PHOTO BY: ALICE MCKELVEY
On an obscure road off of Old Highway 7 sits Cats Purring Dude Ranch. This “ranch” is not only a music venue that hosts some of the best up-and-coming musical talent around, but also a funhouse of nostalgia and quirky art. This is where I spent the best night I’ve had in Oxford thus far.
I walked in and was instantly transported to the past. It was with an unidentifiable era that I identified the Ranch; perhaps that was what was so magical about it. Equal parts bizarre and breathtaking, Dude Ranch is nothing short of a surreal wonderland.
I first heard about Dude Ranch over the summer. At the time I was in New York City, soaking in every bit of culture I could. The idea of returning to Oxford wasn’t the most riveting notion. However, the thought of a partially undercover counterculture intrigued me. Admittedly, I fully romanticized the elusive possibility of a new world to explore. I was delighted when I was not let down.
The shows are run by longtime Dude Ranch resident, Deg Ronilo. This past weekend’s guests featured Argiflex, who hails from Cleveland, Mississippi, as well as Cities Aviv and Jay B, two Memphis-based musical talents.
The shows began with Argiflex’s occasionally cacophonous but extremely danceable music, made up of multiple layers of sounds and beats. With every bass drop, the audience seemed to feel the music more, and by the end of the show, the whole audience was breaking out their best moves.
From the stage area hung multi-colored streamers that would have been a staple décor piece for any proper 90s prom. There was plenty of room for the large crowd to gather and dance, as well as plenty of terrific recliners in case visitors needed a break.
After Argiflex, Cities Aviv and Jay B performed sets entertaining the party-goers for the rest of the night.
Jay B channeled his journalism talents (courtesy of The University of Mississippi) into his raps. With a style very much reminiscent of Kendrick Lamar, he showed much promise as a young artist.
Cities Aviv brought the musical energy to a level not-yet-reached by any artist that night. He rapped over electronic creations which somehow seemed to work perfectly with his loud, wordy raps. He constantly danced and flailed his arms, occasionally entering the audience, but never crossing his fourth wall.
hiBetween performances, music blared from the speakers, quaking through a particularly apt sound system. It was an atmosphere in which music was truly appreciated by everyone there. The energy was freeing and exhilarating.
Kitschy, somewhat haphazard items were scattered all over the house. The cheeky essence of novelty only increased the cool factor of Dude Ranch. A mannequin sat in one corner while a poster for an unheard-of singer performing at a casino hung on the wall.
I left my own personal mark on the Ranch by covering up a book on display in the bathroom. I decided Mario Testino, the renowned photographer, made for an exciting new addition.
There were no shortage of nooks and crannies to discover, an ultimate treat for an adventurous spirit. I wandered down a mysterious dark staircase with a black door at its foot. I got all the way down, only to scurry back to the top and cackle with laughter from sheer amusement.
I have explored most every fraternity house on campus and every inch of the Square. While these places have been fun dalliances, I’ve never been fully satisfied. Dude Ranch reminded me of a deeper surface that I am constantly looking for. If you ever wonder where some of the coolest people in Oxford are hiding, look no further than Cats Purring Dude Ranch.
This Friday Ronilo will be offering a free show, Noise and Ambient, opening to the public at around 9 p.m., or, according to Ronilo, whenever people start showing up.
