Veronica Maldonado's Blog

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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