As students return to their beloved college town after a long break, they have a packed schedule of creative events to look forward to. Whether it be through a shared love of music, a passion for literature or an adoration for film, the Oxford community will flourish with artistic entertainment opportunities this spring semester.
Some students, such as junior marketing major Jasalyn McNamara, have shared that they are ready to head back to Oxford and check out some of the events that the community is offering.
“After this break, I’m so ready to get back to Oxford. Proud Larry’s and The Lyric have so many good shows coming up that I’ll definitely check out,” McNamara said.
The spring semester starts with a double header from American folk-rock band Happy Landing. The group, which was formed in Oxford, will play at Proud Larry’s on Thursday, Jan. 25 and Friday, Jan. 26. Doors will open at 8 p.m. and the show will start at 9 p.m. on both evenings.
Also performing on the Square on Jan. 26 is country music artist Kolby Cooper. His set at The Lyric is set to kick off at 8 p.m.
Season 14 America’s Got Talent contestant Lamont Landers will give a free show at Proud Larry’s on Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 7 p.m. The soulful musician will allow Oxonians the chance to enjoy a midweek escape.
The entertainment continues into February, when Hotline TNT is set for a night of explosive energy at Proud Larry’s on Thursday, Feb. 1. The doors will open at 8 p.m. and the show will start at 9 p.m.
Underground Springhouse and The Talisman will perform at Proud Larry’s on Friday, Feb. 2 starting at 9 p.m. After that, George Singleton, with direct support from Jayce Turley, will take on the stage on Saturday, Feb. 10 with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. and the show kicking off at around 8:30 p.m.
The next February Proud Larry’s event will be on Feb. 22 at 9 p.m. with the band Eggy as its headliner. At the same time the following night, country artist Dalton Dover will serenade the venue.
The Lyric has a packed schedule for February. On Saturday, Feb. 3, Wildest Dreams: A Taylor Swift Dance Night is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. Country music will take over The Lyric for most of the remaining month, with Randall King and Kylie Frey performing on Thursday, Feb. 8 at 8 p.m. and Warren Zeiders on Thursday, Feb. 15 at the same time.
On Feb. 24, The Stews will take the stage at The Lyric. Pecos and the Rooftops will close off The Lyric’s February lineup on the 29th.
The band JD McPherson is set to rock Proud Larry’s on Friday, March 1 with local favorites The Castellows taking the stage on Thursday, March 7. The night after, Elijah Johnston will play for a crowd. Each of these shows will start at 9 p.m.
Alt-country group Fust and direct support Will Griffith will perform a free show at Proud Larry’s on Tuesday, March 19 at 7 p.m.
The only announced event for March at The Lyric is a set from Kurt Vile and the Violators on Sunday, March 24. Doors will open at 5 p.m., and the show officially starts an hour after.
From Thursday, March 21 to Sunday, March 24, Oxford community members will gather for the annual Oxford Film Festival. This event will exhibit more than 100 films at the Malco Oxford Commons Cinema & Grill.
The University of Mississippi’s Center for the Study of Southern Culture will host the 30th Oxford Conference for the Book from Wednesday, April 3 to Friday, April 5. This event will allow attendees and authors to bond over a shared interest in literature.
On Friday, April 26 to Saturday, April 27, members of the Oxford community will gather on the square for the widely popular Double Decker festival. With live music and creative vendors, Double Decker will serve as a hub of creativity.
“I’m most excited to go to Double Decker this year. Every year I always have the best time. The lineup is always great, and it is such a good way for everyone to get together and celebrate music within the community,” McNamara said.
