Why 35 Denton is worth the trip

Even if you don't recognize many of the acts, we recommend the drive March 7-10.

Gary Barber

Ty Segall performs during 35 Denton on March 10, 2012.

DENTON — Denton’s annual four-day music fest 35 Denton hits the square on March 7. This eclectic, hodgepodge festival brings together an array of genres and bands who are either from the area or recognizable national acts. Nearly a dozen bars across the small city are booked for the event, plus two main stages plop down near the Denton square. For four days, music overtakes the city, making the festival feel like a smaller-scale SXSW.

With an obscure line-up and shows that take place an hour away from Dallas and Fort Worth, it may be easy for DFW music fans to pass on the fest in order to avoid the back-and-forth travel time. But don't write it off: This quirky but affordable music festival from 35 Denton is an experience that will enlighten your musical senses and endear you to "little d."

The 35 Denton lineup is extensive. Find all the shows here.

We asked Programming Director Natalie Davila more about it.

PegNews: How do you choose the acts?

Davila: We use Sonic Bids, which is an electronic booking system that SXSW and many other festivals also use. It’s a means for local and national acts to submit their press kit as an application. Then our booking team (there are four of us) reviews the music together and vote. We have tons and tons of submissions, so sometimes we have to say no to bands we love. We try to keep a mix of new and old — we want the whole experience to be diverse. We bring back a lot of the local bands since the local flavor is a big part of this festival.

Do you try to balance the amount of local vs. national bands?

Both this year and last year we had around 200 bands. Those 200 bands were split pretty evenly between touring and local talent (includes Austin, Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth). We want it to be very diverse. No matter what night you come, you’ll find everything from a metal show to a country bill.

Gary Barber

35 Denton is a showcase of local and national talent. Tickets are $55 for a four-day wristband.

How do you organize the shows – by genre or availability?

It depends on the venue. We try to think of genres when booking and try to shake it up by combining different styles. We are able to keep it diverse since the venues have different capacities.

So why should music fans clear their weekend for 35 Denton?

It’s an incredibly unique experience. There’s really nothing else like it happening in DFW. There are a lot of festivals happening, since it is festival season, but I think ours is really unique. There are a lot of bands there you don’t get to see in this area -- bands like Silver Apples, Prurient, and Sleep. It’s also a good way to start off your spring break!

Stay tuned for our list of must-see shows at 35D this year.