Bonfire Orchestra at Ajax Diner
www.facebook.com/
BonfireOrchestraFans
www.twitter.com/
BonfireOrch
www.youtube.com/
user/BonfireOrchestra
This indie folk/rock band hails from Tupelo, Mississippi, and visits Oxford often to play Ajax Diner and other venues. Did we mention the band members are really nice guys? The music is rock ‘n’ roll, but laid back. Visit their YouTube link (above) to see the boys performing their originals—and to learn the words before the show.
Halloween Karaoke Party at El Milagro
www.facebook.com/
milagromexicanrestaurant
Every Thursday at El Milagro you’ll find fun karaoke times. But this week, there’s a costume contest with prizes, and gifts! No cover, and the karaoke party starts at 9. Come early and eat the best Mexican food in Oxford (our readers voted El Milagro their favorite last year).
Kenny Loggins at the Ford Center
www.kennyloggins.com
www.facebook.com/KennyLoggins
www.twitter.com/kennyloggins
Kenny Loggins spent much of the 1970s as part of the duo Loggins & Messina with former Buffalo Springfield member Jim Messina, though in 1976 the gentlemen decided to pursue solo careers. Since then, Loggins has released thirteen albums: three were certified gold, and four went platinum. In the 80s he became known affectionately as “King of the Movie Soundtrack,” garnering attention for tunes like “I’m Alright” from Caddyshack and “Danger Zone” from Top Gun. Loggins is also responsible for the super-catchy “Footloose” from the film—maybe you’ll hear some of these gems at the Ford Center.
Jimbo Mathus at Lamar Lounge (Happy Hour)
www.jimbomathus.com
www.facebook.com/jimbomathus
www.fatpossum.com/artists/jimbo-mathus
www.twitter.com/JimboMathus
Jimbo makes Mississippi music, no other way to put it. He has been involved in making music since a young age, and he hasn’t stopped yet. He’s supremely talented and he makes every one of his shows a lot of fun. Since beginning Squirrel Nut Zippers in the 90s he’s played with Buddy Guy and Elvis Costello; you might remember him from South Memphis String Band. But it’s his projects in the last decade that have captured the hearts of so many: Knockdown South, Tri-State Coalition, and Them Durty Crooks, to name just a few. Spend your Thursday Happy Hour with Jimbo—it will make the rest of your night so much better!
Spirits of Yoknapatawpha County at The Powerhouse
This year’s production will feature characters from William Faulkner’s fictional Yoknapatawpha County, rather than from Oxford’s history. You’ll see ten characters presenting stories from famous Faulkner works, and the proceeds from the production go to the Cedar Oaks Guild. To learn more about this production, click to read Nature Humphries’ article from TLV #215.
Water Liars at Proud Larry’s
www.waterliarsmusic.com/
www.facebook.com/waterliarsmusic
Water Liars are one of our favorite bands to come from the Oxford area in many, many years. With just the right mixture of punk and country (and trust me, the sound works for these guys) and a seemingly tireless touring ethic, these guys have earned their somewhat-newfound success. Catch them while they’re in Oxford—they’ll be back on the road too soon. Frontman Justin Kinkel-Schuster, bassist G.R. Robinson, and Andrew Bryant (drums, vocals) will rock your striped witch socks off—be prepared for a great show.
Edwina and Game Control at Ajax Diner
www.soundcloud.com/edwinatheband
Described as “laid back,” the rock band Edwina is comprised of Capel Howorth and Andrew Delmastro on guitars, Marcus Cremaldi on bass, and Nathan Rone on drums. Howorth says their sound is “a four-piece band that comes together at the end.” We know Howorth from current project And The Echo (with Morgan Pennington and Winn McElroy), and from bygone band PF Flyers, and we can only expect great things from this show.
Eric Deaton Trio at Blind Pig
Musician Eric Deaton learned a lot of what he knows about music from late, great North Mississippi Bluesman Junior Kimbrough. After Kimbrough passed, Deaton played with Burnside Exploration, Afrissippi, and Jimbo Mathus’ Knockdown South. But Deaton has found his own voice, front and center, as frontman of Eric Deaton Trio, with comrade Nathan Robbins on bass and Kinney Kimbrough (Junior’s son) on drums. Deaton is your answer for legit Hill Country Blues in Oxford.
Shane Chastain at Frank & Marlee’s
Also known as “Shugga Shane” around the state, Chastain is known for leading the party from behind the piano at Frank & Marlee’s on many weekends (though he is also a talented guitar player). Join the party at Frank & Marlee’s and dance along to crowd favorites this Halloween—and who knows, Shugga Shane might just play your request!
Mustache The Band at The Library
www.facebook.com/MustacheTheBand
www.twitter.com/MustacheTheBand
The one-liner on their Facebook page says, “Mustache is the 90s Country Party Band that’ll grow on you.” Haha. But they must be doing something right: last year our readers voted them “Favorite Local Band.” Expect to go on a virtual trip back to the 90s when country was king. Just remember: “Mustache has two rules. Don’t forget to shut the gate and stay outta the beans.”
Fadetoblaq at Locals
www.fadetoblaq.com
www.facebook.com/phade2black
Supergroup Fadetoblaq is Oxford’s only improv hip-hop/jazz band. They specialize in raw grooves by band members Bill Perry, Jr. on keys, Zechariah Lloyd Tillotson, Charles Washington on saxophone, Demetrios Brown (a.k.a. DJ Hec4show), and Keith Sanders. Every show is different, but you’re guaranteed to see raw energy and talent on the stage at every show.
Kudzu Kings with Moon Pie Curtis & The Fixins at Proud Larry’s
www.kudzukings.com
www.facebook.com/pages/Kudzu-Kings/14248862999
This band has been playing hits in Oxford for almost two decades—and with time has come lots of shows and practice, which means they’re almost perfect. Whether you’re an old fan and you know all the words to “Bound for Zion” and “I Love Beer,” or this is your first KK show, you should have a good time. Current band members include Max Williams, Tate Moore, George McConnell (of Widespread Panic fame), Robert Chaffe, and Dave Woolworth.
Calvin Webster at Rib Cage
www.twitter.com/calvinwebster
www.reverbnation.com/calvinwebster
Expect to hear feel-good songs, audience favorites, and some original tunes from Webster. He moved to Nashville in 2004 to pursue his music career but still comes back to play in Oxford because he loves it here. His bio says it best: “While most artists are able to be likened to others (‘He sounds like ____’), Webster’s voice is one you just can’t quite “place.” His inflection and delivery of even the most simple arrangement is memorable and distinctive. In Nashville, a town full of different and unique, Calvin Webster is…different and unique.”
Cadillac Funk at Rooster’s
www.cadillacfunk.net
www.facebook.com/cadillacfunkband
Frontman Andrew Yurkow hails from Indianola (Mississippi home of B.B. King), so he knows a thing or two about the blues. And he and his band bring the funk everywhere they go. Whether playing covers like Parliament classics or Cadillac originals, these guys know how to get the crowd dancing.
–
This article was originally printed in The Local Voice #215 (published October 23, 2014).
To download the PDF of this issue, click here.
