What The Doctor Ordered.

Oaktopia Taps Dr. Dog, Best Coast, Wavves, Andrew WK, More For First Round of September Fest Reveals

Apologies to that other event in the college town, but it’s pretty clear at this point: When it comes to Denton music festivals, Oaktopia currently reigns supreme. Today’s first round of performer announcements more than confirms it.

This afternoon, festival organizers revealed the first eight performers slated to play this year’s event on September 22-24, and the names included add up to something pretty special: On Friday, September 23, Oaktopia will play host to indie heroes Dr. Dog, pop-punkers Wavves, alt-country darling Nikki Lane and ’70s throwbackers White Denim; on Saturday, September 24, meanwhile, the multi-stage and -venue affair will welcome into the fold beach-poppers Best Coast, noted party-starter Andrew WK and indie faves Mates of State, plus a new music project called Grandpa vs Prowler from That ’70s Show‘s Danny Masterson (a Denton music fest fixture at this point, for better or worse) and his Hollywood pal, actor Michael Pena.

At least one more big name — in a genre not yet represented above, hmmmmm — will be announced Friday morning before tickets officially go on sale through the Oaktopia website starting at noon. Festival co-founder Brent Camp says an announcement of at least 10 more national acts will follow, along with a slate of local performers.

Anyway, it’s pretty cool to see a Denton festival growing for once, huh? It’s been, what, five years since we last saw that? Right on. We’re all for it.

Update at 12:31 p.m. on Friday, June 10: Tickets are now on sale and, as promised, Oaktopia has indeed added another name to its early-announced lineup — and, hey, it’s finally one that’s in line with the festival’s hip-hop roots. Joining the above performers on the bill will be Atlanta rap duo Rae Sremmurd, the group behind “No Type,” “No Flex Zone” and the generally strong 2015 SremmLife LP. Weren’t expecting this? C’mon, you knoooooooooooooow better.