Oxford’s Hoka Days Finale to Honor Ron Shapiro with Jazz Parade
Oxford, Mississippi, is getting ready for an exciting close to the annual Hoka Days event series, which culminates on Friday, August 30, with a jazz street parade and art showcase dedicated to the late arts advocate Ron Shapiro. This event is part of a month-long celebration designed to engage the local community through various art-centered activities.
A Tribute to a Community Champion
Hoka Days began back in 2019 after Shapiro’s passing. He was a well-loved member of Oxford, known for his commitment to enriching the cultural scene. According to Wayne Andrews, director of the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council (YAC) and a close friend of Shapiro, “Ron was a champion of culture as a builder of community.” Andrews emphasized that Shapiro motivated everyone to embrace the artistic, cultural, and musical opportunities that Oxford and its nearby areas have to offer.
The Second Line Tradition
The highlight of Hoka Days’ finale will be the Second Line parade, a lively event inspired by New Orleans traditions typically associated with funerals to honor the lives of the deceased. “Following Ron’s passing, musicians organized a second line to celebrate his life, and now, the Arts Council arranges this annual event in his memory,” Andrews remarked. The parade will begin at 6 p.m., making its way from the Square to the Powerhouse venue.
After the parade, attendees can enjoy an art gallery set up in the Powerhouse, featuring works from local artists, along with live performances from various musicians. “We are looking to revive receptions for art exhibits and create unique experiences like pairing them with events such as the Second Line,” Andrews explained. This initiative aims to introduce a fresh audience to visual arts in the community.
Community Engagement and Events
Hoka Days is not just about jazz and galleries; it has also included a variety of engaging activities throughout the month. One of the highlights was the Iron Bartender event, held on August 9, where participants showcased their mixology skills. Jordan Jones Higginbotham, who represented the GRIT bar from Taylor, Mississippi, won this challenge. She described her experience as “chaotic, fun, stressful, and a heck of a good time.” This event not only provided a chance to compete but also boosted her confidence in her bartending abilities.
Other activities included a hot sauce-making workshop led by local chef Aaron Harris and a family movie night featuring “Trolls Band Together,” organized by local Girl Scouts. Hoka Days also showcased a variety of performing arts, from an improv show presented by Anubis Improv to butoh, a unique style of Japanese dance.
Bringing the Community Together
The importance of events like Hoka Days cannot be stressed enough. “Such gatherings provide a space for community members to come together, which they might not find elsewhere,” Higginbotham shared. They allow individuals to learn more about their local culture and possibly discover new interests and activities to enjoy.
As the final parade and art showcase approaches, the Oxford community looks forward to celebrating not just Ron Shapiro’s legacy, but the rich artistic culture that makes the area vibrant and unique.
