Dfest Music Festival and Conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma

The battalion of summer music festivals is making its march, and this time we’re headed to Tulsa, Oklahoma for the largest in the Midwest: Dfest.

Dfest is a two-day, multi-genre music festival encompassing over 150 bands and 12 concert stages. Big acts are brought in to headline – The All American Rejects, The Roots, The Flaming Lips, The Black Crowes – but the festival is best known for supporting independent and emerging artists. In fact, its first year Dfest was only 12 local bands and a boisterous group of 150 super fans.

That was 2002. Now heading into its 8^th show, Dfest is predicted to be bigger than ever with acts from all over the world and an expected turn out of 75,000 or more.

We’re all about the music. This year’s incredible line-up includes: The Black Crowes, Cake, Gogol Bordello, Blue October, Citizen Cope, Metro Station, Rooney, Ra Ra Riot, Mates of State, Bassnectar, Ozomatli and way more. For more information, see the performance schedule.

Most music festivals are content just to get people out on the grass; maybe buy a band shirt or two. Not Dfest. One of the most unique features of Dfest is the associated music conference. Connecting industry professionals to emerging artists and those just starting out, the Dfest Music Conference is a candid discussion of the evolving music industry and what new and existing artists have to do to stay afloat in it.

This year’s keynote speaker is actor, singer, speaker and all-around crazy guy Andrew W.K. The conference then moves into an artists series of panels and workshops, keynoted by P.O.D. bassist Traa Daniels, and a business series keynoted by industry veteran and former Ministry drummer Martin Atkins. The conference provides invaluable industry knowledge and genuine networking opportunities for unsigned acts the world over. For more information, see the conference schedule.

But wait, there’s more. Debuting this year, the Dfest Yoga Conference will run concurrent with the music festival and offer lectures, panel discussions and demonstrations for yoga practitioners, teachers and enthusiasts. Renowned yoga and conscious-living experts will run workshops and practice sessions, set to music of course. For more information, see the yoga schedule.

Wow, lots to cover.

Dfest 2009 takes place in Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Blue Dome District on July 24 and 25. One and two-day tickets are currently available from the Web site. Music and Yoga conference badges are available separately and require registration; however each includes two-day access to the festival. All seating is general.

For hotels in Tulsa, Oklahoma, we prefer the Hilton Tulsa Southern Hills, and we’re willing to make the short trip to the Blue Dome District just to stay there. They’re offering a complimentary airport shuttle and terrific summer rates.

Have fun!

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