US mobile phone subscribers own a smartphone. And EyeforTravel’s Social Media & Mobile in Travel Report claims that over 5 million people use their mobile device for travel services.  

These are the growing trends that led the Denton Convention and Visitor Bureau to partner with the City of Denton, Greater Denton Arts Council, Denton Museums, and the Denton County Transportation Authority to launch a mobile version of its consumer website, www.DiscoverDenton.com at the beginning of this year.

Developed in collaboration with Madden Media, the mobile website offers valuable Denton travel information like where to stay, what to do and how to get around. In fact, even attractions and events found on www.DiscoverDenton.com easily accessible in this new environment. N areow when Denton’s mobile-savvy travel consumers launch the CVBs website from their phone, they are automatically directed to a mobile-friendly version of the site designed specifically for DROID and iPhone devices. 

Mobile website visitors are now guided to Denton’s attractions, dining establishments, and tourism destinations with GPS tracking and turn-by-turn directions. Event listings are updated daily. Hotel accommodations are booked from the palm of the hand. There is even an optional downloadable icon to the phone for faster access and return visits for Denton information.

“This mobile site is yet another innovative way to communicate with our visitors,” says Kim Phillips, CVB Vice President. “With travel information delivered straight to their phones, visitors can find everything they need to have the best possible experience in Denton, which always our number one goal.”

Another notable feature within the mobile website is a detail page where visitors can simply click on a phone number to dial with their Smartphone or click on a link to open a website. 

“The development of the new mobile site reflects our commitment to communicate and engage potential visitors: where they are, when they need it most, and how they prefer to hear from us,” said Veronica Maldonado, CVB Communications Manager. “Technology evolves almost daily, and visitors are consuming information in new and varied ways. It’s vital that we stay on that precarious cutting edge so we keep the forward-thinking reputation Denton has earned in the tourism marketplace.”

The mobile website is the latest CVB effort to deliver quality and current information beyond traditional communication channels. The CVB also utilizes tools such as QR codes, an online brochure, Facebook and Twitter to share the latest updates about Denton happenings through social media. The mobile website will be strategically integrated with these tools and within the Denton CVB’s overall marketing efforts that include print and digital advertising initiatives and aggressive social media activities.

Denton’s culture is ideal for supporting our moniker as a music mecca thanks to the intelligent and creative infusion of two universities, a thriving arts community, and a music scene that is making headlines around the world. Combine these essentials with downtown merchants catering to bustling shoppers whose love of art and music draw them to the heart of the city in the first place: Denton’s vibrant and historic Downtown Square.

It is in such a place that 35 Denton has grown into a thriving festival where the music world comes to experience new sounds.  This March 8-11, 35 Denton will fill Downtown’s live music venues with fans of every age plus music industry professionals, talent scouts, and recording labels.

35 Denton’s creative team recently launched a festival video to summarize for 35 Denton newbies exactly what it’s all about. Check it out now and secure your chance to win complimentary access wristbands.  And, you’ll get an inside look at how Denton’s Downtown Square transforms into an electric music mecca.

While the video gives you a feel for what 35 Denton is like, the way to savor the music and dive in for the full experience is to own a 35 Denton wristband.  Sample what’s coming at www.35Denton.com.  Stay current about shows and artists via their Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest pages.  Don’t miss the Podcast link on the website to listen to some intriguing conversations with artists and even a Denton City Council Member.

Are you planning a 35 Denton road trip? Think about the A-train as an option and come for the night or even the whole weekend! In fact, Amtrak is offering a rate between Austin and Dallas for under $50 per roundtrip. And it’s an easy 45 minute ride from Dallas to Denton via the DART’s Green Line. Request the 35 Denton rate at the Days Inn for $45, the Comfort Suites @ UNT for $70 or at the Courtyard by Marriott for $89.  

Dining around the Denton Square is diverse. Many restaurants offer deals and special hours during 35 Denton, like Chestnut Tree located right on the Square. “We want to make sure that music lovers visiting during 35 Denton have the opportunity to try our unique cuisine. So we’re opening our doors for dinner Thursday through Saturday, beginning the first of March,” says owner Valeree Clegg.

What’s all the 35 Denton hype? Denton City Council member Kevin Roden summed it up best in the 35 Denton Podcast interview. ”35 Denton is trying to make a world-class festival, and we have all the ingredients, all packaged in a small town. It’s really helped to raise the Denton flag,” Roden said. “The festival obviously had a level of success before but it’s great to see where it is now. We have world-renowned artists talking about Denton.” 

Denton County Museums will highlight Black History Month during its lecture series this month. One of the captivating lectures will include a talk by Master Quilters Teresa Sherling and Barbara McCraw on “Quilt as Art”.

In honor of Black History Month, the quilter’s will showcase various pieces with an emphasis on their African American quilts including the Underground Railroad quilt. The FREE lecture is open to the public and will be held on Friday, February 17, 2012 from 12:15 until 1:00 in the Commissioners’ Courtroom at the Courthouse-on-the-Square. The Museum located at 110 W. Hickory.

During the lecture, Sherling and McCraw will discuss the inspiration for their quilts, why each quilt was made and the method for making their quilts. “We will show how fun it is to manipulate the fabric and how it is done,” affirms Barbara adding that they plan to cover the Free Motion Sewing Technique.

Sherling’s works have been juried in exhibits with the Greater Denton Arts Council, she is a ribbon winner in the Master’s Category of Traditional Applique’ at the Dallas Quilt Show, and one of her art quilts was featured in the Sophisticate's Hairstyle Guide magazine.

Along with being Sherling’s business partner and close friend, McCraw is also a multiple ribbon winner in the Masters Category at Dallas Quilt Shows and her quilts have been juried into the American and International Quilt Shows.  Her most recent work, Growing a New America, was selected for inclusion into Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi’s book, Journey of Hope-Quilts Inspired by President Barack Obama. The quilt is exhibited at the National African American Museum and was chosen as one of three in the collection to go into the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, DC.  Two additional pieces Oya II and Zenobia were shown in Lyon, France at the Quilt Expo en Beaujolais. Two of her unique coats, The Gospel Truth and Piano Dancing, were chosen for the Texas Fiber Arts Exhibit at the Mexican Cultural Center in Austin, Texas.

McCraw’s work is also on display in the Denton County Museums. Three Wishes, which was designed at the request of the Denton County Historical Commission, hangs in the Denton County African American Museum.

Denton County Museum Lecture Series for February
 

Thursday, February 2  *  11:00 – 11:45
Family Exhibits in the Museum:  How the walls talk!

Thursday, February 9  *  11:00 – 11:45
Stories told about Quakertown

Wednesday, February 22  *  11:00 – 11:45
Thinking about the Garden for Spring?

Wednesday, February 29  *  11:00 – 11:45
The Woman of the House: History & Future

These lectures will be held at the Denton County African American Museum
located at 317 West Mulberry Street.

Lectures are held monthly.
All lectures are FREE, open to the Public and Handicapped Accessible.
Information is available at www.dentoncounty.com or call 940.349.2850

 

International documentary film festival brings an array of talent and entertainment to Denton
February 10^th-20^th, 2012

One of the “World’s Coolest Film Festivals” according to Movie Maker Magazine is reeling in some amazing material for this year.  Last year, The New York Times dubbed Thin Line Film Fest as “one of the things to do” that week.  TLFF did not disappoint, premiering films such as “Troubadours”, fresh from the Sundance Film Festival, and the Oscar-nominated, “Restrepo”.   

The 2012 festival promises to be bigger, better, and more revered – already having received nearly twice the number of films submitted to be considered than in the previous year.  This year more than 75 stellar films from around the globe will be screened at the historic Campus Theatre in downtown Denton, February 10th-20th, 2012.  This year also marks a few firsts for Thin Line.

“Ever since the beginning of the Thin Line concept, we have wanted a two-weekend festival and in 2012 this becomes a reality.” Butler is excited about 11 days of documentaries. “I know, it's crazy! These two weekends in February will be the new calendar home to Texas' International Documentary Film Festival. And as a bonus, instead of ending on the traditional Sunday, Thin Line will now take advantage of the Presidents Day holiday and offer a lineup of festival winners and crowd favorites.”

Another innovative idea added to the festival line up is a documentary race.  Filmmaking teams are invited to register starting January 16 in order to participate in the Docu-Denton 7K.  Each team will have 7,000 minutes to create a short documentary.  Not sure if your skills are up to par? Festival organizers have invited Dallas-based documentary filmmaker, Mark Birnbaum to present a Docu-Intensive Workshop on February 10.  The race begins at the end of the all-day Friday workshop and teams will have until the following Wednesday to turn in their completed work.  Screenings of the completed films will take place Saturday, February 18.  

Not destined to film?  Maybe you’re a writer?  Thin Line is inviting the public to become a part of Docu-Denton 7K by pitching a topic for the documentary race.  Topic ideas are being accepted through February 3 by submitting an idea in 300 words or less to topics@thinlinefilmfest.com.  If selected, your topic could be a filmmaking team’s short documentary on the Thin Line screen February 18.  (Visit www.thinlinefilmfest.com for complete details.)

Although the film line up has not quite been announced, we have an inside scoop on a few that have an “original” and “independent” Denton fit. 

• Southwest Premiere of The Love of Beer: Produced and Directed by Alison Grayson.  This film is a documentary devoted to the stories and passion of the women at the forefront of the Pacific Northwest beer community. The beer industry is exploding, but out of the approximately 50,000 craft beer workers, only 598 currently belong to the Pink Boots Society, an organization for women in the industry.  The documentary follows the struggles and accomplishments of women in the industry as they open door for females everywhere for the love of beer.
• Down: Indie rocke in the PRC: Produced and Directed by Andrew Field. 
  Down documents the indie rock music scene in China today.  From underground clubs to outdoor concerts and festivals, Down features some of the hottest bands in the PRC.  Filmed and narrated by Andrew David Field, Down includes interviews with band members, music promoters, and club owners, who are deeply invested in building up China's indie rock music scene.  Set in the context of modern China, Down highlights the disenchantment of youths resisting mainstream society.  It touches on universal themes of youthful alienation and freedom of expression, while also highlighting the power of music to bring people together.
  
  
• World Premier of Pure Fruit: Produced and Directed by Emile Bokaer. 
  Everybody has heard of vegetarianism. Many people know vegans. Practically no one has met (or seen) a fruitarian, someone whose diet consists of 100% fruit.  Pure Fruit, the first documentary film on fruitarianism, is a whimsical road movie that chronicles two fruitarian lovers' 3,000 kilometer journey from a Sydney, Australia housing project to tropical North Queensland, where they hope to settle in a climate of perpetual summer that will allow them to grow and eat copious amounts of nutritious, hearty tropical fruit. The fruitarians, desperate to escape suburban Sydney, hope to find a home among like-minded eaters.  Once they reach their destination in the tropics, they encounter a paradise stranger than they ever could have imagined.

The Denton Convention & Visitors Bureau is excited to announce that the North Texas Horse County Tours are back and (is it even possible?) better! in 2012 with six tour dates instead of just four! The new tour dates will take advantage of our moderate spring and fall weather plus provide more opportunities to see Horse Country’s major attraction:  the babies!  Sweet little colts and their mammas frolic all over North Texas’ spring.

With the largest concentration of horse farms in the US, North Texas is the premier place to breed, raise, and train horses in the United States.  More than 350 farms and ranches with a population of 40,000+ horses make the equine industry vital to North Texas’ economy.

The impact of Horse Country reaches the tourism industry, too.  More than 2,000 visitors come to North Texas every year specifically to tour the famous Horse Country.  Groups come from as far as Scandinavia and as close as the next door neighbor, every one eager to get behind-the-scenes at very modern-day and quite elite working ranches. 

2012 kicks off with a very special group visiting in DFW during January.  More than 3,300 attendees representing motorcoach operators, tour operators, suppliers, hotel companies and other travel professionals across North America will attend the American Bus Association’s Marketplace in Grapevine.  Taking advantage of the tremendous opportunity to showcase Horse Country to them, the Denton CVB will host a Familiarization Tour to showcase Horse Country and make sure it stays at the top of their lists as they plan future group travel programs.

The North Texas Horse Country’s 2012 are:   March 3, April 7, May 5 and then September 8, October 6, and November 3. The tours are from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and depart from Denton Historical Park at 317 W. Mulberry St., Denton, TX 76201. Tickets are available in advance from the Denton CVB for $40 or on-site-day-of for $45 and include snacks, lunch, and drinks.

Contact the Denton CVB at 940-382-7895 or 1-888-381-1818 and make your reservations today or visit www.HorseCountryTours.com.

It’s not a Best Kept Secret any longer.  If you’re looking for the hottest music scene in Texas, Denton’s got it:  independent, original, organic, energetic  sound.   So, it only makes sense that Denton would celebrate that sound with a festival featuring her local music scene in tandem with nationally and internationally known bands.  35 Denton will rock March 8-11, 2012.

What began as North by 35 and a way to showcase Denton’s homegrown music in the midst of SXSW Music Conference in Austin has become its own dynamic music generator.   Not only does 35 Denton’s following not hesitate to purchase tickets well in advance but they don’t even require the list of bands scheduled to play.  Well before bands were announced, much less contracted, wristbands sold out in one day during a blind presale.  When fans clamored for more, festival organizers obliged.

According to Denton festivals’ economic impact report, 35 Denton is credited for bringing in $2 million to the local economy in 2010.  During the 2011 festival, attendance averaged 4,000 to 6,000 per day.  Since the festival is hosted in music venues around Denton’s Historic Square and those thousands also enjoy dining and shopping, it’s is no wonder 35 Denton caught Texas Downtown Association’s (TDA) attention. 

This past November, during the TDA’s President’s Awards program, 35 Denton was recognized as a “Best Promotional Event.”  35 Denton organizers collaborate with city officials, downtown merchants, and artists to offer extraordinary, unique programming each year.  They do an astonishing job promoting the event, too.  Last October, one presale event was on location at local music venue Hailey’s while another was on-site at the same time in Norman, Oklahoma at a Music Exchange. 

But it was their part in downtown revitalization that put them at the top of TDA’s list. “We are becoming more well-known,” said Julie Glover, economic development program administrator for the City of Denton. “This is good publicity for the city.”

This year, 35 Denton is more promising than ever.  A record number of bands applied to play so far; more than 30 bands across several genres have already been confirmed; and more bands are added daily.  A few of 2012’s confirmed artists include Bun B, Built to Spill, Mountain Goats, The Raincoats, John Vanderslice, Thee Oh Sees, and Light Asylum.

Visit www.35Denton.com for a complete listing of artist and venues for March 8-11.  

HINT:  The best way to experience 35 Denton is purchase a wristband.  Wristbands can be ordered at www.35Denton.com.  Don’t mind the Sold Out sign.  According to 35 Denton’s Facebook Page, they will be available again starting January 10. 

The Food Network’s show Heat Seekers will be featuring Rooster’s Roadhouse in Denton when their new episode of the season airs this month. Heat Seekers features spicy foods, while testing to see if Hosts Aarón Sanchez and Roger Mooking can take the heat.  In the season opener, the hosts decided to take on the heat at Rooster’s by trying out the Hell Burger.

Featuring the nether-worldly ghost pepper in its sauce, the Rooster’s Hell Burger is so hot that anyone who wants to take on the challenge must be 18 years or older and sign a waiver.  The Bhut Jolokia, or ghost pepper in the U.S., was once considered the hottest pepper in the world, and still easily ranks within the top 5. With that added kick, the Hell Burger can make grown men cry for mercy.

Sanchez and Mooking visited Dallas in October during the State Fair of Texas.  Wanting to test their mettle against Rooster’s famed Hell Burger, the two chefs each teamed up with a bull rider from the State Fair.  Rooster’s manager, Johnny Law, found the visit “was quite entertaining,” since the loser of the challenge ended up looking like a clown. 

Watch the Food Network Channel to find out which host could take the heat in Denton when the show premiers its new season on January 16, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. CST or at 2:00 a.m. CST January 17.  Or stop by Rooster’s in Denton’s dining and entertainment district at 113 Industrial Street and find out if you can handle the heat.

The Greater Denton Arts Council (GDAC) presents the 25th Annual Materials: Hard & Soft National Contemporary Craft Competition and Exhibition. The exhibition, which has run continuously since 1987, was the idea of local artist, Georgia Leach Gough.  The name, Materials: Hard & Soft, refers to the entire range of fine craft.  This competition and ensuing exhibition still draws the attention of fans of contemporary craft across the country.  In 2006, the Texas Commission on the Arts designated this show as a “must see” exhibition in Texas.  It is one of the premier craft exhibitions in the country.

Editor in chief of American Craft magazine, Monica Moses, is this year’s juror. She brings to that role 20 years' experience in media organizations as an editor, designer, and creative director – as well as a lifetime of passion for the visual arts. Moses is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate in English of St. Olaf College and has a master's degree in Visual Communication from the University of Minnesota. She was on the visual faculty of the world's leading training institution for mid-career journalists, the Poynter Institute for Media Studies, for four years and served as a Pulitzer Prize juror in photography in 2006. When she is not editing the magazine, she paints, makes jewelry, works with handmade paper, and dabbles in clay.

Ms. Moses is very excited about the exhibit.  “What a joy to serve as juror for the Materials: Hard and Soft exhibition! Overall, the entries showed a solid mastery of technique and material, along with a sure sense of design.

The strongest pieces, in many cases, were the simplest – the well-conceived, well-made objects that were true to their own implicit principles and didn’t try too hard. A striking number of works seemed to transcend material; it wasn’t immediately obvious to the observer what material was used, because the artist simply used whatever medium would best convey the message. In the Mixed Media category, for example, unorthodox materials were often used because they were effective, not as a gimmick or to show prowess.

A number of pieces in the show have a fine-art presence. Others have an original, exuberant functionality. The world is big enough for both, as the Hard and Soft artists have demonstrated so well.”

GDAC received entries from 220 artists this year, with a total of 582 pieces. Ms. Moses, chose 75 pieces for the exhibition.

As usual, the work submitted stretches the typical definition of craft.  Typically, craft is defined as having a functional purpose to separate it from fine art.  While there may be a reference to a purpose, these artists have stretched the boundaries of the craft definition.  The skill of the artist in manipulating their chosen material is readily apparent.  This opportunity to see first-hand the mastery of technique and manipulation of material draws viewers from many parts of the country. 

The quality of work, as well as the duration of this exhibition, promotes Denton’s artistic community.  Drawing exhibitors and visitors nationally advances the perception that for two months Denton showcases the best craft in the country.  The excellent work continues to stretch the boundaries of artistic expression. 

The Opening Reception is Friday, February 3, 2012, 6:00 – 8:00 pm.  Recognition of awards will begin at 6:45.

GDAC encourages visitors to take the new A-train to The Center for the Visual Arts! Visitors can connect to the A-train from DART’s Green Line at the Trinity Mills station.  View train schedules or find out more or at www.mya-train.com.

To obtain additional information about the exhibit either visit the GDAC’s website, www.dentonarts.com, or call 940-382-2787.

It’s like a Christmas present:  the December arrival of the Spring/Summer 2012 issue of the Denton Live magazine! This newest issue delivers excitement for what’s coming up in the Spring; and this year, the Spring/Summer edition will also drop a little piece of “Heaven” in your stocking with a very special festival announcement.

At the beginning of each Fall and Spring semester, journalism students at The Mayborn Graduate School of Journalism at UNT prepare themselves for more than just a passing-end-of-semester-grade. This coveted class offers the opportunity each semester for a select group of up-and-coming journalists to taste life in the real publication world including the demands of a publisher, editor, design director and oh yes, that looming deadline to meet.   In less than 3 months, the mostly graduate students, dive into the hands-on production project and put their education into action in the arenas of design, storytelling, interviewing and photography, all of which meet a curriculum goal and measurable outcomes.      

 “We’re training the next generation of journalists in a real-world crucible, requiring lively writing to attract readers, fact-checking for accuracy, and a deadline that meant we’d face financial consequences if we failed to meet it,” says Cathy Thomas, adjunct professor for The Mayborn Graduate School of Journalism at UNT and editor for Denton Live and MAYBORN.

The Denton Live Magazine is available at the Denton Chamber office, local hotels, Denton museums, and retail stores around the Courthouse Square, Golden Triangle Mall, and the City of Denton. Visitors planning a trip to Denton can request a copy or pick one up at any Texas Visitor Center. 

The magazine is also global. All new stories can be found online at the magazine’s companion website www.DentonLive.com. The site includes an online calendar that serves as the official calendar of events for the City of Denton. With the various search features for events and past articles, the website is architected to help visitors plan their daily itineraries in Denton.

Keep in mind as you read about 35 Denton, Thin Line Film Fest and the Arts & Jazz Festival, it’s always a fresh take on an annual festival from the vast creative and intellectual talent that soundly sets Denton apart from the rest of world.

By Phillip Stachelski

The biggest (and most delicious) party is back in town. The Beaujolais & More Wine and Food Tasting features Denton restaurants and their unique recipes to pair with this iconic French wine.

Denton joins the rest of the world in celebrating the arrival of the Beaujolais wine with a fundraiser for the Campus Theatre. Since 1985, when the third Thursday of November was established as the uniformed release date for Beaujolais wine, shops all over the world have celebrated its arrival.

The Denton fundraiser started as a small, intimate gathering and has continued to grow for the past 11 years.  Thanks to Campus patrons Gary and Carol Kirchoff, Denton and the Campus Theatre enjoy a wine and food festival each year.

The festival will take place at the Denton Civic Center, November 17 from 5:30 - 7pm.  Beaujolais & More not only offers a tasting of Beaujolais Wine, but also samples unique, never-before-seen recipes prepared by local restaurants to accompany the French wine.

Enjoy Beaujolais Nouveau, gourmet food and great entertainment from the finest restaurants and caterers in Denton for only $25; all while supporting local Denton art.  For more information and to purchase tickets, contact the Campus Theatre at 940-382-1915.

By The Arts Guild of Denton


The Arts Guild of Denton (TAG) is going all out with their vintage Vegas theme for this year’s Auction for the Arts celebration, November 12.  The Center for the Visual Arts (CVA) will be transformed into a dazzling scene complete with parading showgirls and cameo appearances by Elvis and “old blue eyes.”  The doors open at 6:00 pm. 

Auction goers can enjoy the plentiful food and drinks and spend some time in the “High Roller Lounge” for the Silent Auction, featuring a dizzying array of items to bid on. Dozens of local businesses and individuals have generously donated merchandise and services for the event. Lavish gift baskets, delicious restaurant meals and automotive services are only a few of the items available.  Make sure to get your bid in early because the Silent Auction closes promptly at 8:00 pm!  Another “don’t miss” from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm is the Baccarat Room where you can try your luck at the Wheel of Fortune to win prizes and discounts on items auctioned in the main event.

Just after the Silent Auction closes at 8:00 pm the excitement really gears up with the main event!  This year’s Live Auction has some truly unique offerings up for bid.  NASCAR fans will have the opportunity to snag grandstand tickets, jewelry lovers can have one-of-a-kind pieces designed just for them, fine dining aficionados will have several chances to dine in or go out on the town, travel buffs can try to win a trip to Taos or South Padre.  Works of art in a wide variety of mediums and styles will be up for bid throughout the evening as well.  Many other items and adventures are on the menu for the evening including one very special treat where 20 lucky people will have a chance to experience an hour-long flight over the metroplex aboard the Flagship Detroit, a fully restored vintage American Airlines DC3.   The outing also includes a tour of the American Airlines hangar at Alliance Airport and a one year membership in the Flagship Detroit Foundation. 

All proceeds from Auction for the Arts directly benefit arts organizations in Denton.  Since its inception in 1980, TAG has helped strengthen and increase the reach of these groups by contributing over $1 million.  The annual auction is the major fundraising event for TAG and its success provides the means for arts groups to enhance the cultural climate of the Denton community.  Auction goers not only have the opportunity to acquire a special treat for themselves (or get some extraordinary Christmas gifts), but also to play a vital part in making Denton a distinctly desirable destination. 

This entertaining event will be held at the Center for Visual Arts located at 400 E. Hickory, Denton, TX.   Tickets are $25 for TAG members and their guests, $30 for non-members when purchased in advance, and $35 at the door.  Tickets can be purchased by calling Elizabeth Headrick at 979-549-2657 or emailing Elizabeth.Headrick@gmail.com. 

By The Denton Holiday Festival

The 23nd Annual Holiday Lighting Festival at Denton’s Courthhouse-on-the-Square promises to delight visitors of all ages with the sights and sounds of the holiday season. This marks an historic year for the festival, as the event has officially moved to Friday – so you and your family can gaze at the twinkling lights, carol to your heart’s content, and sip wassail well into the evening.

A tremendously successful family-oriented event, the Denton Holiday Lighting Festival kicks off with a sing-along and the lighting of the community Christmas tree on Friday, December 2 at 5:30pm. Visitors will enjoy music and dance recitals by area performers, have a visit with Santa, make arts and crafts in our children’s area, enjoy snacks from one of our food vendors – and most importantly – can donate a toy to the Community Toy Drive benefiting needy families in Denton County.

You don’t want to miss the exciting entertainment in store on the Festival Stage this year – it’s going to be an amazing night of music, dance and holiday cheer you won’t soon forget.

The Denton Holiday Lighting Festival was started in 1988 by a group of volunteers. Today the annual tradition is continued by the efforts of volunteers and funded by donations from local businesses and individuals. For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.dentonholidaylighting.com or Facebook.com/DentonHolidayLighting.

INFO:

• DHFA – www.dentonholidaylighting.com         
  
• In case of inclement weather, please contact the CVB at 940.382.7895
  
• "Like" Denton Holiday Lighting Festival on Facebook.
  
• DHFA is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose primary mission in hosting the annual Holiday Lighting Festival.  The DHFA raises funds from the private sector to purchase banners, lights and decorations for public buildings and the Courthouse-on-the-Square in historic downtown Denton.
  

Each school year, the One O’Clock Lab Band has a “dramatic” start, at least for those students auditioning for a coveted spot with the band. The drama ends when results are posted on the legendary “Board of Tears”. But the end result is a reinvigorated band that treats every day like an audition.

With only 4 returning veterans, the band set out to be introduced as this year’s jazz band sensation. According to Steve Weiss’ blog entry in The Blog Shed, the first concert at the Syndicate was astounding. “How do 15 new students get to ‘sensational’ after only three rehearsals?” seemed to be the crowd’s question.

Imagine the sound now with well over a month of creativity at work. The legend of the One O’Clock Lab Band makes it a sought after concert. Luckily, Denton always has an opportunity to be part of the jazz experience since there are several concerts offered for the community and fans throughout the year.

The closest opportunity to listen to this six time Grammy-nominated band will be at the state of the art Murchison Performing Arts Center on November 22 when they perform their annual Fall Concert at 8 p.m.   The band will perform immediately following this year’s guest artist, award-winning trumpeter Terell Stafford. Ticket prices are amazingly affordable.

There are also several milestones to note for the One O’Clock Lab Band this year. The addition of three female band members brings an end to the “gender barrier”. And, for the first time, the release of the band’s annual CD includes a bonus DVD.   Full-length videos of all nine tracks from Lab 2011 are included in the DVD. Add to that list a new website that shows the band’s mobile app, concert dates, and photos. While checking it out, be sure to link to The Blog Shed stories, sign up for their newsletter The Messenger, and read some interesting articles about the real world music business from record label companies.

It is easy to say that Denton’s music scene branches out from much of its university talent. But it is an understatement that watching that talent take shape is the most inspiring and enjoyable part of Denton’s music scene.