#oaktopia2014

Oaktopia's second installment was nothing less than a success. The promo campaign was like none I'd seen in the local scene, including videos, pre-parties and an iPhone/Android App. There were 10 total venues and over 100+ bands participating.

Side Story: Found out last year after reading a Dallas Observer article about Oaktopia, that my cousin that lived in Denton was one of the founders and also a MC!! Hip Hop runs in the blood I guess. So needless to say, I was more than happy to help and was honored to be somewhat involved.

Weekend of there was so much going on. The Cut Chemist and DJ Shadow were doing a Afrika Baambaata tribute, there was the Oddball Fest at Gexa, all on the Friday Oaktopia Kickoff. I stayed home myself to save my energy. I heard all the performances at Andy's were off the chain, including Fab Deuce and A.Dd+.

Saturday I received at text from my cousin asking if I could show up ASAP. I got ready and headed out. Met up at "Headquarters" and started.... I did everything from help sort different colored bands to stapling packets for the ticket booths. My job throughout the day was main stage tickets taking cash. I was able to get away a few times to check out the vendors and the square, grab some food and snap some footage and pictures of the main acts backstage.

At the end of the day, Oaktopia was highly organized. There are always ways projects 2 years in can improve, no doubt. Everyone fulfilled their role and then some. The vendors were very eclectic. There was a mobile barber, a photo bus, lots of jewelry, Advocare, art and food trucks. There were shows in between shows with belly dancers, magic and I believe I saw fire maybe...  The people I saw come through the gates ranged in a variety of stereotypes and social types. Lots of young people, even children and even a few people who might be considered elderly... Anyone who came through downtown Denton that day at least stopped to ask what was going on and how much the ticket price was. I would almost say that at least 1000 people came through my line with either presale tickets. Aesop Rock, Rob Sonic and DJ Abilities were the first ones I wanted to witness.  People starting filling in right before they began and as soon as the cash line slowed down I slipped off backstage. I had on every color of wrist band possible, you know, covering the bases.

Yellow: Volunteer, Green: Over 21, Blue: Press, Orange: All Access (Backstage).  This was until I was told Aesop Rock's people didn't want press onstage. I tore the blue one off and stuck it in my pocket. The ONLY time being "press" was a bad thing. Easily fixed though. I was able to rock a song or two from the best spot at the festival, and even witnessed some drone action. Aesop Rock and Rob Sonic had the whole main stage area bouncing. I've been rocking DJ Abilities since 2000 easily, and you can still find "....for persons with DJ Abilities" on rotation on my iPod. Someone said they were upset he didn't "crush it" and looking back I agree to an extent. I saw him cut a little and I can see how maybe he was less than enthused on stage. I thought it was a dope collaboration none the less and I got my pic with DJ Abilities AND Rob Sonic.

Aesop Rock, on the other hand, was less than willing to interact with fans after his set. Some artists are like this, I get it. A little sad though, no lie.

Immortal Technique was about to go on and the people starting filing through the ticket lines. He had a +7 at the gates and I found out he gave away at least 4 of those on Twitter, along with backstage passes to meet him. That was pretty dope. He did an amazing, energetic, "Revolutionary" set that the crowd was into.  He said to raise their hands, hands were up. Immortal Techinque put on a very commanding, very energetic performance. It reminded me of a pastor and his congregation at times.

I watched Immortal Technique interact with his fans backstage. He was very gracious, patient, and friendly with everyone. A fan yelled at him from the other side of the gates, claiming "Tech, I need to talk to you!  I have something I want to tell you!" where Tech replied, "Let that guy in. Just him though, not the whole Rat Pack." He went to the side with the guy and listened to what he had to say and for the next few minutes talked with this lucky fan. I was able to get my picture, of course.

After turning my cash, paperwork and walkie talkie back in I headed to Andy's to catch Bodega Brovas. They always put on a great show, they have an energy about them. Keynote told me after that when you're young you have to prove yourself, but once you've done that, you can just have fun sometimes. And that's what they did. The ladies in the front were digging it, one even tried to take off Headkrack's pants. A little later, we got word that Immortal Technique was on his way to Andy's, and sure enough he took at seat on the balcony and caught the last show, Blue the Misfit. It was really crowded so I went outside and socialized. About 2 am I look over and it's Immortal Tech talking to a few festival goers. I tell one of the guys and he's like "You have the All Access badge, you go with me." Of course I did. I sat there and watched while Immortal Tech talked real with these guys about why he gives away his music for free, doesn't sign with a label, and he even listened while Emeka Ibe spit a few bars for him (after Tech warned him not to spit on him and told a story where he finally hit someone who didn't listen). Right before he left, Immortal Technique asked who was the last artist that performed. I told him, "Blue the Misfit. He's with the Brain Gang."  After I got home that night, I saw Blue post he was getting a bite to eat with Immortal Technique. Props, yo.

The festival was the best I've ever been to. Of course when you have backstage access that makes everything better.  Other than that, though, Denton is a very welcoming city for this type of thing. The square is cute with plenty of bars in walking distance. I saw plenty of people from all over the metroplex- Denton, Dallas AND Fort Worth. I kept hearing "Destination Festival" before and I can completely agree that Oaktopia will be in the years to come. I know I fell in love with Denton in the process and am looking forward to more music and events in the little d.

**UPDATE**

After I posted this story, Aesop Rock, who Rolling Stone claims has the biggest vocabulary in Hip Hop (according to a study), not only READ my blog but took the time out to tweet me this: