Oxford is a hot spot for live music in Mississippi, with iconic venues like Proud Larry’s, The Lyric Oxford and the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts. Here is a peek at upcoming performances scheduled for this fall.
Note: Shows at the Ford Center are for attendees of all ages. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at Proud Larry’s and The Lyric Oxford, and those under 21 are required to pay a $5 cover fee in cash.
Artist: Local Brand x The Pinksheets
Venue: Proud Larry’s
When: Aug. 15 at 9 p.m.
Genre: Indie alternative
Price: $15.39
Local Brand is an indie-alternative band based out of Florence, Ala., that showcases a groove-based foundation and powerful vocals. The group will be accompanied by The Pinksheets, a band based in Tupelo, Miss. The band specializes in a softer, more peaceful indie rock sound.
Artist: Michael Farris Smith & The Smokes
Venue: Proud Larry’s
When: Aug. 20 at 8:30 p.m.
Genre: Country
Price: Free
Smith is an award-winning author, screenwriter and musician. He expanded into the music world in 2024, starting his band, The Smokes, which includes renowned southern musicians Jimbo Mathus and Eric Carlton. The Smokes released its debut EP, “Lostville,” produced by Grammy-nominee Jimbo Mathus, in 2024. The group has since released one single and two live recordings from their performances at Thacker Mountain Radio and Proud Larry’s.
Artist: Singlewide Band
Venue: Proud Larry’s
When: Aug. 22 at 9 p.m.
Genre: Alternative country/Americana
Price: $15.39
Singlewide Band is an alternative country/Americana band local to Oxford. The band was founded in 2025 and released its first EP, “Singlewide,” in May 2026. The band has started gaining traction within the University of Mississippi community after touring throughout Mississippi and surrounding states this summer.
Artist: Pothole Paradise
Venue: Proud Larry’s
When: Aug. 29 at 9 p.m.
Genre: Indie rock
Price: $21.59
Pothole Paradise formed in Jackson, Miss., between childhood friends Sam Strogner, Ricky Miller and, later, Pete Dowing and Andrew Puckett. The band’s music career dates back to May 23, 2021, when the young artists released their debut single, “Blue Eyes.” Since then, Pothole Paradise has released five singles, an EP and its first album, “Road to Paradise.”
Artist: Oxford Golden Hours
Venue: Proud Larry’s
When: Aug. 30 at 6 p.m.
Genre: Contemporary and classical chamber music
Price: $33.98
Oxford Golden Hours is a concert series founded by Jiwon Lee, a musician currently pursuing a Ph.D. in higher education at the University of Mississippi. Audiences are invited to enjoy a string quartet performing classical and contemporary compositions in a warm, candlelit setting.
Artist: Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers
Venue: Ford Center
When: Sept. 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Genre: Country
Price: $35-60
The Gatlin Brothers are a Grammy-winning trio whose unforgettable harmonies have impacted country music for seven decades. Now, as the group celebrates an extraordinary milestone with its “Farewell Celebration” tour, the brothers are taking one last time to thank the fans who have cheered them on throughout their careers.
Artist: The Bends
Venue: The Lyric Oxford
When: Sept. 9 at 8 p.m.
Genre: Rock
Price: $31.53
The Bends, originally from Baton Rouge, La., are masters of a versatile alternative rock that has resonated with a worldwide audience. The quartet’s first original song, “Makeup,” went viral online after country music star Zach Bryan shared it on his Instagram story in May of 2026, calling it “the song of the year.” Since then, the band has continued to grow exponentially.
Artist: Red Shahan
Venue: Proud Larry’s
When: Sept. 11 at 9 p.m.
Genre: Country
Price: $24.69
Shahan, an Americana and folk-rock artist, has increased in popularity since the release of his debut album, “Men and Coyotes,” three years ago. His newest album, “HARD LAND,” pays homage to the ranch land Shahan calls home and includes eight songs written by Shahan, along with contributions from collaborators Brandon Adams and Heath Tolleson.
Artist: Max McNown
Venue: The Lyric Oxford
When: Oct, 1 at 8:30 p.m.
Genre: Country
Price: $49.48
McNown blends folk and country to create heartfelt songs that make listeners feel seen. Within a year of teaching himself guitar, McNown began creating music that skyrocketed in popularity. McNown’s single, “A Lot More Free,” was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America in 2025.
Artist: Don’t Stop Me Now: A Celebration of Rock Musicals
Venue: Ford Center
When: Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Genre: Rock
Price: $25-40
“Don’t Stop Me Now” is a tribute to the greatest rock musicals of all time, beloved for combinations of rock ‘n’ roll melodies with Broadway stage power. This concert experience will feature hits from a number of iconic musicals, including “Hair,” “Rent,” “Jagged Little Pill,” “Mamma Mia!” and “Hamilton.”
Artist: Congress The Band
Venue: The Lyric Oxford
When: Oct. 20-21 at 8 p.m.
Genre: Rock
Price: $31.53
Congress The Band is one of the Southeast’s most exciting rock acts, bringing a wave of fresh, vibrant rock from the Carolinas. In just a short period of time, the group has grown from a local favorite to a regional touring force. Its powerful performances have resulted in sold-out venues from Athens, Ga., and Charlotte, N.C., all the way to Chicago to New York City.
