Denton Convention & Visitors Bureau

               Every Thursday over the summer Dentonites gather on the Square for Twilight Tunes.  A grassroots music event that oozes everything it is to be a Dentonite.  The event is really incredible, from 6:30pm to 8pm hundreds and hundreds of people gather to hear a band give all they’ve got.  There are no stages, no big billboards, nothing that says big concert; it’s more of a picnic on dangerous amounts of steroids!  It’s hard to describe the pride you feel when you see something so intimate, so local, so Denton, attract so much attention.  Nowhere else in the world are you going to find something like Twilight Tunes!

                This week (6/13) we (DentonRadio.com) are sponsoring Twilight Tunes, and we are bringing Gravity Feed.  Who, by the way, is one of my FAVORITE bands right now!  The best way I know how to describe Gravity Feed is to say that they are “Funky Jazz.”  Or I guess I could say this: Gravity Feed is like cheese, they just go with everything!  Old, young, excitable, boring, everybody likes Gravity Feed!  Any time someone asks me what DentonRadio.com is (and if the music is any good) I just play Gravity Feed for them; it is rare to find a band that can make ANYBODY turn their heads.

                I guess you can take my word for how good Gravity Feed is, or you can just come to Twilight Tunes tomorrow and hear them for yourself!  Also, since DentonRadio.com is sponsoring, we are going to be bringing some special surprises for everyone there!  So, grab your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and family June 13^th and make your way to the Square!  We can’t wait to see you!!!

This Saturday, June 8^th, visit Downtown Denton to get the local flavor of artists and artisans.  The Denton Community Market (9AM-1PM) will feature vendors with locally-made crafts and art items. The Market prides itself on fostering the local creative community as well as promoting start-up businesses.  There are many success stories of artisans that get their start with Community Market.  Here is a list of many of our local vendors:

The market is open every Saturday, 9 am – 1 pm from April to November at the Denton County Historical Park at Carroll Boulevard and Mulberry Street. First Saturdays at the market feature live music and every Third Saturday we feature music artists  from DentonRadio.com.

Did we mention success stories? The Dime Store’s Annual Summer Bazaar will also take place this Saturday and will feature 40 local artists at the Center for Visual Arts in Denton (10AM-4PM).   We are proud to see the success and growth of one of our early vendors. Through hard work, their business evolved into a store now located at 510 S. Locust St. in Denton (not far from El Guapo’s).

Get a taste of local creativity and stop by both events.  You’ll find that special gift and maybe a little something for yourself.

Denton has a little bit of everything to offer its residents and visitors to keep us from running out of new things to try. There’s never a dull day in Denton, with art to be admired, live music to be heard, great shopping to enjoy and more. Whether you’re a longtime Denton resident or even if you’re just visiting, we’ve compiled a list of all the best places in Denton you won’t want to miss out on. Without further ado, here’s a sneak peak of things to do in Denton. See the full list here.

DIME store- Denton Independent Maker Exchange (DIME Store) opened its doors in downtown Denton April 2013, offering the people of Denton a chance to pick up unique handmade items made by local artists. DIME is like an in-store version of Etsy (a website that lets artists sell their handmade goods online). This charming little shop is perfect for Denton, a city full of people who love one-of-a-kind items made by people who took the time and care to make everything high quality. Items you can find at DIME- purses, jewelry, home décor, clothing, and more! Make sure to check out the DIME Summer Bazaar Saturday June 8^th at the Center for Visual Arts from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This will be free to attend, but make sure you get there early for a free goodie bag before they run out. Shop ‘till you drop and make it a fun girls’ day downtown!

A Creative Art Studio- Get in touch with your artsy side here. Choose from one of their many classes, and learn from dedicated instructors how to make all sorts of creative things like stained glass or personal shrines. Or if you just want a cool place with art, music, and fun, stop by here for First Fridays, to get your month started out in the right direction. Next one is Friday June 7^th from 7 to 10 p.m. The mix of the sounds of local music, and artwork while you relax and mingle make for a perfect evening.

Bayless-Selby House Museum- This beautiful Victorian home-turned-museum is restored to its original 1908 beauty, giving Denton residents and visitors a glance back into Denton history. Located on the corner of Carroll and Mulberry in the Historic Park of Denton County, the Bayless-Selby House Museum is a noble building and icon for Denton. Complete with a wraparound front porch, this home is true example of Southern Charm. With the Denton Community Market and Denton County Farmer’s Market rockin’ and rollin’ right along right in front of the Bayless-Selby House Museum, you’ll have one more thing to look forward to seeing next time you go to pick up your fresh local produce.

Banter- Only a few steps away from the square, this cozy little coffee shop has a little of everything to lure people in. Their menu is comprised of gourmet, organic food with tasty offerings like the Capresi Panini loaded with mozzarella, garlic basil pesto, and tomato. In addition to their hearty and healthy food menu, they also have a bevy of beverages to choose from- everything from cappuccinos and hot teas to microbrews and local wines. Mix all that together and take it all in with the live music that Banter has to entertain its patrons on a regular basis, and you’ve got yourself a comfortable place to relax with a vibrant and chill atmosphere. Check their event calendar on their website for a list of upcoming performances. Chances are your next new favorite singer-songwriter or band is playing at Banter soon, so head downtown to get an earful of some soul-soothing local tunes.

Ghosts of Denton Haunted History Tour- Think you know Denton? Get ready to learn a whole new side of Denton you never knew existed. The tour meets up every Friday and Saturday night at Jupiter House Coffee on the Square. Professional storyteller and local history buff Shelly Tucker guides the tour groups around downtown Denton, telling you stories that will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. These unique tours are great for longtime Denton residents and first-time visitors alike. With the weather so beautiful right now, a walking tour of Denton sounds like a perfect idea to us!

Keep in mind this is only just a taste of the full list of things to do in Denton. What unique Denton places and happenings make your list?

Denton lost a great lady last week.  Charlye Heggins was a doer.  She had great ideas, and she invested her life in doing something with them.  She made an impact on the life of our city and every person who knew her.  For us here at the Convention & Visitors Bureau, she served on our Advisory Board for four years and gave her thought and time toward our every effort.  She invested 100% in what she believed.  She dreamed, worked, and connected people.  She lived well and true.  Her absence will be a forever hole in Denton’s heart, but her legacy will never end, because she left an indelible mark on so many people and in so many places.

Yesterday, Charlye was laid to rest, and in the celebration of her life yesterday afternoon, Dentoning took on a whole other layer of meaning for me and I am confident for the 400 or so other folks who participated in the quite un-funeral-like event to pay our respects.

One of the things I treasure most about Denton is our diversity.  And not just that we have diversity, either.  It’s how we embrace it.  Even gone from this earth, Charlye roused our individual and communal Original, Independent spirits and the manifestation of it all coming together in one place honoring one life was amazing.  Charlye was not a respecter of difference; she brought people together.  The evidence was there yesterday as black, white, Hispanic, Asian from every walk of life celebrated her in our own ways – together.  Churched and unchurched, family and not, leaders and laypersons, young and old – there we were for one purpose.  It’s almost hard to put into words.  You know those stories that end with “I guess you had to be there?”  Maybe this is one of them.  But I hope you can at least imagine it and perhaps even experience a little of it vicariously through this blog, because it really was that important.

The African American community has the beautiful gift of visible, tangible passion.  I’m not saying others don’t; I’m just saying that when celebrating a life well lived, there are no holds barred.  The music was Dentoning at its finest.  It was unbridled, coming from deep inside rattling the deep inside of everyone there.  Incredibly talented musicians followed singers’ organic heart bursts like a practiced concert.  Genius superstars the likes of Whitney Houston and Jennifer Hudson came to mind.  They would have been impressed with these Dentonites easily in their league.  As an authentic Dentoning experience always does, their music engulfed, demanding a response that was surprising in its intensity, inclusive, impossible to ignore.  Some people added their own voices, raw and uninhibited.  Many clapped, tapped, some even danced.  There were shouts of joy, groans of sorrow, tears of many kinds.  Regardless of the outward response, no person could be in that place and feel nothing.  As Charlye lived, so she moved on without a life in that room left untouched.

For those who experienced yesterday’s event alongside me, we connected in a different place.  Whether we ever actually talk about it out loud is irrelevant.  It happened.  We were there, and we were together, and we were marked by the experience itself, a Dentoning peak and most appropriate finish to our common bond of association to Charlye.  

I am certain Charlye was smiling.


 

Surprisingly, if you’re in search of a “Sly Fox” in Denton you may find one at Dan’s Silverleaf, Hickory Street Lounge, Oak Street Draft House or Greenhouse. Your best bet is to try one during happy hour.  Are you catching on? 

 

Denton Community Theatre’s latest comedy, Sly Fox opens at the Campus Theatre this  weekend and with it comes a crafty promotion.  If you’re thirsty during happy hour and plan to attend the performance, visit all four participating venues and order a “Sly Fox.”  You will receive a poker chip along with your drink.  Once you have collected all 4 poker chips, you have until June 6 to trade them in for 2 tickets to DCT’s production of Sly Fox for the price of one!  You can also vote for your favorite “Sly Fox” beverage.

Still not sure what a “Sly Fox” is?  Each establishment has created a different and unique drink so you’ll have to try each one to figure that one out. 

But if you are more interested in what the comedy is about, think mischievous and cunning that goes awry.  In the 1800s Foxwell J. Sly made his fortune during the gold rush.  Overcome by greed, he and his just as devious servant Simon Able, plan to con his associates out of money.  He spreads word that he is dying and might be moved to add people to his will if showered with gifts.  Determining who is the most “sly” of the characters as they all try to out-fox each other produces a cleverly amusing plot.

We had the opportunity to interview a few of the cast from DCT’s Sly Fox.   Find out what they have to say about how they became involved with DCT and their insight on their character.

                Brad Speck as Abner Truckle

                Polly Maynard as Miss Fancy

                John Rodger as The Court Clerk

Sly Fox opens June 7 and runs through June 16 at the Campus Theatre.  For ticket information visit www.campustheatre.com or call 940-382-1915.

June 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 at 7:30 p.m.
June 9 and 16 at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets:

$20 / Adults
$18 / Seniors (62+)
$10 / Students
 

Bad Speck is normally the one giving direction during a Denton Community Theatre performance.  And he is great at it! He was named in Denton’s Best in 2010 under “Best Direction in a Local Theater Production” for his direction of The Mystery of Edwin Drood. This weekend Speck will portray the character of Abner Truckle in DCT’s Sly Fox. 

Speck visits with us over his start in theatre and what he thinks of his character.

What first inspired you to become active in the theatre?

The plethora of interesting, attractive, and outgoing women involved.  I was 16 at the time.

Is this a hobby or something you are pursuing full time? Why/Why not?

Theater was my first career back when I didn¹t care about eating regularly. It¹s definitely a better hobby than career.

How long have you been with Community Theatre?/How did you get involved?

After a long absence from theater, one of my college profs., Dr. Ralph Culp, talked me  into doing a small part in Streetcar and I discovered I still loved the old girl. That was 15 years ago and I have been playing with them ever since.

Were you nervous at auditions for Sly Fox? Why/why not?

I was excited but not nervous.  I have a lot of practice at auditioning and I deal well with rejection and disappointment.

If you could describe Sly Fox in one word it would be:

It takes 2 words; con artist.

What do you like about your character?/What is your character like?

Truckle is a 2 faced, loud, obnoxious, overbearing, insanely jealous, blowhard with absolutely no scruples.  If I saw him on the street, I would cross to the other side.  But he¹s a lot of fun to portray.

Have you guys had fun putting this production together? Any good stories?

About as much fun as you can legally have.  This show is cracking us all up.  Just last night the Chief of Police (Brian Patrick) got his shoe tangled with the Captain¹s (Sterling Gafford) sword after a melee and couldn¹t get loose.  You should have been there.

What would you tell someone thinking about attending one of the Sly Fox productions?

Come prepared to laugh out loud.

What brought you to Denton?

I first moved to Denton in the early 70¹s to attend what was then NTSU, dropped out and moved to New York to do theater, came back to finish my degree in the late 70¹s, moved away again, and finally moved back to work at the Post Office in 1986.  I¹ve been here ever since.

Where are your favorite places to do some #Dentoning?

The Campus and Black Box Theatre, the Square, Banter, Dan¹s Silverleaf, Art Six, Jupiter House, and Sweetwater.

Favorite thing that makes Denton quirky?

It is an all but undiscovered community of outstanding artists.

If the Mayan Apocalypse happened tomorrow and you got to eat at one last restaurant in DentonŠ where would you go?

Mr. Chopsticks for Pho.  Chicken soup is always good for ya.

Would you rather get free coffee drinks at all your favorite spots in Denton for a lifetime or have free access to any concert in Denton forever?

Definitely the free concerts.  I don¹t drink coffee.

Poly Maynard received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Classical Guitar Performance from the University of North Texas.  Her love for music and children resonate through the kiddie tunes performed by her band, Miss Poly & Her Big Band.  But that’s not Polly’ as only passion.  It seems that theatre receives just as much love as her music.

What first inspired you to become active in the theatre?  

I auditioned for a show in High School, and was hooked.   That teacher was the “one that made a difference” in my life.  Theatre teaches you so much: self-discipline, time-management, how to take care of yourself, how to behave in a professional manner, empathy, how to take criticism, etc.  And learning lines?? Whew!! It keeps your brain active.

Is this a hobby or something you are pursuing full time? Why or why not?

I do not pursue theater professionally. I have done paid shows/industrials in the past, but generally found it unfulfilling.  Plus, the competition is too great.  Music is my first love, but as it is my vocation, that takes a good deal of the fun out of it.  I don’t want that pressure with theatre. 

How long have you been with Community Theatre?/How did you get involved? 

I auditioned for a show c. 1993 and got cast!  They’ve been stuck with me ever since.

Were you nervous at auditions for Sly Fox? Why/why not

I used to be terrified of auditions, but now I just try to have fun.  My thought process is:  “This may be the only chance I will ever have to say these lines on stage, so I’m just going to go for it, and have a good time”  It can be a very nerve-racking experience.  You want to be prepared, yet if you over-prepare, then it becomes difficult to be flexible.  For example: if you spend too much time studying the script, you may develop such firm opinions about the characters that when you read with another actor their approach may differ considerably from yours, and it can throw you.  Or the director may ask you to do something that conflicts with your idea of the character or scene, and you may have difficulty doing it.  And if you can’t demonstrate your ability to be directed, it’s unlikely you’ll get cast.  Balance is key.  First impressions are rarely correct – in life, or in theatre.  So – I read a script a few times,   mull over the relationships, situations, goals of each of the characters, style of the show, etc.  Then I just try to do my best.  Sometimes I get cast, sometimes not.  It IS difficult to handle the rejection when I don’t get a role, especially one I’ve really fallen for.   

If you could describe Sly Fox in one word it would be:  Manipulation.

What do you like about your character?/What is your character like? 

My character is a scheming, self-centered, morally vacant floozy.  Sadly, there are probably lots of people who would say it was type-cast!!  But Miss Fancy has unlimited confidence in herself, something I do not possess at all and am envious of. She doesn’t care about others. I really do.  She doesn’t care what others think of her.  I very much do. She is all business, all the time.  I’m too unfocused to be that way!

Have you guys had fun putting this production together? Any good stories?  

Oh my gosh – YES!!!   I love, love, love, this cast and crew. But if you want the scoop, you’ll have to buy me a “Sly Fox”.  

What would you tell someone thinking about attending one of the Sly Fox productions? 

Go to Dan’s Silverleaf, Oak Street Drafthouse, Hickory Street Lounge and the Greenhouse.  Order a “Sly Fox” (drink) at each place, and you will receive a poker chip.  (Each bar has a different color.)  Take your chips to the theatre, purchase 2 tickets for the price of 1 AND use the chips to vote for the bar that you think invented the best “Sly Fox” drink.  Then get yourself to the theatre and be prepared to laugh.  After the show, use your ticket stub to get a discount at any of the above mentioned establishments.

What brought you to Denton?

UNT Music School, where I earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Classical Guitar Performance.

Where are your favorite places to do some #Dentoning?  

Dan’s Silverleaf, Oak Street Drafthouse, Hickory Street Lounge, and the Greenhouse. 

Favorite thing that makes Denton quirky? 

The entire artistic community here makes it such a vibrant, inspirational, exciting,  colorful place to be.  The music scene is insanely good.  People here have no idea how spoiled they are.   

If the Mayan Apocalypse happened tomorrow and you got to eat at one last restaurant in Denton… where would you go?   Mr. Chopstix

Would you rather get free coffee drinks at all your favorite spots in Denton for a lifetime or have free access to any concert in Denton forever?   Free access to music concerts.

John Rodgers is no stranger to Denton Community Theatre.  Among many performances with DCT, he was cast in the lead role as Joe Keller in the 2012 production of All My Sons.

Rodgers shared where his passion for theatre started and why we should turn out for Sly Fox.

What first inspired you to become active in the theatre? 

I got a laugh with the one line I had in a 4^th Grade Valentine’s Day skit for the PTA—and I liked that feeling.

Is this a hobby or something you are pursuing full time? Why/Why not?

Hobby, because theatre is my creative outlet. Some have painting; others have sewing/crafts, etc.  Theatre combines many creative energies.

How long have you been with Community Theatre?/How did you get involved?

Since the 80’s.  I had taken some theatre in college, but was away from it for several years because of work, raising a family, etc.  I saw an audition notice in the local paper that looked interesting, so I decided to give it a try.

Were you nervous at auditions for Sly Fox? Why/why not? 

I was not nervous at the audition because DCT does a good job of welcoming actors, and most of the people at the audition have worked with me before, so it was a reunion.

If you could describe Sly Fox in one word it would be: FUN!

What do you like about your character?/What is your character like?

I like my character because he lives in his own little world, slightly out-of-step with all that goes on around him.  He is a bit slow, but will eventually get his job done.

Have you guys had fun putting this production together? Any good stories?

It’s been a blast.

What would you tell someone thinking about attending one of the Sly Fox productions?

Get ready to laugh—loudly.

What brought you to Denton?

A few years ago, after I had moved to the area, I saw the audition notice for M*A*S*H, so I decided to try out.  Even though I was new to DCT, I was cast in a very nice role, and everything about that experience was good.  Friendships were made that still last almost 6 years later, and there are those who still call me “Colonel.”

Where are your favorite places to do some #Dentoning?

Resaurants, The Campus Theatre, and a few of the clubs like the Loophole.

Favorite thing that makes Denton quirky?

The way one can see a whole spectrum of people hanging around the Courthouse Square at any given time.

If the Mayan Apocalypse happened tomorrow and you got to eat at one last restaurant in Denton… where would you go? Sweetwater

Would you rather get free coffee drinks at all your favorite spots in Dent

on for a lifetime or have free access to any concert in Denton forever?  Concert—I don’t drink coffee.

The mission of the Denton Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is “to market Denton, attract individual visitors, tour groups, convention and meeting groups, and sporting events to Denton, and provide management toward ensuring a positive visitor experience.”  The primary way in which the CVB staff achieves this mission is to promote Denton’s attributes as “products” that address specific interest audiences – such as music-lovers.

Recognition that Denton’s music scene and the massive local talent pool that fuels it are something uniquely special. The CVB set out three years ago to try to build a vehicle for delivering the Denton music scene to the world, thereby enhancing awareness of Denton as a viable visitor destination unlike anywhere else in the world.  Online radio the chosen route, the project concept just couldn’t find its legs until young entrepreneur and musician Jake Laughlin arrived on the scene with his fledgling new DentonRadio.com station in tow.  He needed credibility behind his dream and his many local artists and the CVB needed his expertise.  That is how the DentonRadio.com of today was born.

The online radio format has proven to be an imperative tool in promoting Denton – especially our music scene.   But DentonRadio.com also promotes local businesses and up-and-coming attractions like the Denton Community Market.  DentonRadio.com has multiple benefits for our local economy.  For starters, the station has no geographical boundaries and can be enjoyed by anyone in the world with an Internet connection!  Thinking in terms of keeping our vibrant creative community vibrant, DentonRadio.com introduces local musicians to new audiences thus promoting their success in the music world and keeping Denton’s music industry healthy and fruitful.  On the flip-side, audiences are discovering new music and new artists they would never have known if not for DentonRadio.com.  Together, great Denton talent combined with audiences hungry for new, original artists, the CVB has an incredibly unique and powerful tool that is drawing more and more attention by the day.  Since January 2013, DentonRadio.com has increased daily listeners by almost 1,000% and Denton tourism is up by 11%.   The market is out there and DentonRadio.com is the tool that is reaching them.

Today’s rapid-fire information, technology-driven society depends on content more than any other resource:  immediate, fresh, complete, relevant content.  DentonRadio.com is connecting new artists with original content and fresh sounds to the society demanding “new every minute” – and we are doing it with our Denton Original Independent brand.  This is the ultimate brand identity, promise, and most importantly – delivery.

Original.  Independent.  Denton.  Hear for yourself at www.DentonRadio.com.

Growing up, I remember my dad gathering the whole gang (all five of us kids) to airshows year after year. It was always a really cool and fun way to spend a Saturday with my dad. The kids had a good time, and my dad loved seeing those old war birds in action. My dad was a Marine back in the day, flying helicopters in the Philippines, and I guess he’s always had a soft spot in his heart for aviation. He loves it so much, he’s made a career of it, working for American Airlines for nearly a quarter of a century.

I love my dad to death, I do, but I’ll be the first to admit he is pretty grumpy most of the time. Just the way he is. But on those sticky hot summer days that an airshow was in town, he would get us all up early to go see the show, smiling and even goofing off, like a kid excited to go to Disney World. We’d all slather on the sunscreen and don a pair of comfortable shorts and head down to the airshow to spend some time with our pop. It really felt like we were being transported back in time to see those antique aircraft showing off and dancing in the sky.

With a big genuine grin on his face, it was clear Dad just couldn’t get enough. Getting up close and personal to the Pitts S2Bs, B-25J Mitchells,  and P-40N Warhawks.  All while telling me and my siblings all about the planes, what they were used for, what kind of engines they had, etc. He’d ask the experts there all sorts of complicated and specific questions about the aircraft, the kind of questions you wouldn’t think to ask unless you’re already some kind of expert yourself. Dad would learn more, and us kids walked away with a lot of interesting facts too, giving us a little something to show off to our friends later.

Walking around and getting to explore the vintage aircrafts would have been enough to tickle any kid’s fancy, but on top of that, there were the breath-taking and heart-stopping performances in the sky. People young and old out on the tarmac gazed up at the sky, holding their breath as they watched the aerobatic spins, hairpin turns, and nosedives.  Thrilling moves that give observers an adrenaline rush. I can’t even fathom what the excitement must be like from the cockpit.

Spending all afternoon by my dad’s side getting to know all those great antique aircraft is one of those childhood experiences I wouldn’t trade for the world. Going to the airshow with Dad was the best way to spend some quality time with him. And after all the excitement was over, we’d plop down in the back seat of the car and slumber quietly on the ride home. Exhausted, images of WWII biplanes danced through our heads.  

With Father’s Day coming up, how about making some ever-lasting memories of your own to share with your family? An awesome way to spend some father-kiddo time is at the upcoming Denton Airshow.  And the fact that it's on Father’s Day weekend? Even better. So buy your tickets, slather on the sunscreen, and pile the kids in the car for the 2013 Denton Airshow.

The 20^th anniversary of Dog Days of Denton is just around the corner. On May 31^st – June 1^st, the dogs are getting let out at Quakertown Park. With a ton of events, free gear and demonstrations, there’s never a dull moment. And each year at Dog Days of Denton a Spokesdog is selected. A Spokesdog must be playful, loving, sweet and cuddle-able and last year Bendito beat out all the rest to be crowned the 2013 Spokesdog of Dog Days! As Dog Days 2014 rapidly approaches, we go to sit down with Bendito during his last few weeks of his reign.

We met up with Bendito at his favorite fire hydrant in Denton. He was looking perky and fresh as he came to meet up with us. After some smelling and petting, we got to talking.

How are you doing today, Bendito?

Great!  I just got home from spreading love among patients and staff at the hospital where I am on the Caring Canines team. I always come home happy and tail wagging!  Sharing my love is fulfilling work!  I’m glad I have more than enough to go around!

That sounds amazing! What a fun day you are having. We know sharing your love is your favorite thing to do on a day off, but what is your favorite treat?

            Do I have to pick just one?  How ‘bout two:  bacon and liverwurst.

Where is your favorite spot to be petted?

            My tiny, but fabulous belly!

(after a few belly rubs we continued..) What is your favorite smell?

Hmmm…another tough one.   So many smells, so little time.  Lately, I’ve really been enjoying the scent of dead earth worms and can’t help but roll around on them (hence, the grass all over me).

Where is your favorite place to play?

            I love zooming around the open spaces in the green belt next to our house.

Who is your best friend?

My Great Dane neighbor Samson.  We have a blast together even though his poops are bigger than me!

On a scale of 1 to a full bag of Milkbones, how excited are you for Dog Days 2013?

            A whole mega bag full – one that would take a little guy like me years to eat!

What are you most looking forward to?

All of it, but I really enjoy all the fun contests – us dogs are incredibly talented and it’s nice to see that appreciated and applauded.  Oh, and all the special new treats to taste!

What was your favorite part about being the Dog Days of Denton Spokesdog? 

I loved participating in several Denton parades – all those people came out just to see me.  A bonus was getting to know more of what the great city of Denton has to offer and meeting some of its fantastic residents!

Now that your reign is coming to an end, what’s the next step in the life of Bendito? 

I will continue fulfilling my calling as a Therapy Dog to bless and heal through love and laughter.  But Mom wants to get me into modeling, too. Ugh.

Besides getting crowned, what was your favorite thing about Dog Days last year? 

It was an olfactory paradise!!!  Lots of wonderful, interesting new smells!  Plus, I made a lot of really good friends that day!

What do you think is the most important quality of the Dog Days Spokesdog? 

The ability to love unconditionally – big dogs, small dogs, and all kinds of people!

You’re a year older, and therefore 7 years wiser. What’s some advice for the 2014 Spokesdog? 

Don’t let fame go to your head:  keep your tail in the air, but all four feet on the ground.

Anything you’d like to add? 

Always remember:  love never fails and laughter never hurts!

Thank you for your time Bendito! We know you have a busy schedule!

In the past couple of blog posts we’ve highlighted  sustainability efforts  of people and their businesses. We will shift to the larger scale efforts of the City of Denton. Since the City of Denton initiated a more participatroy role in 2009, the local community can see that the city has a clear vision and direction .

Per the city’s 2012 Strategic Plan on Sustainability, “The City of Denton will be a sustainable community that will engage our employees, businesses, institutions, organizations, and citizens in more sustainable practices. We will work in a leadership role to improve our environment and utilize our resources in ways that are fiscally and socially responsible. We do all of this to protect and restore our environment, create economic value, and support and strengthen our community”.

The eleven sections of this impressive document detail how the city plans to reach its sustainability goals. The eight main focus areas the city has identified are key to reaching sustainablitly goals.  

1. Water

2. Air Quality

3. Energy Efficiency and Conservation

4. Land Use and Open Natural Space

5. Transportation

6. Education, Communication, and Community Involvement

7. Material Resources Management

8. LOCAL FOOD PRODUCTION (our favorite)

Chapter 10 in the document goes over the goals for local food production.   By 2020, the goal is a 5% increase in Denton Community Market memberships. The use of backyard chicken production is another increase that is just as exciting.  This would allow many families the opportunity to feed themselves through ethically raised meat product free of cruel caging practices used at some large scale chicken farms.

As a segway to helping attain these goals, the city offers "Sustainablitly 101," a regular community education course.  The topic at the past course was “Low Impact Lawn Care”.  “ The class offered tips on minimizing watershed and environmental impacts from your landscape and garden. Earth-friendly amendments and efficient landscape irrigation were also discussed. Call (940) 349-8152 for information about upcoming workshops.

Remember, the major key to the city reaching these goals is YOU. Your input, your involvement, your choices. Visit the city’s website and facebook frequently for updates and information about town hall meetings and surveys that you can take.

In the meantime, stop by our Community Market every Saturday from 9 am to 1pm through November for fresh produce and local art.  DentonRadio.com also provides LIVE music every third Saturday of the month.  The lineup for this upcoming weekend are:

Jess Dixon 9-10

Rance Parrott 10-11

Caleb Coonrod 11-12

Brian Lambert of "My Kickdrum Heart" 12-1

Do your Dentoning at Community Market and keep Denton Sustainable!

I do not intend to become the Denton restaurant reviewer, but I do plan to look at new places in Denton that complement the culture of our humble burg. One such newly opened place is Royal's Bagels, at 503 West University. Royal's is the latest venture of Denton businessman, Joey Hawkins. Joey and his wife Amy are the owners of downtown coffee mecca, Jupiter House, and decided to open Royal's to fill  Denton's NEED for a purveyor of fine New York bagels.

The restaurant is named after the couple's four-year-old son and businessman-in-waiting, Royal, who is pretty excited by his namesake.  So are most of the people who have tried the breakfast/sandwich/salad and cinnamon roll establishment.  When I say "cinnamon roll", think of the delicious rolls found at a major chain in airports and malls around the country - only fresher and better. I have boldly recommended the inclusion of cherries in the making of said rolls like the ones I've had in NYC and Denver; not that improvement is needed, but  hey, a choice would be great!

If you have been to Jupiter House, you are familiar with the welcoming, comfortable atmosphere it provides. Jupiter House is frequented by a loyal clientele comprised of fellow Dentonites from UNT students to community leaders from all facets of our town's unique make-up. The people are friendly, the service impeccable and the ambiance conducive to just about anything.  Being on the Square, Denton's living room, makes it a convenient place to meet, greet, see and be seen!

The Hawkins have taken the same idea and feel of Jupiter House to Royal's.  It is located at the corner of University Dr. and Carroll Blvd., which most of us navigate on a regular basis, making it an easy to drop-in haunt. The atmosphere is bright, comfortable and again, welcoming. But enough about the place, it's the food that really counts.

Mr. Hawkins drew on his history of successful restaurant management and the lack of a true Denton/New York bagel shop in creating Royal's Bagels. Breakfast starts at 6:30 am, with a variety of morning-starter sandwiches. Lunch includes a large selection of bagel sandwiches and fresh salads. The bagels are true NYC bagels and are available in many types/flavors. Everything is fresh and fast!

I tend to work from "satellite" offices and Royal's Bagels has been added to my rotation. There is free wi-fi, great food, great people-watching and great service.  Give it a try, you'll like it!

Enjoy Denton!!

Denton Back Yard Farms (Logan Pettyjohn) on Sustainability

Logan Pettyjohn of Denton’s Backyard Farms took a moment to share with the Community Market what sustainable agriculture means to him and his fellow urban gardeners. Logan along with the owners Matt and Andrea first began the venture in January of 2012. One year later the group is now bringing fresh sustainable agriculture to the local market for you to chew on. They began their business with the idea to give back and enrich their lives and the life of the community.

How do they see sustainable agriculture playing out locally? The key is reduc waste both in packaging and into the land we depend on so much to keep us all alive. Logan says the idea (local sustainability) is, “characterized by buying/growing locally, reducing waste (replace your lawn with a garden, use compost instead of chemical fertilizers, recycling materials, etc...) and reducing energy costs relative to yield. Reducing energy costs is key to sustainable agriculture which means minimizing our reliance on fossil fuels across the board. We define sustainable agriculture as working  with nature in a way that is mutually beneficial, not parasitic."

The people that grow and sell produce for Denton Backyard Farms are passionate about their mission, and Logan says they are fueled by this concept- “Food,Independence, Minimalism, Liberty,Naturalism, Diversity. Sustainability. Simplicity. Happiness." When you really think about it those ideas are the same ideas that have made our nation great.

Logan elaborated more on the benefits to the immediate community by saying, “Sustainable, urban farming provides far reaching benefits to the community. By growing our produce in urban lots we can provide fresh, healthy food to the community grown a little over a mile from the Denton Community Market, where it is sold to the consumer. By allowing citizens the option to buy locally-grown produce we can minimize the use and need for fossil fuels necessary to power our modern day food system. If Denton practiced urban farming this would mean fresher, cheaper food that is grown by your friends, family, and neighbors; you would know exactly where it came from and could even harvest it yourself. This should lead to a healthier, well-connected community! Denton's Backyard Farms provides an opportunity to invest in your own community rather than exporting wealth and importing food.    

If you live in the city limits of Denton why not take a stroll to the market and pick up some fresh micro-greens from the producers at the Denton Backyard. Not only would you be saving yourself (health benefits) but you’d also be saving the environment a little bit at a time by not contributing to the use of fossil fuels in your own transport to the market and in  the production of the food.

Travel and tourism are vital to Denton and to all of Texas!  In honor of Texas Travel and Tourism Week, the Denton Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) will be celebrating by highlighting our great city.  The week kicks off with the I Am Denton Video Awards on Tuesday May 7^th at the Campus Theatre. The I Am Denton video contest has been going strong with submissions from both the general public and DISD students. Voting for the People’s Choice Award ended April 30^th, and the winning general public and student videos will be announced at this red carpet affair. The CVB believes that the best way to show people what Denton is all about is through the characters of this town who embody the spirit of Denton the most.

Texas Travel and Tourism Week celebrations will continue through Friday May 10, as the Denton CVB joins neighboring communities at the Texas Travel Information Center (TTIC) in Gainesville. Visitors traveling to Texas from Oklahoma and all points north will be greeted in Gainesville with a little more than just Texas charm.  To really entice visitors to discover Denton, the CVB and DentonRadio.com have partnered up to provide the event with Denton local music. Denton is known for its outstanding music scene, and no one highlights it better than DentonRadio.com, providing a source to listen to all-Denton music for free on its online radio station. DentonRadio.com has a variety of local singer-songwriters and bands on their website, and at the event in Gainesville, they will have four musical talents on the lineup: Caleb Coonrod, Ellee Morris, Ellie Meyer, and (caruvana).

Here’s video telling the story of the importance of the travel industry to the Texas economy. Happy Texas Travel and Tourism Week, y’all!

Twilight Tunes is gearing up for its 20^th season of free music on the square. Every Thursday evening May 2- July 4, the Denton Main Street Association puts on a show for Dentonites to enjoy. With the weather so perfect for lounging around, grab a blanket and pick up dinner to-go at one of the many great restaurants around the square. You could always just skip straight to dessert and grab a cold treat to beat the heat from Beth Marie’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream. Banana split, anyone? Once you’re picnic-ready, claim your spot on the Courthouse-on-the-Square lawn and enjoy a nice evening in the sunshine (or under the shade of a tree) with music playing in the background to set the mood. Since these shows are free, you can kick the weekend off early. No matter what your taste in music, you’ll find something to enjoy at Twilight Tunes with everything from Classic Rock to Jazz/Funk/Pop.

Keep these fun Thursday evening concerts in mind when you’re looking for something fun to do around the square with your friends, significant other, or family.  Rain or shine, Twilight Tunes will go on. In the chance of rain, Twilight Tunes will be held at Sweetwater Grill, Dan's Silverleaf or Abbey Inn. Check Downtown Denton-Denton Main Street Association’s Facebook page for updates in the event of rain. See below for a full list of who will be performing at Twilight Tunes.


Playing on West side lawn
May 2- Los Patos Poderosos (Chicha)
May 9- The Poor Kings (Singer/Songwriter/Pop)
May 16- Jeff Glover, Joe Pat Hennen & Brian Houser (Texas Singers/Songwriters)
May 23- A Taste of Herb (Herb Alpert & Tijuana Brass Tribute Band)
May 30- Chris Watson (Texas Blues Rock)

Playing on East side lawn
June 6- Charlie Shafter Band (American Roots/Acoustic Rock)
June 13- Gravity Feed (Jazz/Funk/Pop)
June 20- The Fun-Addix (70’s & 80’s Classic Rock)
June 27- Bonnie & Nick Norris Band (Country/Acoustic/Multi-Styles)
July 4- Sol Tax (Folk/Rock) *12:30—2 p.m.

Denton has several annual events which help define it's soul. We recently  experienced 35 Denton, the Redbud Festival just occurred, the Blues Festival was a while back, but this weekend brings the pivotal event of Denton culture......the (23rd Annual) Denton Arts and Jazz Festival.

JazzFest revolves around, and exists because of, music. I look at the music of JazzFest to be the means to an end though........the end being PEOPLE. It's like the music is just background ear candy for seeing, conversing with and being with our fellow Dentonuts.

I guess I should mention that, although I like jazz, a little of it goes a long way. It's in rotation in my music library, yet doesn't take up a lot of space there. BUT, Denton is known for jazz, and JazzFest is the annual Woodstock for jazz aficionados from around North Texas. This year's line-up was pretty impressive. In addition to incredible local artists such as Bonnie and Nick, bass-player  laureate Drew Phelps, Gale and Mario Cruz, Bubba Hernandez, Little Jack Melody & The Young Turks, Le Not So Hot Klub du Denton (Not France), Chris Watson, and the annual JazzFest finale, Brave Combo......Denton was gifted (JF is FREE!!) with performances by David Sanborn and the Original Blues Brothers Band.

All great stuff and worldclass talents, but I'm not a music critic (well, except for ABBA, I don't think what they did/do is music) so, as I said, I consider JazzFest to be more of a people event with awesome music as a backdrop. There are multiple stages at JF, so it is not conducive to being a "plant one's self solely in one place for the weekend" kind of event. It is a good idea to establish a home base and then roam from there. That is what my friends ((yes)) and I do every year. The ideal plan is to find a shady place close to the stage where most of the music you want to hear is being played. From this base, the various members of the group can venture off to the performances of their choice.

JazzFest is populated primarily by Dentonites, although it is a huge draw for people from all over the Texas, and really, the Southern U.S.  With so many Denton residents in such a small area, JF is like a compression of time and space. Wherever you go, you see someone you know and more than likely, someone you haven't seen in X # of years. Mornings and early afternoons are the best time for this pursuit due to the ever-growing crowd throughout the day. The sidewalks and pathways through Quakertown Park are always crowded, and at times, all but impassible. The real crowds converge nightly for the daily feature acts.

For the sake of authenticity, this blog is being written from the semi-comfort of my lawnchair near the main stage at the Denton Arts & Jazz Fest. I have the perfect place to people -watch and Brave Combo will close the Festival before long. The weekend has been perfect in every way, especially weather-wise. With JF occurring in the Spring, weather has been an issue in past years, but the Jazz Gods smiled on Denton this weekend! The NEXT JazzFest is always something to look forward to and it never seems to last long enough. It is what it is and it's always great. I never feel a let down after JazzFest ends, because there's always something else that's just about to happen in Denton. For instance........Twilight Tunes on the Square starts THIS Thursday, May 2 (how good is THAT for timing?) Twilight Tunes happens every Thursday and runs through July 4. It's like a mini-JazzFest, yet features any and all types of music.  Just bring a blanket or lawnchair, food and/or drink if you want and enjoy the people and music of Denton.

Denton is a music town, but it's the people of Denton who both make and listen to the music. In my book, that makes people the most important ingredient. Fortunately, we have lots of great people and lots of great music in the town we call home. We are blessed.......

Our furry friends are there by our sides through thick and through thin, loving us for who we are no matter what. Don’t you think our canine friends deserve a little attention and appreciation? Head downtown over to Quakertown Park for the 20^th annual Dog Days of Denton to celebrate our furry friends in the most festive of fashions. The fun kicks off with “yappy” hour at 5 p.m. on Friday May 31, and the celebration continues on Saturday June 1 at 10 a.m.

Think your dog has what it takes to be named as the Dog Days of Denton 2014 Spokesdog? Are you absolutely pawsitive? Then fill out an application and come ready to take home the gold on Saturday June 1 at 11:30. Applications to be in the Spokesdog running are due by May 22, so head over to their website here to get all the details on what you need to have your pooch entered. We’ll give you a hint: start by finding the most fabulous outfit for your hound to wear.

But don’t let that darling outfit go to waste by only using it once. While your dog’s dressed to the nines, you might as well have them strut their stuff on the stage for the Canine Couture Fashion Show. Hey, you never know when your dog might be in the mood for a little ego boost and some wolf whistles in their direction.

Your dog is 110% adorable, and your dog is fully aware of it. You’re fully aware of it. So is everyone else at Dog Days. Ain’t no harm in that! Your dog thinks he’s hot stuff. That’s okay. We say your pup isn’t being conceited if it’s true. At Dog Days, your dog can finally let loose and let their inner diva shine. So take ’em over to get some “Glamfur” photos, big sunglasses and all. There will be tons of fashionable accessories for your hound to choose from for their 15 minutes of fame in front of the camera.

In addition to dressing up, there will be plenty of other things for dogs and their humans to enjoy at Dog Day of Denton. There will be plenty of vendor booths, so treat your canine buddy to something nice. After all, this weekend is all about them.

There won’t be a dull moment at Dog Days. The weekend will be full of performances (like Pet Tricks and a Dog Singing Contest), demonstrations (like Dancing with the Dog and Texas Heat Flyball demonstrations), festival food, and more! So what’re you waiting for? Have your dog start fine-tuning their skills and primping up now, so you guys are ready come May 31!

Dog Days of Denton
Location: Quakertown Park, 321 E. McKinney St.
Days and Times: Friday May 31, 5:00-8:30 p.m., Saturday June 1, 8:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

 

Has this ever happened to you?  There was a show coming up that you REALLY wanted to see, however, you got caught up doing other things throughout the week and forgot to go.  This happens to me almost weekly, and if it wasn’t for my team calling me to say “WE ARE STAAARTING” I would probably even forget to go to our own DentonRadio.com shows (give me some credit, there are a lot of them)! 

DentonRadio.com is exploding with live events these days; we have about ten to twelve regular gigs a month where we are bringing incredible, all-local, all-Denton acts to different venues.  These shows range from dinner entertainment at Hoochie’s Oyster House, to coffee shop ambiance at Two B’s and a V, to full-band high-energy bar and club shows at Dan’s Silver Leaf (you can see a full list of our shows for the month here: Shows).  We are having a BLAST with these shows and want to let as many people as possible enjoy them!

Given the very often “face-palm-‘wish-I-would-have-remembered-can’t-believe-I-was-watching-Two-Broke-Girls-instead-of-going-to-that’ moments” that we all have, DentonRadio.com has come up with a solution!  We have added a “Subscribe Via Email” button to DentonRadio.com.  By hitting that button and then confirming your email you will receive an email reminder every time we have a show coming; this way no one will ever miss out on the Awesomeness (unless of course you just don’t want to come, but if that is the case, I am not quite sure what is wrong with you)!

You can either hit the button on the hompage of DentonRadio.com, or you can simply click here.  Also, as an added bonus, if you subscribe via email to DentonRadio.com we have a little gifty to say thank you!  When you confirm your email (which is the only way the program will register your email and let us know) we will send you a FREE download of Zach Balch’s song “Heartbreak Remedy” which you can hear here (but be careful, upon listening to this song, you WILL NEED it!).  And (and it bums me out that I have to say this because there are so many scams out there) we will NOT give or sell your email to ANYBODY.  We will only use it ourselves to keep you informed with DentonRadio.com News.

So get your free download and let’s see you at some shows!!!

According to the UC Davis Agricultural Sustainability Institute a working definition of sustainable agriculture rests on three pillars. 1. Environmental Health 2. Economic Profitability  3. Social and Economic Equity.  The environmental health component does not need much explanation other than that our farming practices should help and not harm the environment. The industrialization of agriculture which happened in a post World War II America brought rapid changes and some good indeed. We were able to use advances in science and petro chemicals to ship food long distances, grow more food in with a smaller workforce etc. But of course with those positives we now know that some of the results are less than stellar. We have problems with the depletion of topsoil that comes from intensive mono-crop agriculture, overuse of pesticides and the poisoning of water sources etc. Sustainable agriculture is most definitely the reverse of this. Many of our farmer vendors subscribe to this philosophy.

The second pillar, Economic Profitability is at the core of the Denton Market. By supporting local farmers, craftsmen, musicians etc. each item that’s bought at the market directly contributes to the economic viability of our region. The concept of social and economic equity is realized through the market’s ability to faciliatate a strong community environment and by the vendor’s own work through employing local workers at fair wages.  

The change to a sustainable food environment  emphasizes the interdependence of the whole of the community. What is needed is a  “systems perspective”  which relies on everyone participating in a particular neighborhood, community, nation, and even world. It’s not just the farmers who might need to change but also policymakers, regular citizens (the consumers), farm workers , researchers, retailers big and small, and everyone else who benefits from food.  

Over the next few weeks we’ll interview some of our local vendors at the Denton Community Market to see how they see themselves fitting into this model and what they are doing to better their community and themselves.

Here's a video from DTV highlighting the Denton Community Market: