Photo Courtesy of Oxford Convention Visitors

Oxford, Mississippi

In the past few years, Oxford has become known for a lot more than just a record label (Fat Possum) with a wealth of old bluesmen. Thanks to the attention Colour Revolt has bestowed on the city, bands like The Black and Whites, John Barrett’s Bass Drum of Death and Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele are putting the city on today’s indie rock map. The Double Decker Arts Festival in April is a good gig to look out for, with this year’s lineup including Colour Revolt and The Avett Brothers.

The city itself is a handy one and a half hour drive from Memphis, Tenn., another city with a new guard in music. It’s a three and a half hour drive to Birmingham, Ala., a city that is making a big comeback as a Southeast tour stop.

The city is home to the University of Mississippi (“Ole Miss”), a legend in college sports. This may sometime overshadow Oxford’s music scene, so watch out for gigs on game days and allow for extra travel time.

Venues

Jubilee Lounge
1006 Jackson Ave.

P.O. Box 1938

Oxford, MS 38655
(662) 236-3757
www.jubilee-oxford.com
A great local spot for local bands, Jubilee Lounge is a welcoming supporter of music whether it comes from down the road or across the country. The venue’s website and MySpace are packed with videos and songs from bands its featured, proudly showing the love and support for bands like Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele. Email niemeyer.bm@gmail.com to book a gig.

Proud Larry’s
211 S. Lamar Blvd.

Oxford, MS 38655
(601) 236-0054
www.proudlarrys.com
Proud Larry’s has welcomed artists from Warron Zevon and Elvis Costello in the past to British Sea Power and Colour Revolt this year. With a capacity of 300, the venue is of a comfortable size for an established touring act. The venue also manages the nearby Library (120 S 11th Street), which recently hosted jam heroes Galactic. Email info@proudlarrys.com for booking information for either venue.

Two Stick Sushi Bar
1007 Harrison Ave.

Oxford, MS 38655
(662) 236-6639
www.myspace.com/twostick
Not your usual venue, Two Stick Sushi is a full-fledged sushi bar by day and eclectic music venue by night. Past performers have included big acts like Modest Mouse and Alice Walker and current returning acts Blue Mountain and Mayhem String Band frequently make appearances. To book a gig, email your EPK to Lee at ecatfishbooking@yahoo.com.

The Rib Cage
311 S. Lamar Blvd.

Oxford, MS
(662) 238-2929
www.theribcageofoxford.net
This 150-capacity venue is a great place for that band just starting out in the city and need to build an audience. There is no cover charge, which may mean having a crowd but will also inevitably mean the folks there might not be there to see you so you’ll have to fight for their attention. Call the number above for booking information.

Parrish Baker Pub
1101 Jackson Ave. East

Oxford, MS
www.parrishbakerpub.com
This club might have once just been a pub, but Parrish’s, as it’s best known as, is now having live music almost every night of the week. The venue hosts a variety of musicians, many of whom become regulars. To book a show, email parrish@parrishbakerpub.com.

Media

The Local Voice
POB 443

Oxford, MS 38655
(662) 232-8900
www.thelocalvoice.net
The city’s weekly source for news, culture and entertainment, The Local Voice showcases local and regional bands as well as providing a great concert listings section. Email thelocalvoice@thelocalvoice.net to get your show listed, album reviewed or band profiled.

Thacker Mountain Radio
P.O. Box 2196

Oxford, MS 38655
www.thackermountain.com
As much of a venue as a radio show, this weekly showcase is broadcast live on Rebel Radio 92.1 FM on Thursdays and rebroadcast Saturdays on Mississippi Public Radio. Past musicians have included Caroline Herring and Rocket 88. To get booked on the show, email Mary Warner at mary@thackermountain.com.

Gear/Repairs

Tupelo Consignment Music
1605 Jackson Ave. W.

Tupelo, MS 38801
(662) 842-1530
www.tupelomusic.com
Although not strictly in Oxford, Tupelo Consignment Music is just down the highway and only a quick drive away. The store has been named Tupelo’s number one music retailer by North Mississippi Daily Journal for three years running, and offers instrument and amp repair as well as having a large selection of guitars and amps for sale.

Ron’s Music Center
717 North Lamar Blvd.

Oxford, MS 38655
(662) 234-0051
www.ronsmusiccenter.com
Although Ron’s Music Center is known for installing sound systems in churches and schools, the store does carry Kustom, Peavey, Johnson, AXL, Paris Swing, Recording King, Guardian Cases, CODA and The Loar instruments and other products.