The 2012 Double Decker Arts Festival
It’s cold out, almost too cold to go outside, but Oxford and Ole Miss have plenty of events to heat things up this semester. Don’t miss out – there is a little something for everyone’s taste and budget.
Here are a few things you won’t want to miss:
Music
Grammy-winning banjo player Bela Fleck, is arguably one of the world’s most innovative musicians. His musical repertoire runs the gamut from bluegrass to jazz. In 2010, he wrote his first classical concerto for banjo. He will be playing at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts, joined by an orchestral collective known as the Knights. Tickets start at $28. The Ford Center’s season is filled with an array of musical acts, Broadway shows and performing arts. Go to http://www.fordcenter.org for a complete schedule of events and ticket information.
Comedy
Comedian, writer and actor Patton Oswalt is bringing his standup genius to Oxford. Known for his role as Spence Olchin on “The King of Queens,” Oswalt became a household name through his standup specials and TV appearances. He was named Entertainment Weekly’s “It” comedian in 2002. Oswalt will read from his upcoming memoir, “Silver Screen Fiend,” at 5 p.m. Feb. 11 at Off Square Books. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the Square Books website. Later that evening, he will perform at the Lyric Theater. Doors open at 7 p.m., tickets start at $30. http://www.thelyricoxford.com
Film
In its 12th year, the Oxford Film Festival continues its tradition of bringing quality independent film to Oxford. Named one of the “Top 50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” by MovieMaker magazine, the festival attracts filmmakers from across the globe to showcase their films. Set for Feb. 26-March 1 at the Malco Oxford Commons, the festival is open to the public with tickets starting at just $8. Go to http://www.oxfordfilmfest.com for more information.
Oxford Arts Crawl
The Oxford Arts Crawl takes place on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m. The free art tour takes you through the heart of Oxford’s creative community, featuring exhibits and receptions at the Powerhouse, Southside Gallery, University Museum, Meek Hall and other locations. For more information on this and other Yoconapatawpha Arts Council events, go to http://www.oxfordarts.com.
Thacker Mountain Radio
Broadcast live from Off Square Books, the “Thacker Mountain Radio Hour” features weekly author readings and a variety of musical guests. Hosted by Oxford’s own Jim Dees and accompanied by the show’s house band, the Yalobushwackers, “Thacker Mountain Radio” is an authentic Oxford experience. Be a part of the shows live audience at 6 p.m. Thursdays at Off Square Books. Can’t be there? Tune in live on Rebel Radio 92.1 or catch the show’s rebroadcast at 7 p.m. Saturdays on Mississippi Public Radio. Go to http://www.thackermountain.com for the most up-to-date information.
Double Decker Arts Festival
Happy 20th to Oxford’s Double Decker Arts Festival! The festival that started with the bed of an old pickup truck as its stage has evolved into a two-day celebration of food, music and the arts. One of the most anticipated events of the year, Double Decker kicks off on Friday evenings with a special broadcast of “Thacker Mountain Radio” and continues on Saturday with an eclectic mix of musical acts, art and food vendors. This year’s festival is set for April 24-25. The event is free and open to the public. Check http://www.doubledeckerfestival.com for festival information and the upcoming musical lineup.
Find a listing of these events and much more at http://www.visitoxford.com.