Denton Arts Festival

Celebrate the tradition and fun at the 19^th Annual Dog Days of Denton Celebration on Friday, June 1st and Saturday, June 2nd.   Relax in the evening shade of north Quakertown Park on Friday night as the festival brings back “yappy” hour from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and start the fun again on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m..

“We will continue our Friday night hours, and we saw an increase in attendance on Friday night last year due to the cooler evening temperatures,” said Christine Gossett, co-director for the Dog Days of Denton Celebration.  “We also plan to continue expanding our cool zone and rest areas for all to enjoy.”      

In addition to festival fun, Dog Days of Denton features educational programs with a spotlight this year on the Lions’ Club Leader Dog Program – a service dog program for the seeing-impaired.  Tammy Freeman with her leader dog, an English Black Lab named Vince, will share her story about how she benefitted from the Lions’ Club program and the importance of this special bond between canines and humans.  Sandy Griffin, a Leader Dog trainer, will also talk about what is involved in preparing dogs for service.  A portion of the proceeds from the hot dog and water sales at this year’s event will go to the Lions’ Club Leader Dog Program. 

The same traditional fun will happen on both Friday night and Saturday, with some activities and contests featured on Friday or Saturday only. The “Heinz 57” Contest is on Friday night, with several fun categories for any pooch of any mix or breed to compete in several categories ranging from curliest tail to longest tongue.  Attendees can also learn about various breeds and pet care tips on Friday and Saturday, as well as see canine training and sport demonstrations.  Returning again this year are the Dallas Dog ‘n Disc, TC Cappel Dancing with the Dogs (Freestyle) and Texas Heat Flyball with demonstrations on Friday and Saturday. The “Glamfur” photos, creative arts/crafts items for both canines and their owners, games for kids and canines, pet care information, pet adoptions and rescues, festival foods and more will also be featured Friday night & Saturday.

Saturday’s festivities start off with a Canine Couture Fashion Parade, more demonstrations, presentations, and the traditional canine contests including Pet Tricks, Dog Singing, and the popular Spokesdog Pageant between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 2 p.m..  For 2012 Spokesdog Pageant entry guidelines and a complete schedule for the weekend, including contests, entertainment, demonstrations and more, please visit the website www.dogdaysdenton.com.  

The Dog Days of Denton Celebration will be held in the north end of Quakertown Park at 321 E. McKinney Street in downtown Denton.  General admission to the event is FREE.  Friendly, non-aggressive dogs are welcome. The Dog Days of Denton Celebration requires that ALL dogs be kept on a leash and controlled by their owners. Owners are responsible for their dogs’ behavior.  Dogs need to have current vaccinations. For more information on the event, please visit www.dogdaysdenton.com. Dog Days of Denton – where fun and responsible pet ownership and care come together.

Dog Days is presented by Denton Record-Chronicle, City of Denton, Denton County Animal ER, Invisible Fence of Greater Dallas, and Huffines, with the support of Muenster Milling and Southridge Animal Hospital. Dog Days of Denton is a not for profit 501 (c) (3).  

For pet-friendly overnight accommodations, please check the www.dogdaysdenton.com website or visit www.discoverdenton.com.      

Ever wondered who the people are that make the Arts & Jazz Festival Denton’s jazziest event? Top Hands, that’s who!  Top Hands work behind the scenes making sure the festival machine runs so smoothly the massive event is a seamless success to everyone including festival-goers, performers, artists, and vendors.  They are the feet on the ground; they are the heart and the soul.  Their dedication is, in fact, the magic ingredient that has garnered international recognition for the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival.

The Denton Festival Foundation works year-round to secure top-billing musicians and artists, funded in large part by Foundation membership contributions.  These same members are also the ones who roll up their sleeves to cook, sell food and drinks, peddle the coveted Jazz Festival collectible souvenirs, and help visitors maneuver the festival grounds.

Top Hands Chair Carrell Ann Simmons knows well every step of the road to the Jazz Festival’s well-deserved fame.   Vice President and Branch Manager for Meridian Bank of Texas in Denton, Carrell Ann has called Denton home for the past 26 years.  A 10-year volunteer veteran of the Denton Festival Foundation, Carrell Ann and her leadership team of six of the toppest of the Top Hands head up the entire volunteer force from recruiting to assignment.   With this year’s grounds expansion, that volunteer force will fill about 700 individual slots in the vast schedule of events and tasks.  “It’s a lot of work for sure; but we work as a team and have a blast doing it.  Really, Top Hands are the best recruiters because friends, family and coworkers see just how much fun Top Hands are having and they want to get in on it,” Carrell Ann exclaimed.   Local businesses have even anted up for booth space at the festival just because of the eager involvement by their employees. 

Higginbotham and Associates is an example of one such business that has already confirmed with Arts & Jazz organizers that they will staff a booth with 12 employees.  Ed Coker, Managing Director of the Higginbotham Denton office, is looking forward to their Top Hand membership experience.  “It is Higginbotham’s corporate philosophy to give back to the community.  Volunteering to work a booth at the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival not only helps achieve this goal but is a great team building opportunity for the office.  Most of all, we have a great time!”

While membership is only $15 per person per year, Top Hands take pride in the knowledge that their memberships, combined with sponsorships, help bring Lou Ritenour, Los Lonely Boys and Brave Combo to the Jazz Stage at the Arts & Jazz Festival.  “Top Hands are the backbone of the festival,” says Carrell Ann, adding that their membership dues are significant because collectively, they are a major festival sponsor.   

Top Hands Headquarters (the Denton Women’s Building) provides a place to sit, rest, cool off and make new friends.  Creating memories and being with friends is a top motivator for Top Hands returning year after year.  Families like father and son team Larry and Andy Whitlock have made volunteering at the festival a tradition for the past 13 years.

After retiring from the Air Force, Mr. Whitlock moved his family to Denton.   At the recommendation of church friend Jackie Jackson, Mr. Whitlock and then 18 year old Andy signed up as Top Hands to meet and make new friends.  “We like the music, the people we work with and we love seeing the smiles on attendees’ faces” says Whitlock.  “You don’t have to be a business person or college professor to volunteer.  It’s just the general public doing what they can to bring visitors to town.  As for requirements,” he adds, “you do have to be a people person and you have to smile.  You can’t sell your town without a smile.”

It takes time and energy to be a Top Hand and it’s no secret that time is a highly-valued commodity.  Carrell Ann’s reminder really hits home. “If you enjoy free and fun events and don’t invest some of your own time to keep them going, then eventually they’ll go away.   Just one 3-hour shift can make a huge difference!  And the work is fun because festival organizers make sure Arts & Jazz is organized and well run at every level.” 

The rewards are fulfilling.  According to Carrell Ann, the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival is one of the happiest things that happen in Denton.  “It’s not just one sound you hear; it’s a mix.  Very much like Denton herself.  And people walk up to booths all weekend long just to thank Top Hands for another awesome Arts & Jazz Festival.  That’s when we realize the impact we really make.  You can’t help but smile!”   

Top Hand Membership is open to individuals with an interest in the arts and available to volunteer for at least one three hour shift at one of the various booths at the festival.  Members receive RESERVED PARKING for Arts & Jazz, discounts on festival T-shirts, complimentary food and beverage coupons, media recognition and are the first to know who headliners are via the Festival Foundation’s newsletters.

Long before we shared stories online, there was a time when stories were passed from generation to generation as a form of entertainment, cultural preservation or as part of a religious ritual.  Each spring Storytellers from around the nation gather to celebrate the art of telling a good story and Denton and its visitors enjoy the fruits of their performances at the Texas Storytelling Festival.

Featured story tellers
The Texas Storytelling Festival will captivate its audience at the Denton Civic Center on March 8-11, 2012 with some key nationally known storytellers.

Performance artist Mary Ann Blue will entertain the crowds with stories of her childhood growing up in Tulsa at her father's drive-in movie theater or of Mexico’s language and customs through her bilingual stories.

Patrick Ball will bring alive an Irish oral tradition with his Celtic harp. He uses Irish words, music, and history to retell medieval legends such as The Romance of Tristan and Iseult.

Kevin Kling, playwright and regular commentator on NPR’s All Things Considered, will present by adding humor to ordinary life or even objects.

Spiritual and whimsical is what best describes Kim Lehman’s storytelling style who is also on the roster of Touring Artists for the Texas Commission on the Arts.

Become a master storyteller
Workshops will be available to foster or master the art of storytelling.  They cover a large spectrum from how to begin to tell your story, effective use of voice, bilingual storytelling and how to collect Oral history.  All of the featured storytellers will shed light on their secrets.  The conference also includes a Master Class writing workshop lead by Kevin Kling. 

Performance Highlights
Along with the Featured Tellers Stories, keep an “ear” out for many additional entertaining stories and concerts.

Opening night’s Ghost Stories get scarier as the evening progresses.  Will you be slipping out right before the spine tingling, hair raising stories?

Saturday’s Fringe performances are unique presentations which always surprise with originality. Take for example George Kett’s A Pastor Uncorked: Stories of the Parish You Won’t Hear from the Pulpit.  You may even start to recognize some of the parishioners from Pastor Kett’s story.

If your liar radar is pretty accurate, you may want to put your skills to practice at the Liars Contest.  This is one of the family friendly contests that make up the Kids’ Day Schedule.  Also included in the Kids’ Day Schedule are workshops for those children that are already entertaining with their own stories. Be sure to visit the Story Store to stock up on books, CDs, puppets and musical instruments to help your young storyteller along.

If the Texas Story Telling Festival evokes memories of stories you heard around a camp fire or even on grandpa’s knee, go ahead and plan your road trip.  Mention Texas Story Telling Festival to the festival’s host hotel, Hampton Inn and Suites-Denton, to receive the special festival rate.  Or visit Discover Denton for additional hotel options.

Denton CVB eNewsletter Giveaway:
Fill in the blank from the Texas Storytelling Festival schedule “I want to attend ________ at the Texas Story Telling Festival”.  Be the first to post this in the comments section and win a Complimentary FULL Weekend Pass valued at $130.00.

Excitement rippled across the social media world and through the streets of Denton the moment the January-June 2012 issue of Denton Live Magazine came off the press.  The Music Mecca of Texas is raring to rock and jazz at Denton’s Arts and Jazz Festival April 27-29, 2012, in Quakertown Park.  Lee Ritenour will take the stage Friday night to the delight of jazz fans everywhere, more than a mere nod to the festival’s true jazz roots.  A master Jazz guitarist, Ritenour’s skill on the strings has earned him the moniker "Captain Fingers.”  He is also an acclaimed composer and producer with countless awards under his including a Grammy and 17 more Grammy nominations. Ritenour expertly fuses funk, pop, rock, blues, Brazilian and classical music with jazz.  It’s his own perfect mix that attracts the likes of other guitar gurus like Eric Clapton and Joni Mitchel, just to name a few, to join audiences at sold out performances. 

Saturday’s performance on the Jazz Stage will be a hot bed for Tex-Mex Rock loving fans when Los Lonely Boys crank out the faves from their most recent record, Rockpango.  The new CD title refers to a rock style that combines Latin celebration with the Latin rhythm of the huapango.  Just as the CD title does, Los Lonely Boys mix rock, blues, a little funky neo-bohemian, and even rock-pop accompanied by a string quartet.  It makes sense that they’ll play Denton, Texas where the vibe is always eclectic, fresh and new.  And, Fans, rest assured:  Los Lonely Boys #1 hit “Heaven” is guaranteed.

The party isn’t over until after Brave Combo takes the stage on Sunday night.  The Denton band has traveled the world and introduced millions to their original nuclear polka dance jam.  The A&J crowd is nowhere near jazzed out as the energy rises, everyone signs and spontaneous dancing breaks out to beats of salsa, meringue, rock, cumbia, conjunto, polka, zydeco, classical, cha cha, the blues… and more.  It’s been said that the famous slogan “Fun is the Thing and Jazz is King” was born during a Brave Combo show.  See for yourself; it’s probably quite true!

Pack your lawn chair or blanket, head to Denton and pick your spot – sunny or not!  There’s plenty of both among the 7 different stages and more 2,200 performers.  The bonus?  All the concerts are FREE.

Don’t leave the family at home, either.  Kids 12 and under can mold, sculpt and create in the Children’s Art Tent. 

You don’t have to go home empty handed.  You can peruse among more than 175 juried artists and crafters for that special piece that speaks to you.  And souvenirs are abundant, as well. 

Want to go it easy?  Leave coolers behind and enjoy seven food courts of all kinds of foods plus wine and beer!

The Denton Arts & Jazz Festival is a music-lover’s heaven.  It’s fun and music and art - a complete experience.  And it’s all in that special Denton, Texas style:  Original; Independent.

  Brave Combo’s sound electrifies the crowds during Arts & Jazz.  
 

Watch Arts & Jazz video to see a glimpse of the festivities in action. Visit www.DentonJazzFest.com for a complete schedule of events.

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.” 

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 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.
  

The American Bus Association (ABA) announced that the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival, to be held on April 27-29, 2012, has been designated as one of the Top 100 Events in North America for 2012 by an experienced expert tourism industry selection committee. Inclusion in the Top 100 list, published as a supplement to the September/October issue of Destinations magazine, spotlights the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival for offering excellent entertainment value to tour groups and individual travelers from around the world.

With the release of ABA's 2012 Top 100 Events in North America, ABA celebrates 30 years of the program. What began as a way for motorcoach operators to incorporate new product into their itineraries has grown to be one of the most sought-after lists by travel professionals, motorcoach operators and the general public.

"The attractiveness of the Arts & Jazz Festival as a don't-miss entertainment value is only part of why its selection this year is such a distinction for Denton," said Peter J. Pantuso, CTIS, ABA's president and CEO. "The real news here is that Arts & Jazz has been recognized as a potential magnet for tourism dollars, at a time when reenergizing domestic tourism is so important to our spirit and our economy. The honor gives Denton an important boost in visibility among professional tour planners."

According to researchers at The George Washington University and Dunham and Associates, one overnight visit by a motorcoach group can leave from US $5,000 to more than US $11,000 in a local destination's economy. Those dollars are spent on lodging, meals, admissions, fees, shopping, souvenirs, services and local taxes.

"Motorcoach groups spend more and stay longer,” Pantuso said. “That's why Arts & Jazz is truly a local economic asset. There is no better way to jump-start tourism than to attract motorcoach groups to a great event and convince them to extend their stay."

Arts & Jazz Executive Director, Carol Short was thrilled with the award, "Selecting the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival as one of North America's 100 Best Events for 2012 from the American Bus Association is a wonderful honor, not only for our organization but for Denton's citizens and the business community. Recognizing the Denton Arts & Jazz Festival as a destination for tourism that helps boost the economy for our community makes us all proud partners."

ABA's 2012 Top 100 Events Selection Committee selected the Arts & Jazz Festival from hundreds of event nominations submitted by ABA members. Judges considered the event's broad appeal, its accessibility to motorcoaches, skill at handling large groups, and a variety of other relevant criteria.

The Arts & Jazz Festival is scheduled for April 27, 28, & 29 of 2012. While headliners have not yet been announced, expect fantastic music from over 2,500 performers on seven stages. Music throughout Denton’s Quakertown Park underscores fine arts, crafts, children's art activities, food and games. Be on the lookout for headliner announcements at the end of 2011.

In Denton, anything antique or historic is a sign of character. Since we landed on the map more than 150 years ago, our city has clung to its original architecture, actively and creatively adapting original downtown buildings for new uses rather than razing them and starting over.

It is that same spirit of preservation that motivated the Denton Main Street Association (DMSA) to begin the Arts, Antiques and Autos (AAA) festival 12 years ago, an event that features vintage antiques and collectibles, the majority of which are carefully waxed, packing power under the hood, and showing muscle where it counts.   

On Saturday, September 10, from 9 am to 3 pm., highly competitive collectors will drive more than 200 cars, trucks and motorcycles  representing eras from today to days long past to Denton. They will gather all around the beautiful Courthouse-on-the-Square where visitors are free to wander among and admire them. Official judges are clandestine among the throngs keeping the car owners on their toes, alert and showing off in hopes of winning the coveted “Best of Show award.” 

In addition to the antique cars, numerous vendor booths offer unique arts, crafts, and demonstrations. Lectures throughout the day provide opportunities to learn more about the popular sports of collecting and antiquing under topics like: “Estate Sales ‘How to’”’ by John Bennett; “Antique Diamonds” by Joe Amyx; and “Vintage Purses” and “Tips, Tools and Techniques: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Caring for Antiques, Collectibles, and Other Treasures” by Georgia Caraway. Lectures will be inside the Denton County Courthouse-on-the-Square (CHOS) in the Commissioner’s Courtroom on the 2nd floor.

Hands-on crafts and games keep the kids busy while area bands such as Chris Watson playing Texas Blues Rock entertain crowds all day long. The festival atmosphere is complete with food from numerous downtown eateries and vendors.     

Take advantage of the specialists in some of the downtown stores as they conduct “Attic Treasure” Information Appraisals on general antiques and collectibles, including jewelry, clocks, china, silver, glass, and more (no furniture or photos of items please).

Producers have added a “Preview Night” on Friday, September 9, on Industrial Street, just east of the Square. From 6-8:30 pm, car and motorcycle enthusiasts can catch a sneak peek of some of the premier classics and hot rods and cast a vote for the “People’s Choice” Award.   All awards are   presented on Saturday afternoon at the show’s closing.  

“Our historic downtown is authentic and it cannot be duplicated. This event highlights downtown in a unique way that truly captures the treasures of Denton’s past and present,” said Larry Parker, DMSA president. “What a perfect way to spend a day in Denton: immersed in history all day and then on the cutting edge of new the same evening when UNT’s Mean Green takes the field for the very first time in brand new Apogee Stadium. A historic day all the way around.”

General admission to AAA is FREE. Registration to compete in the car show is $25. Lectures and appraisals are $5. For directions, an event schedule, entry forms, and more detailed information, please visit www.dentonmainstreet.org or call the event hotline at (940) 349-8529. 

                                                                                 

Become a member of the Denton Festival Foundation, Inc., the producing organization for the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival. Your annual membership supports the Festival and we rely on our membership to man the Festival's food, drink and information booths throughout the weekend event.

Members receive RESERVED PARKING for the event, DISCOUNTS on festival T-shirts, COMPLIMENTARY food and beverage coupons, MEDIA RECOGNITION and 2 NEWSLETTERS throughout the year. Join today and get the satisfaction of supporting one of the most exciting events in North Texas!

The Denton Festival Foundation is funded annually through corporate and individual sponsors, membership, artist and vendor fees and concession booths at the Denton Arts and Jazz Festival. For more information on sponsorship or membership, please call 940.565.0931 or visit www.dentonjazzfest.com/members.html.

The A-Train will pull into Denton this summer with regular service connecting Denton to Dallas  and points in between via commuter light rail.  Denton has struck gold with Horse Country and the music and art scene and we are preparing to share our treasure with even more visitors from all across the Metroplex and beyond.
 
Denton Country Transportation Authority (DCTA) has provided effective transportation to Denton County via bus service since 2001.  The new DCTA rail corridor spans 21 miles  and uses the existing Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) rail line.  Passengers will be able to travel parallel beside I-35 and connect to the Green Line route of the Dallas Area Rapid Train (DART) rail system in Carrollton for rail service into downtown Dallas. 

Beginning in June 2011, Dentonites can hop the train in Denton and head south.  No worries about traffic snarls or parking challenges.  And Denton is eager to welcome Dallas and Ft. Worth residents heading north with the same, smooth ease.

Thanks to the University of North Texas and the many “green” environmental initiatives and buildings in Denton, green has been Denton’s color for quite some time.  How appropriate that the  DART’s Green Line, via the A-Train, will now come all the way to Denton, connecting visitors to the historic Downtown Square, the hottest music scene, festivals, fine arts and Denton’s unique dining. 

Two of the 5 A-train stations will be located in Denton; one at MedPark Station and the other in downtown Denton next to the Center for Visual Arts on Hickory St. just east of Bell Ave.  Bicycle and pedestrian trails will begin in Denton and extend around all the A-Train stations.  The A-Train makes it easy for cyclists by providing bike racks for parking at the stations and racks in the trains for secure travel between destination points.

To promote its projected June 20 start date, DCTA has scheduled A-Train celebrations at some of the station locations.  The first of these inaugurations will be Saturday, April 2 from 10am to 1pm at the Old Town Station in Lewisville. Attendees will be invited to climb aboard the A-train.  Local fire and police departments will be on hand to share community-wide safety initiatives.  Additional Rail Safety Days are scheduled on May 7 at the Highland Village/Lewisville Lake Station and on May 21 at the MedPark Station in Denton.

Speaking of Denton…and Everybody Is!!

From Sports to Music to Art, Denton has been the talk lately.   Even our hotels are news. The Best Western Premier Crown Chase Inn & Suites has been Denton’s hot spot in recent articles in Vacation Agent Magazine as well as USA Today Travel. 

Highlighting the arts in Denton, Denton Record Chronicle’s Lucinda Breeding recapped the year and brought to mind the amenities and attractions that draw visitors to Denton throughout the year. Her articles, Denton’s Best of 2010 and 4 reasons to love 2010, serve to also remind Dentonites that tourism makes a positive and important impact on our quality of life.

Denton’s unique vibe and creative energy are the focus in Texas Highways’ back to back stories about Denton. The January issue features Denton’s own O’Neal Ford, Texas’ most famous architect, in A Celebration of Place. Denton’s internationally recognized music scene is the heart throb of February’s six-page feature story called “Denton After Dark.” 

Upcoming events like the Thin Line Film Festival and 35 Conferette already have people talking on blogs, in interviews, and in print, particularly in Denton Live and in The Dallas Observer. And, the North Texas’ region’s biggest game for 2011, Super Bowl XLV, will play itself out all around the magic date of February 6. Denton is a proud member of the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee. We are rolling out the red carpet to welcome the region’s football fans.

It’s happening here in 2011. Come on out and discover Denton!

 
“Twinkling lights, choirs, bell-ringers, dancers and the aroma of spicy hot cider will transport the child in you to memories of Christmas past.” That’s what the City of Denton believes visitors to the Denton Holiday Lighting Festival will experience. Taking place in downtown Denton’s historic square, this yearly event draws in thousands of spectators and is a thrill for both children and adults.

Besides the millions of Christmas lights twinkling amongst the decorated square, music from the Grammy Award winning band, Brave Combo, will jam throughout the crisp winter air. Visitors will also be able to walk the square and visit museums such as the Bayless-Selby House Museum, the Denton County African American Museum and the Courthouse Museum. If you’re feeling a bit hungry or thirsty, the squares numerous restaurants will be open and ready to fill your stomach with delicious food and warm hot chocolate. Interactive arts, photos with Santa, horse-drawn carriages, and a cider competition will also provide additional entertainment.

Although not directly part of the festival, the museum in the old courthouse is open and offers a great look into Denton history, a treasure for any history buff. The festival starts with the lighting of the tree around 5:45 p.m., and then the festivities begin, as music will continue well into the evening.

Admission is free to the event but visitors are encouraged to bring a unwrapped toy for the Denton Community Toy Drive. The nearest parking available is at the Wells Fargo Bank and The Bayless-Selby House Museum (BSH) parking lots, so we also recommend arriving early (at the latest, 6 p.m.) lest you have to park far away and walk a long distance.

Event Information:

When: December 2, 2010 (Annually, the first weekend of December)

Lighting Ceremony at 5:45 p.m.

Where: Denton Historic Courthouse Square

Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides

$2.00 per person.  Rides begin directly after Lighting.

Photos with Santa

$5.00 per photo.  Photos being directly after Lighting.

Wassail Fest Contest

Free Wassail served at participating stores. Vote before 8:00 p.m.

If you are among the throng of local Denton art seekers, get downtown to the Square! 

Start with Oxide Gallery, a consignment, “For Sale” gallery dedicated to promoting North Texas artists. 

Catch a show at the Campus Theatre performed by the Music Theatre of Denton (MTD), Denton Community Theatre (DCT) or DCT's Theatre School.  Here’s one for your calendar:  DCT's Theatre School will present Annie, JR, based on Little Orphan Annie November 19-21. 

The local art circuit is celebrating Denton’s Black Box Performing Arts Center.  The new theatre opened recently as rehearsal space and will serve as an additional venue for "Alternative Shows" that DCT will soon present.

It’s a fact:  wine and art go hand in hand.  Wine shops around the Denton Square enhance the artistic experience for everyone, from beginners to connoisseurs. Places like Wine Squared, Vigne Wine Shop & Delicatessen and Cellar 22 offer wine tastings, daily happy hours and great food.

The crisp, fall air around the Square is filled with aromas of great eateries, sounds of entertainment, and intriguing art.  A true art mecca, the Denton Square is vibrant and eclectic with something going on ALL the time.

Picture credit: http://dustandillusions.com/blog/category/film-festival

Since 1985 when the third Thursday of November was established as the uniformed release date for Beaujolais wine, shops all over the world celebrate its arrival. Denton celebrates its arrival as well, with a fundraiser for the Campus Theatre. 

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

This year's festival will take place at the Denton Civic Center, November 18 from 5:30 - 7pm.  Beaujolais & More Wine and Food Tasting not only offers a tasting of Beaujolais Wine but samples of unique recipes prepared by 20 local Denton restaurants specifically to accompany the French wine.

Enjoy Beaujolais Nouveau, gourmet food and great entertainment for $25, all while supporting local Denton art.  For more information contact the Campus Theatre at 940-382-1915.