One of Denton’s greatest traditions has announced its return next month. The 18th annual Rock Lottery comes to Dan’s Silverleaf on Saturday, November 2 with a new group of musicians ready to tackle the famous, 12-hour challenge.

Here’s how it goes: 25 musicians meet at Dan’s in the morning and put their names in a hat. Five brand-new bands are randomly assigned. Each group has to come up with a name, rehearse 3-5 songs (one cover allowed), and return to the venue to perform in front of an audience at 10 p.m.

Unlikely collaborations follow. Ballads are written posthaste. Friendships are formed (I assume). Magic is made!

The concept started 21 years ago in Denton and has spread across the country, spawning official Rock Lottery events in Brooklyn, LA, and Seattle, plus copycat events everywhere from Austin to Ottawa.

Over the course of its history, Rock Lottery has hosted Brave Combo, Sarah Jaffe, The Roots, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Polyphonic Spree, Father John Misty, Head and the Heart, and others. The event’s organizers carefully select a wide variety of musicians in order to ensure unusual combinations.

This year, the event benefits Denton’s non-profit community radio station, KUZU. Here’s the full lineup: