We’ve moved!

This site has moved to a new platform, allowing for easier contribution from friends in Oxford. We hope you’ll like the new site!

Go to the new Oxford Music Snob >>

Filed under: General

Two Great Shows in Oxford Tonight

Maybelle’s Lovers will be at Parrish’s.

Chris Steiner and Patrick McClary will be at Snack Bar.

Filed under: General

Oxford Music Festival This Thursday-Saturday (With Videos)

Oxford is a music town. It’s a music town in the middle of a golden age. The variety and quality of music that can be found in this town right now is really hard to fathom. At no other time of the year will that talent be more on display than at next weekend’s Oxford Music Festival. Twenty-nine local bands will play over the course of three nights. The lineup includes styles to meet most any musical palette and jaw-dropping talent that will stir the soul. My advice is to be adventurous with the festival and don’t just go see the bands you’ve heard and love. Treat the weekend as your personal music buffet, and you’re sure to come away with some new favorites. We’ll attempt to do the musicians and bands justice with the descriptions on these pages, but the only way to get it, to understand what amazing talent this town has, is to go to the festival and give them a listen.

Thursday – August 27, 2009 at Proud Larry’s

8-8:20 Kelley Norris (Genre: Singer-songwriter) Kelley kicks things off at Larry’s with dinner music. Fresh out of the studio recording with Tim Burkhead, Jesse Pinion, and Ben Yarbrough, she has an awesome voice and is a great way to start the festival. For fans of: Patty Griffin, Lucinda Williams

8:20-8:40 Tad Wilkes (Genre: Singer-songwriter) Tad is one of my favorite songwriters in Oxford. His songs are highly entertaining and many times tied to the landscape of this town. To quote Captain Midnight, “Moon Pie Curtis writes tunes from the heart, head, and liver.” For fans of: Jerry Jeff Walker, Billy Joe Shaver, Waylon Jennings

8:40-9 Brad Hayden (Genre: Singer-songwriter) Brad is one of the best vocalists in Oxford and probably the most underrated. His style is unique and complimented well by the standup bass of Dave Woolworth. For fans of: It’s so unique and different that I am stumped to name anyone.

9-9:40 The Hemptones (Genre: Electronical/Jazz) Fans of great horns will not want to miss this one as Jeff Callaway (horns) and Dave Woolworth (bass) join forces with a couple of the Zoogma guys, Matt Harris (drums) and Justin Hasting (guitar). Jeff is one of the best horn players around and has the resume to prove it. For fans of: Bob Marley and Peter Tosh

9:50-10:30 Live Donkey Show (Genre: Blues/Jam- Rock) Guitar, guitar, and more guitar. These guys can jam. It’s not all guitar though; Mills Hawkins (guitar), Will Freeman (guitar), and Nate Robbins (bass) are complimented very well by Eric Carlton (keys) and Harrison Smith (drums). For fans of: Mills Hawkins

10:40-11:30 Jay Lang & The Ringers (Genre: Hill Country Blues) These guys carry the torch of Hill Country Blues as well as any Oxford band. Jay Lang (guitar/vocals), Austin Marshall (drums/vocals), Will Freeman (guitar), and Nathan Robbins (bass) have been exposed to the work the North Mississippi legends for all their lives and it is evident in their music. For fans of: Mississippi Fred McDowell, RL Burnside, Junior Kimbrough

11:45-12:45 Zoogma (Genre: Electronica/Rock/Jazz) Zoogma’s sound can be described as an eclectic fusion of Electronica, Rock, World, Jazz, and Hip-Hop. Their sound combines the sonic diversity and precision of a DJ with the excitement and immediacy of a five-piece rock group. Known for their energetic performances and retina pleasing light show, Zoogma consistently dishes out heavy-weight beat-driven dance parties. For fans of: STS9 and Widespread Panic

Friday – August 28, 2009 at The Lyric Oxford

6-6:30 Stork & Nick B. (Genre: Hip Hop / Rap) This dynamic duo has had music lovers in Oxford reeling since their latest release, Intent to Distribute. With Stork (aka Charlie Dawson) blasting lyrical madness while Nick B. provides the infectious beats, this pair is on a roll. Nick B. mixes in plenty of catchy samples that range from Black Sabbath to Mr. Rogers, and they are often joined on stage by guest vocalists. This is one act you DON’T want to miss. For fans of: Aesop Rock, Beastie Boys, and Eminem

6:30-6:50 Young Buffalo (Genre: Rock) Young newcomers to the scene who have spent their adolescent and teenage years listening to, writing, and playing music, the result being a talented and tight band that rocks like Wilco crossed with Kings of Leon. Young Buffalo has benefitted from coming of age around the Oxford music scene and exposure to the many styles and genres to be heard. Composed of Ben Yarbrough, Jim Barrett, and Alex von Hardberger. For fans of: Jack White, Moby

7-7:30 Shannon McNally (Genre: Americana) I’m in love with Shannon McNally. There, I said it. Check out her show, and you’ll be saying the same! Amazing vocals, great stage presence, and the perfect backing band comprised of Eric Deaton (guitar), Jake Fussell (bass), and husband Wallace Lester (drums). For fans of: Dusty Springfield, Jewel (without the record company execs)

View more videos of Shannon McNally >>

7:30-7:45 St. Andrew (Genre: Singer-Songwriter/ Rock/Comedy) Andy is a great entertainer. I threw in the comedy part of his genre, because I always end up laughing my ass off a few times during his shows. It’s just Andy and his guitar, and it’s very high energy. He does a great cover of Tyler Keith’s “Youth is Wasted on the Young.” For fans of: Frank Zappa, John Lennon, David Bowie, and Bonnie and Clyde

7:45-8:15 Sleepwalkers (Genre: Rock/Punk) Colin Sneed (guitar/vocals) is known for his unpredictable guitar slinging, pulling off one of the best live shows in town. Sneed and Andrew Mullins (guitar / vocals) have excellent control over their vocals creating a very worthy punk rock show. For fans of: New York Dolls, The Sex Pistols, The Neckbones, and 1950s Sci-Fi Movies

8:20-8:50 Avenue Hearts (Genre: Americana) Adrian Dickey of Avenue Hearts has one of my favorite voices in Oxford; it’s a lot like Ryan Adams. In addition to Adrian, this band is comprised of Clark Tims (vocals), Jason Keary (guitar), Richard Gentry (bass), and Tim Burkhead (drums). For fans of: Ryan Adams

8:55-9:35 The Cooters (Genre: Punk Metal) Oxford’s longest running active band is also one of Oxford’s hardest rocking bands. With punk metal attitude and ferocious energy, The Cooters put the heavy in the metal. Don’t miss their hit anthem “I Don’t Give a F**k,” sure to get your fist in the air. For fans of: Dead Kennedys, Motorhead, Black Flag, and old school heavy metal

9:40-9:55 Patrick McClary (Genre: Southern Rock/ Singer-songwriter) Patrick’s songs have grit; they’re great country backroads songs. His songwriting is really some of the best in town, and he backs that up with excellent vocals and some mean slide guitar. For fans of: The Band, Daybreakdown

9:55-10:40 Charlie Mars (Genre: Pop/Singer-songwriter) Charlie’s latest album, Like a Bird, Like a Plane, is creating a stir, specifically the single “Listen to the Dark Side” which was recently featured on the Showtime series Weeds. That came on the heels of an extensive national tour and the release of the video for the single, which starred Charlie and Mary Louise Parker. The sound is clean and elegant centered on Charlie’s smooth vocals. For fans of: Paul Simon, Willie Nelson, Stevie Wonder

10:40-10:55 Afrissippi (Genre: Afrobeat / Blues) Guelel Kumba is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter from Senegal. Almost ten years ago, he came to Oxford to play Thacker Mountain Radio. We fell in love with him, and he fell in love with Oxford, still calling it home today. The relationship between traditional blues and his native Fulani music is evident at every show. His voice is one that you will have stuck in your head for days after the festival. For fans of: Junior Kimbrough and world music

10:55-11:40 Jimbo Mathus (Genre: Honky Tonk) Jimbo Mathus is probably my favorite living entertainer. He’s got a thing that’s hard to describe. He is one of a kind; that much is for sure. The only thing that rivals his stage presence is his songwriting. For fans of: Rolling Stones, Buddy Guy, Hank Williams

View more videos of Jimbo Mathus >>

11:40-11:55 Tyler Keith (Genre: Rock/Garage/Punk) Tyler is one of the all-time great performers of the Oxford music scene. If his energy could be bottled and sold, it would be Oxford’s #1 export. For fans of: Kid Twist, Elvis’s ‘68 Comeback, The Gories, and The Oblivians

11:55-12:50 Colour Revolt (Genre: Post-punk / Alternative Rock) Oxford’s indie rock darlings have come a long way since they began playing together in high school. From stints at SXSW, opening for Dinosaur Jr., Okkervil River, and Black Lips, and making Paste Magazine’s Top 50 of 2008, Colour Revolt has found the Holy Grail of musicians— national recognition. Be prepared “to be bludgeoned to death by sound, by music.” For fans of: Radiohead, The Grifters, Modest Mouse

Saturday – August 29, 2009 at The Lyric Oxford

5-6:00 Stork & Nick B. 6-6:30 Silas Reed (Genre: Soul / Funk / Rock) Silas Reed is one of Oxford’s most entertaining up-and-coming artists. He has burst onto the scene and is making a big impression everywhere he goes. His live act is full of raw energy and enthusiasm. Silas demands the attention of everyone in the room when he plays, and we can expect big things from him if the future. For fans of: Stevie Wonder, James Brown, and Prince

6:35-7:05 Sleeping Bulls (Genre: Lounge / Folk / Classical) Mark Adamec is one of the top two or three vocalists in town, if not the best. His voice has a strength that is hard to match. The violin of Lyon Chadwick is the perfect compliment to his style. For fans of: Tom Waits, Radiohead

View more videos of Sleeping Bulls >>

7:10-7:40 Kill The Ego (Genre: Punk/Indie) This band is all about democracy. They have an authentic placement in the band scene of punk on the streets of Oxford. Starring Max Hipp (vocals/guitar), Beau Bourgeois (drums), John Sonnett (bass), and Cobrasnake, the conscientious objector. For fans of: Fugazi, The Minutemen, and The Pixies

7:45-8:15 Sanders Bohlke (Genre: Soul/Folk/Indie) Sanders Bohlke’s music is mellow yet vibrant. It has soul. His voice has a way of soaring over the crowd and bringing everyone in like a net, capturing their attention for as long as he wishes. Add a wailing blues guitar, and it’s a show that’s hard to forget. For fans of: Ray LaMontagne, Amos Lee

8:20 -9:05 Balance (Genre: Jazz / Funk) Bill Perry (keys) is one of the most energetic and talented performers in town. He always brings a great compliment of horns, bass, and drums with him. For fans of: Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Duke Ellington

9:10-9:55 Rocket 88 (Genre: Roots Rock and Roll) Jamie Posey has distinguished himself as one of the best guitarists in town, without question. Rosamond Posey’s vocals simply make my heart melt. The keyboard and organ work of Robert Chaffe gives the band “that thing” that makes it hard to stay off the dance floor. Solid work from Ryan Rogers (drums) and Nathan Robbins (bass) completes the band. For fans of: Lucinda Williams, Gram Parsons, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bo Didley

View more videos of Rocket 88 >>

10-10:45 Mayhem String Band (Genre: Outlaw Bluegrass) This is not your grandfather’s bluegrass. Mayhem puts on one of the most energetic shows in town featuring outstanding songwriting and musicianship. J.T. Lack (banjo), Chris Steiner (guitar), Kevin Larkin (mandolin/accordion), and Ben Johnson (stand-up bass) have been logging some major miles this year in support of their new album, and it is a treat any time we get them back on their home turf for a show. For fans of: Old Crow Medicine Show, Del McCoury Band

View more videos of Mahyem String Band >>

Mayhem, Rocket 88, and Kudzu Kings are sure to do some colaboration on this night. Here’s one I bet they do together…

10:50-11:50 Kudzu Kings (Genre: Cosmic Americana) There are a handful of bands whose sound defines Oxford over the past decade or so. One of those bands is the Kudzu Kings. Tate Moore (guitar/vocals), Dave Woolworth (bass), Max Williams (guitar), Robert Chaffe (keys), and CD Overton (drums) have a unique sound that is a blend of country, bluegrass, and improv rock and roll. The members of the band work on various projects (one of those being a highlight of last year’s festival), and get together as often as possible to experience the unique chemistry that is the Kudzu Kings. For fans of: Gram Parsons

Go to Kudzu Kings site for a great video of them at Red Rocks >>

…or check out this one from Tate and crew.

Filed under: General

Mayhem 88 at Proud Larry’s Wednesday Night

My definition of heaven.  Two of my favorite Oxford bands, Rocket 88 and Mayhem String Band sharing the stage all night.  There will be others sitting in as well.  This is sure to be a special show.

A taste of Mayhem 88 from Music in the Hall: Episode 2…

Mayhem 88 – “King Moonshine”

Filed under: General, Music, Upcoming Shows

Lots of New Videos at MusicInTheHall.com

The new MITH vimeo site offers better video quality and no time limit for videos.  Check it out at www.vimeo.com/musicinthehall.  We’ll be adding more content soon.

We have many new videos online, taken from Episode 2-4 DVDs, which are available for purchase at www.amazon.com/shops/musicinthehall.

Videos uploaded in the past week…

Rocket 88 w/ Jeff Callaway – “Music in the Hall Theme Song” @ MITH 4

Rocket 88 – “Grace” @ MITH 4

Shannon McNally – “Bohemian Wedding Prayer” @ MITH 4

Avenue Hearts – “Tennessee” @ MITH 4

Amy Lavere – “Overcome” @ MITH 3

Mister Baby – “Lucky You” @ MITH 2

---

Videos can always be found at the Episode/Artist guide.

Buy the DVDs >>

Filed under: General

R.I.P.: a Remix Manifesto @ The Lyric Tonight

June 29th @ The Lyric Theatre, 7:00 pm

The Oxford Film Festival’s Summer Series presents:

R.I.P.: a Remix Manifesto

Web activist and filmmaker Brett Gaylor explores issues of copyright in the information age, mashing up the media landscape of the 20th century and shattering the wall between users and producers. The film’s central protagonist is Girl Talk, a mash-up musician topping the charts with his sample-based songs. Is Girl Talk a paragon of people power or the Pied Piper of piracy? You decide. Creative Commons founder, Lawrence Lessig, Brazil’s Minister of Culture Gilberto Gil and pop culture critic Cory Doctorow are also along for the ride.

Filed under: General, Music, Upcoming Shows, Video, Video of the Day

Oxford Music Snob from The Local Voice #69

This column originally appeared in The Local Voice #69 (December 11, 2008 ).

Looking back…

I’m actually going to look back a little further than two weeks in this issue. In honor of Two Stick’s Ten Year Anniversary, I’d like to briefly look back at a few of my favorite shows there over the years.

When Two Stick opened in ‘98, I was in school at Ole Miss. My best friends and our girlfriends almost immediately adopted the Two Stick bar as our spot for dinner on the weekends. We would literally take over the small space, eat sushi (the first time this was an option in Oxford), drink, and be merry, sticking around for music, if there was any. At this time, Two Stick was about a quarter of the size that it was post-expansion (and then post-move), and the “stage” was in the elevated area where people would sit on cushions to eat during the dinner hours.

On that stage, I saw the band that is still my favorite to this day. Thamusemeant, of Santa Fe, came through, and Aimee Curl had me at sound check. Although still obscure on a national scale and now part of a Virginia outfit named Furnace Mountain, she is still my favorite living female vocalist.

The expansion made more room for music, and the schedule was usually filled with bands I loved or would soon love. One show on the big stage that I’ll always remember is the Wild Magnolias’ Mardi Gras show that ended in a parade of band and audience members around the square. I remember many great Cary Hudson Trio shows during the Blue Mountain hiatus and then the Double Decker night surprise reunion of Cary and Laurie a couple years ago, the first time they had played together in seven years. Thankfully, it was a lasting reunion that we’re still enjoying.

A couple of recent shows at Two Stick rekindled some of those old memories. The Herman Green Benefit featuring Willie Waldman featured some great horns and cool visual art going on in the background. This past Saturday, Pithecanfunkus Erectus played to a packed house as well.

There were a few other highlights on the music scene in the past couple of weeks as well. After the Rebels 45-0 domination of the Bulldogs, I celebrated by beating a path back and forth between Rocket 88 at Proud Larry’s and Mayhem String Band at Parrish’s. I saw a couple of good shows with energetic crowds at Rooster’s. Kirk Smithhart Band and Gary Burnside both had the bodies swaying.

The Caroline Herring show at Larry’s last Wednesday was one for the books. It was an early show, one where the sizeable audience was completely quiet during the show. I had forgotten how amazing a Caroline Herring show can be and was inspired by her “Song For Fay” to go home and pick up my favorite book (Larry Brown’s Fay) for another read.

Looking forward to the next two weeks…

The holiday season is upon us. That means less music on the calendar, but the next couple of weeks are enough to keep me happy. Hayes Carll will be back at Proud Larry’s as a nice consolation prize for the Todd Snider fans. Carll played Larry’s in the spring, and I really enjoyed it, making a comparison to Snider afterwards. Charlie Mars returns to the Larry’s stage the next week (12/18), and after his impressive show there a few weeks ago, I’ll be counting down the days to this one. The same stage receives Sanders Bohlke, Aaron Hall, and Jon Black a couple of nights later (12/20). Nicely done.

Rooster’s keeps bringing us the blues, and the show I’m most looking forward to on their schedule is the Eric Deaton Trio. I’ve long thought Deaton is one of the most underrated guitarists around.

Those making plans for the Cotton Bowl in Dallas should consider The Lexington Brothers’ show on New Year’s Eve at the Hyatt Regency, hosted by the Ole Miss Alumni Association. To ensure your spot at this event, you must contact the Alumni office at 662-915-7375 by 5 pm on December 18. A big one in Oxford that night will be Blue Mountain at The Lyric.

This column originally appeared in The Local Voice #67 (December 11, 2008 ).

Download and read The Local Voice issue no. 69 PDF >

 

ThaMuseMeant

Filed under: General, Music, Oxford Life, Show Reviews, Upcoming Shows

Upcoming Shows Page Updated

I’ve updated the Upcoming Shows page with all the shows for the fall that I’m aware of.  I’ve heard rumors of a couple more that I’ll add as soon as I confirm.

Go to the Upcoming Shows page >

Filed under: General, Music, Upcoming Shows

Video of the Day, Part 2: My Morning Jacket – "I’m Amazed"

After giving the new album a couple listens today, I think my favorite track happens to be the first release, “I’m Amazed.”  I’m liking the album a lot.  The only track that has me racing to the <next track> button is track 3, “Highly Suspicious.”

Go to video details at Youtube >

Go to Radio Cure’s track by track review of the album >

---

I’ve updated the Upcoming Shows page with some new shows and a couple corrections.

Filed under: Album Reviews, Entertainment, General, Video, Video of the Day

Rocket 88 Jackson CD Release This Saturday

Rocket 88 will be crashing into Jackson, MS, for a CD RELEASE party at Martin’s Saturday, June 7. Spread the word and invite some people out to the show.  They will have t-shirts, cds and other stuff for sale at the show.

Go to Rocket 88′s Myspace >

Filed under: Entertainment, General, Upcoming Shows