It’s a Wednesday night in Oxford, and the venue sign reads “private party, invited guest only.” What could it possibly be? Is it an office party? Not quite. Daniel Morrow, has transformed one of the Square’s oldest buildings into a private concert venue appropriately named Music in the Hall.
Since Nov. 6, 2008 Music in the Hall has been hosting hip new music acts from around the states and last Wednesday night, the three performing acts did not disappoint. Brett Harris of North Carolina brought the sultry pop, Talbot Adams of Oxford came in with a little punk rock, and the Bella Machine Band also of Oxford finished Music in the Hall with an Americana alternative sound.
The most perfect description of Music in the Hall comes from the creator himself, Daniel Morrow.
“What we aspire to be is some mix of Austin City Limits meets Tiny Desk Concerts meets Daytrotter meets La Blogotheque meets Thacker Mountain Radio,” Morrow said.
Music in the Hall is an intimate party of about 40 music lovers of all ages united for the same cause — to enjoy great live talent.
Morrow, a computer programmer turned self-proclaimed “Oxford Music Snob” started off working in the building’s office space and decided to turn his job into a concert venue. Now, Morrow lives in Chicago and visits Oxford about every six weeks to put on the best private concert for some lucky Oxford music lovers. Morrow said the idea for the venue of Music in the Hall came simply because “the acoustics in this room are so great; this is my favorite place to listen.”
Chico Harris, a friend of Morrow and a supporter of Music in the Hall, said the purpose of the concerts is “to hear the people that you don’t normally get to hear.”
Harris plans to continue supporting Music in the Hall in any way he can.
“I don’t mind setting up the chairs or making three beer runs in one night,” Harris said. “Music in the Hall is tremendous, it’s not just about the music but the people that are there to hear it.”
When asked “Why Oxford?” Morrow responded, “There are so many talented musicians, there is always great local music. There is always an audience that appreciates it and wants to go sit down for an hour or two and listen to the music.”
Morrow’s selection process for his performances is based on his personal music taste as well as what will produce a good live show.
Brett Harris, the opening performance of Wednesday’s show, introduced the audience to an incredibly crisp live voice. A first-time visitor to Oxford, Harris hit up Snackbar Restaurant right after Music in the Hall and made it clear that he will be “coming back if you’ll have me.”
Harris’s new album “Up in the Air” will be coming out this year and all music lovers should check out brettharrismusic.com for upcoming performances and maybe another visit to Oxford in the near future.
Music in the Hall’s performances by Talbot Adams and band Bella Machine offered the audience a local taste of Oxford’s musical flavor.
For those who missed it, Talbot Adams is a fun must-see who will keep your head bopping all night long. Adams’ next Oxford show will be an album release party April 25 at Ajax.
Drawing in the biggest crowd of local fans, Bella Machine, a four member band of Oxonians ended the show with a bang. Tim Burkhead, Ethan Frink, Kell Kellum and Daniel Russell filled the room with waves of alternative rock/pop sounds. Kellum, a crowd favorite, actually attended the very first Music in the Hall in 2008.
“I’ve been watching the show, and I’ve always been thinking about how much I wanted to play on it,” Kellum said.
Be sure to check out Bella Machine’s next performance in Oxford March 28 at Proud Larry’s.
Other than enjoying the music, Morrow’s mission with Music in the Hall is to “help artists get good high quality video produced at no cost.”
Music in the Hall is a great Oxford secret — now uncovered. With future plans of expansion in Chicago and throughout the Southeast, Music in the Hall is a promising heaven for lovers of good music.
— Sara Kiparizoska
skipariz@go.olemiss.edu
