This past weekend, Shattuck and I rep’d ThisTulsa at DFest. To be honest, my expectations of this festival were not that high in the beginning. I was a little prejudice to how well big-time artists would be received by the Tulsa crowd. Man was I wrong…

The headliner for the closing night of DFest was The Roots. A hip-hop band that really needs no introduction, put on a show that I thought was nothing short of stellar. The band, who recently dropped their 10th album Rising Down, rocked the house at Tulsa’s annual DFest downtown. Since ThisTulsa was recognized as a “legitimate” news company, we had the ability to snap some great shots of their performance and hang out backstage while the performance rocked on.

Hopped up on RedBull, Justin and I took gigs of photos over the weekend. You can find them in various locations like Flickr; here and here as well as the bottom of every ThisTulsa web page.

How do you think DFest did this year Tulsa?

Last weekend is likely to be remembered as one of the most rocking weekends presented to our community. Friday afternoon, I stopped by the Dfest media tent to pick-up our staff writers’ press badges and related materials. Later, we arrived downtown to begin capturing the moments from some extremely marvelous bands.

The night immediately began with a killer performance by Paramore; however, we missed the amazing show (so-we-heard) from Danelle Phillips’s band Congress of a Crow. Although we missed Congress of a Crow’s performance, we did not miss the opportunity to socially network and have a chat with Danelle Phillips, their lead singer. We even persuaded her to throw up the 918, in support of both our website and the local community she represents. “Thank you so much!” she exclaimed as we presented her with a memory card for her digital camera so she could capture the moments herself.

Given the opportunity to sit backstage and converse with the bands and the other members of press was more than a great experience; it was an opportunity for us to show our wealth to the community. Even something small and generous like giving away AA batteries to a random fan backstage of Paramore or giving Danelle a memory card was our chance to be positive. This feeling was more than reciprocated throughout the event. All of the bands were generous with their time and words.

The All American Rejects blasted fans away with a pretty long performance with all their current and previous hits. We met a few great fans and captured some pretty sick shots of the group. Throughout the night we continued to snap photos, take names, and try to mentally note the performances and performers. We did a pretty decent job, from talking to Doug, a 12 year old fan who was leaning against the railing jamming out to “Move Along,” to four random guys we met while picking up refreshments.

Meeting up with Anthony a.k.a. PDA Friday night and being personally invited to his show Saturday at the Blank Slate stage was a great feeling. He has read our website (thistulsa.com) before and was more than supportive of our small-time publication here. Friday night ended with a small party at Brad’s house with some friends and family of PDA and ourselves.

We continued to rock out Dfest Saturday with Sworn Against, PDA, The Roots, Zappa Plays Zappa, Colourmusic, and the crowds backstage.

The parties were great, crowds polite, people awesome, performers excellent, and overall left a definite hole after it was said and done. More about each individual band and their performance soon!

The All-American Rejects are Stillwater’s breakout pop stars. They’re last album sold a multi-million number of copies worldwide and their upcoming album — set to release this fall —was named No. 2 on Alternative Press magazine’s 2008 anticipated albums of the year list.

Members of the band and its management will participate in a question-answer panel from 4:30 to 6pm at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Tulsa. They will discuss their rise from having $1000 in the bank (between all of them) to selling multi-platinum records. They will also share their experience in creating new revenue streams like Tyson’s Butter Clothing and Edmond Records, the label of Dfest act The City Lives.

The panel will be available to all registered participants of the Dfest conference, at no additional charge to conference registration. Conference badges must be worn to gain entry; music festival wristbands are not valid for admission.

To register for the conference, visit www.dfest.com and click “tickets.” Conference badges are good for entry into the conference, trade show and music festival, with priority entrance to club stages.
At 11:50 p.m., July 25, The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame will present the band with its “Rising Star” award on Dfest’s Hadaly Stage, prior to their performance.

The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame gives the award to individuals or groups who have attained significant national notice for their musical talent and have a solid connection to Oklahoma by birthright, moving to the state at an early age, living in Oklahoma for a significant portion of his or her career, writing songs or music about Oklahoma, or furthering music in the state of Oklahoma.

“The All-American Rejects is an Oklahoma native band that’s achieved tremendous national success and proudly represents Oklahoma,” said Beth Seim, executive director of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. “We’re excited to present them with this prestigious award at a festival that has put Oklahoma on the map.”

“We’re so appreciative that the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame is presenting the band with this award at Dfest,” said Tom Green, Dfest co-creator. “Oklahoma roots run deep at this festival, so we always make a point to feature an Oklahoma artist as a major headliner. This award from the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame solidifies this long-standing Dfest tradition.”

About Dfest

The seventh annual Dfest is the Midwest’s largest music festival and most comprehensive music conference. Featuring 11 stages in downtown Tulsa’s Blue Dome District July 25-26, Dfest will feature renowned national acts, including The All-American Rejects, The Roots, The Disco Biscuits, Clutch, Paramore, Zappa Plays Zappa, Ghostland Observatory, moe., Helmet, Phantom Planet, Edison Glass, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, AM, Ty England, Ravi, The Apples In Stereo, Joshua James and Cory Chisel. In addition, Dfest will feature 130 unsigned artists and more than 40 conference panelists. More than 60,000 music enthusiasts are expected to attend the two-day event that highlights more than 20 musical genres. Tickets are on sale now at www.dfest.com.

The 2008 Green Country Eco-Expo & One Love Music Fest (formerly Reggae Fest Tulsa) is coming! On July 11th through the 12th this free event will feature music, art, products, and information about the popular trend of living green. It will be held at the Jenks Riverwalk Crossing and Ampitheatre. One of the main objectives of the festival is to be a zero impact carbon neutral event. Come out to hear some great live music, learn more about living a green lifestyle, see some amazing art, and have a good time!

If the first round of confirmations didn’t cut it for you, The All-American Rejects, The Roots, Ty England, moe., Phantom Planet and The Apples in Stereo all confirmed headlining spots with Tulsa’s Dfest today. With over 1500 submissions for the 120 stage spots, Dfest has definitely booked some great acts. If you have not got your tickets yet, make sure you do! You can get all the details on the Dfestwebsite, dfest.com.

Looking for something fun to do on Memorial Day weekend? The gates for Backwoods Bash, a charity concert taking place May 23 open at 3:00PM and only costs $15 per vehicle for the entire festival. Pack up some food, friends, and lots of fun and head 15ish miles outside of Tulsa to Mannford Lake, Oklahoma. Thundermoon Ranch and Paintball will be hosting the event.

There are a lot of exciting music festivals taking place this summer and Backwoods Bash is no exception. The line up consists of: Will Porter, Todd DAvis, Daydreamer, Damn the Man, Tech Tonic, Greg Ghroeder, Joel Wade, ValerieStar, Cannonball Sunday, The Banner Year, Somewhat Lucky, Full Service, and Ghosts.

All in all the weekend should be a lot of fun. For more details and information, check out Backwoods Bash website.

Thundermoon Ranch and Paintball [View Google Map]
33440 W 51st Street South
Mannford, OK 74044
Phone: 918-260-6260

Dfest, Tulsa’s fabulous musical festival July 25-26, 2008 officially announced their line-up Wednesday. We mentioned to you that there was a coupon code okctix for Okctickets.com online orders. The coupon code allowed you to save an additional $5.00 on the alright advanced ticket price of $30.00.

However, now, and we’re sorry it’s late news, but Dfest is offering a two-day advance ticket sale that puts the tickets at $28.00 each! Use the coupon code df08 when ordering from Okctickets.com and save even more!

The coupon code is good until April 26, 2008. For a break down in prices and available discounts, visit Dfest.com

For those who missed out on Pryor, Oklahoma’s Rocklahoma last year; you better not miss it this year! If you are a fan of traditionally kick-butt rock-n-roll, find your way out to hang out.

The classic Triumph line-up of Rik Emmett, Mike Levine and Gil Moore could not have selected a better way to reunite after a two-decade absence in North America with what will undoubtedly be a show-stopping headline appearance at Rocklahoma 2008 on Friday, July 11, 2008.

“Triumph is very excited to be performing at Rocklahoma this summer and I am really looking forward to being on stage with Gil and Rik again” bassist Mike Levine said.

We have received most of the line-up — but there are a few spots still to be filled. When we hear who the remaining bands are, we’ll let you know.

Thursday, July 10^th

• Bret Michaels
• Sebastian Bach
• LA Guns
• Enuf Znuff
• Vain
• House of Lords
• Jet Boy

Friday, July 11^th

• Triumph
• Extreme
• Lita Ford
• Night Ranger
• Living Colour
• Kingdome Come
• Armored Saint
• XYZ

Saturday, July 12^th

• Cinderella
• Warrant
• KIX
• Lynch Mob
• Trixter
• Black N Blue
• Tora Tora
• Every Mothers Nightmare
• Pretty Boy Floyd
• Tesla
• Beautiful Creatures
• Zebra
• AXE
• and more to be announced!

The sun is up, the sky is blue, and the weather is getting warmer! It is also the time for downtown, Tulsa, Oklahoma festivals to begin their annual appearances. The Blue Dome Arts Festival is one nobody should miss out on. It is scheduled for Friday, May 16 through Sunday, May 18th. Last year, over two hundred artists participated in the weekend festivities. Its become a grass roots events, operated by a handful of volunteers and individuals who contribute their personal time, effort, and finances to make it all happen.

The initial idea for the festival was conjured up by Virginia Harrison, a local artist, who contacted downtown legend, Michael Sager, who assisted in providing resources to showcase the works of various local artists. Between Sager, the Arts and Humanities Council, various contributions from local businesses, artists, and individuals who share Harrison’s passion and vision — the festival has been successful and in the works for its fourth year.

Regardless if you’re looking for some crazy-cool art cars, paintings, posters, or modern-day mixed media art work from local and regional artists; the Blue Dome District’s Arts Festival will surely have something to suit your fancy.

Detailed Schedule and Hours

Friday, May 16th, 12:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Saturday, May 17th, 10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday, May 18th, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

Location: Blue Dome District 1st & 2nd Streets at Elgin & Detroit

Dfest, Oklahoma’s largest music festival, on Wenesday announced the first list of confirmed headlining acts and bands for their seventh appearance here in Tulsa. The Dfest festivities take place July 25-26 in the Blue Dome District of downtown Tulsa. The historic district is lined with local supported drinking holes and locations to sit and relax while listening to some groovy tunes.

Dfest weekend in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma is going to be sick! An estimated 150 bands will perform this year during the two day festival, organizers said. The festival also has a keynote presentation given by Martin Atkins, author of the indie rock gospel bible, “Tour Smart and Break the Band. Atkins also known for his work in post-modern-punk and industrial artists: Public Image Ltd., Killing Joke, and Pigface.

Even if you decide to miss the conference speaker; don’t miss the music! Be sure to visit OKCTickets.com for advanced purchase information and a special discount for ordering early. If you purchase your tickets online, use discount coupon code: okctix to save an additional $5.00 off ticket prices. Tickets are $30 in advance and $40 at the door; and of course — gets you admission for both days of the festival.

Who’s playing?

This year’s lineup consists of some great local and national acts! If we hear of any additional acts or headlining artists playing — we will keep you up to date. This is what we know so far.

• Paramore
• Ghostland Observatory
• Zappa Plays Zappa
• Helmet
• The Disco Biscuits
• Edison Glass

As far as regional and local bands performing at Dfest, there are a ton. However, this list is only partial and there will be more bands announced in the next coming weeks. So check back often to see who’s added.

• 40engine
• Adam’s Attic
• Admiral Twin
• Animate Objects
• Annie Minogue
• Astellaway
• Before Dawn
• Blake O.
• Callupsie
• Cat-a-tac
• Cavedoll
• Cheyenne
• Colourmusic
• Congress of a Crow
• Crocodile
• El Paso Hot Button
• Gentlemen Auction House
• Ghosts
• Glister
• Greg Summerlin
• Hush Hush Commotion
• Jesse Aycock
• Leopold and his Fiction
• Love In October
• Mama Sweet
• Matt Stansberry Band
• Maxtone Four
• Motive For Movement
• PDA
• People Noise
• Ravi
• Red Dirt Rangers
• Ruthie Bram
• Ryan Lindsey
• Sam and The Stylees
• Scott Goldman
• Sir Threadius Mongus
• Sleeperstar
• Slorder
• Soulfege
• Sparky Quano
• Stars Go Dim
• Stop Revolt!
• Taddy Porter
• The Abdomen
• The Boxing Lesson
• The Compulsions
• The Effects
• The Feed
• The Forms
• The Randies
• The Starkweather Boys
• The Uglysuit
• Unwed Sailor

If we have missed any of the headliners or bands that should be listed; please let us know! We want to make sure we stay on top of Dfest this year — so we could use all the support available in making sure we are up to date.