Anyone who’s ever crossed a state line and been greeted by a “Welcome to Mississippi” sign knows that the Magnolia State also identifies as “The Birthplace of America’s Music.” It’s written right into the state’s DNA. The richness of Mississippi’s musical heritage, from Delta blues to country, soul to R&B, gospel and rock ‘n roll, cannot be overstated. All those vital traditions and more are on offer in Oxford, which is home to one of the best live music scenes in the South. The city is home to Fat Possum Records, a label with signings stretching from Mississippi’s own legendary Skip James to indie punk rockers from South London. The label’s eclectic roster means that Iggy and the Stooges rub shoulders with Townes Van Zandt and the powerhouse Welsh guitarist Gwenifer Raymond. “The records they’re putting out really are the most interesting records that anybody’s putting out,” Iggy Pop said of Fat Possum in the 2002 documentary, You See Me Laughin’: The Last of the Hill Country Bluesmen.
Double Decker: Oxford’s two-day celebration of art, food, and music
Over the years, Oxford’s spring Double Decker Arts Festival has booked multiple Fat Possum signees to play its stages. For two days each April, the festival draws tens of thousands of music fans to Courthouse Square. Scott Caradine, owner of beloved local music venue Proud Larry’s has booked acts for the festival for many years. He’s seen the annual event, which will mark its 30th anniversary in 2027, grow exponentially: this past April, alt-rock legends Wilco headlined. “I've been around the festival since its inception,” Caradine says. “Our current mayor Robyn Tannehill was the leader of the tourism council back in those days and this festival was kind of her baby. It’s a huge event when you think about a free festival in the downtown of a small college town.”
Main stage action during the Double Decker Festival in Oxford, MS
From EDM to Americana: Oxford’s evolving live music scene
The music scene has changed, too. “There are a lot of cycles in music,” Caradine says. “There was a time when students and locals gave a lot of attention to electronic music and DJs. In the last five years we’ve seen a huge growth in country music: both Americana, roots country and pop country. That’s been interesting to watch. We’re starting to see a resurgence of college age kids forming bands and playing straight up rock 'n roll. That’s really refreshing.”
To experience the vitality of Oxford’s live music scene for yourself, check out the roster of upcoming acts at local venues including the Lyric Oxford, Whiskey Ranch, Rafters Music and Food, and Proud Larry’s, of course.
