The Second Annual Connective Art & Music Festival returns to downtown Oxford on Aug. 3, with an expanded music lineup from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on three stages.

The family-friendly event benefits two local non-profits, the Oxford Arts Alliance and Oxford Mainstreet Inc.

Multi-platinum recording artists and four-time Grammy nominee Blind Melon will headline the Main Stage. The band was one of rock’s feel-good success stories, best known for “Tones of Home,” “Change” and their smash hit, “No Rain.” With their reformation in 2007, Blind Melon has picked up with their fans where they left off.

Earlier on the Main Stage, four-time Grammy nominee Trout Fishing in America will welcome kids and kids-at-heart with their eclectic folk and rock children's music. Songs like “My Hair Had a Party Last Night,” “18 Wheels on a Big Rig” and “When I Was a Dinosaur” have earned them a place in the hearts of kids and parents everywhere.

Also performing will be Swift Technique, a Philadelphia-based band that blends funk, soul, rock and hip-hop. Rounding out the lineup is the National Reserve, a Brooklyn-based band that focuses on songcraft and showmanship. They marry gutbucket R&B, Laurel Canyon lyricism, New Orleans funk workouts, soul, and bluesy rock to create their own brand of American music.

Auditions are now open for the Battle of the Bands, where local groups can compete for cash prizes and the chance to be the first opener for the headliner on the Main Stage. The entry deadline is July 5.

Early tickets are on sale now. Group tickets (four or more) are $8 each. All-access passes are $10 each, giving access to all the festival activities and performances from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., including multiple stages, Art & Nature Skill Share Tent, Music Skill Share Tent, Kids Tent, Clash of the Canvases Competition, and more. Children under 5 are free.

Additional music will be presented all day on the Americana Stage and the World Stage, with acts to be announced soon.

For tickets and more information, visit www.connectivefestival.org.