Signs have been placed all over town announcing the 4th Annual Oxford Blues Festival, taking place this weekend.
The festival kicks off tonight at 8 p.m. at The Library Sports Bar on the Square with a show from legendary guitarist, Johnny Winter. Winter was named to Rolling Stone magazine’s “100 Greatest Guitarists” list as well as has been inducted into the Blues Foundation’s Hall of Fame.
Silas Reed, university student and front man of Silas Reed ‘N Da Books who are set to perform Saturday, is excited to be playing in the festival with such a big name.
“Johnny Winter, his career is longer than my life,” Reed said. “He decided he wanted to play guitar since before I was breathing so that’s pretty cool.”
Those wishing to only attend tonight have three ticket options: general admission, VIP and VIP Meet ‘N Greet. VIP permits access to a food and drink reception at 6 p.m. The VIP Meet ‘N Greet option includes the show, the reception as well as the opportunity to meet Johnny, take one picture with him and get one autograph.
Additional ticket options include buying general admission for one day, general admission for all three days, VIP for one day and VIP for all three days. VIP tickets include close parking, food and beverages, access to the VIP tent and musician area, and guaranteed seating at the Blues Panel Discussions, which are taking place from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. on Friday at the University Museum. Tickets are available in advance for a reduced price or at the gate.
After the panel discussions conclude at 4 p.m. on Friday, different acts will begin playing on the Walton-Young Stage, which is next to the University Museum. Big George Brock out of St. Louis will be headlining that night and takes the stage last at 7:15 p.m. Music will run from 1 p.m. until dark on Saturday as well in the same location with Reba Russell closing out the night. Those who are not yet ready to go home after the sun has gone down can head to Irie or Ajax on the Square to hear more live music.
Darryl Parker, the event organizer, had a specific vision in mind while booking acts.
“Most people are going to hear people they’ve never heard,” Parker said. “I always want to use local musicians, but also I tried to bring people that have never played in Oxford.”
Panel participant Ricky Stevens says this is one of the things that he is looking forward to most about the festival.
“One good thing about the Oxford Festival, you’ve got a lot of potentially unknown musicians,” Stevens said. “There’s always a surprise. There’s always somebody I don’t know, I’ve never heard of before that really impresses me when I go.”
Apart from the music, festival attendees will be able to purchase food from a variety of vendors, visit the University Museum exhibits for free, and participate in a silent auction which will raise money for the Exchange Club in Oxford. There will also be face painting and a moon bounce for the kids.
“If you look on the banner, just a reason to celebrate,” Parker said. “People ask me, ‘Why are you doing the festival?’ I’m always looking for reasons to celebrate. It’s about community because there’s a lack of events that reaches a cross section of the population. We just want a fun space where people can enjoy music. Come on out and have a good time.”
More information about the festival and advance tickets can be found at oxfordbluesfest.com.
