It’s a common misconception that once you become a parent you stop wanting to go to shows and rock out. Sara Eley and her friend, Danny Tomasello, are both parents of Davis youth and love going to shows. They became increasingly concerned by cuts to arts programs in their community. Seeing a need they put their heads together and created Music Only Makes Sense (MOMS). The purpose is to raise money for arts and music programs in public school by putting on concerts.

Four years ago they started the Davis Music Festival and this year it’s a three day juggernaut of talented acts across many genres.

“Our passion is going to see shows and rock’n out,” explained Eley. “We designed the Davis Music Festival to be a giant party and fundraiser. It wound up being this amazing event that our community looks forward to every summer.”

Eley says she’s happy academics play such an important role in Davis schools, but she said creative expression is equally important.

“Most band members got their start with public music instruction,” Eley said. “They can appreciate that we’re trying to maintain that – so we all have bands and shows to go see in the future.”

She says that’s why bands get behind the cause; they see the need because they benefited from high school band class. From bands who work for discounted rates, to business who sponsor staged and provide the venues, Eley says everyone in town pitches in to make the festival great.

“The buy in from bands, the buy in from our community has been incredible. There’s so many high fives.”

See the full schedule and get ticket information here: http://davismusicfest.com/

Blue Dog Jam host Nick Brunner has a list of bands that are a must see:

FRIDAY

Kill The Precedent - high energy rock/metal.

G.GREEN – smart slacker punk with tight instrumentation, think early career Pavement.

SATURDAY

French Cassettes – good natured pop rock, catchy hooks, you’ll be singing along in no time.

Be Brave Bold Robot – solid folk rock for the granola set fronted by Sac trubador Dean Haakensen

Two Sheds – Sac natives gone south, thoughtful country twang frames the indie rock of John and Caitlin Guttenberger.