Andrew McCarthy and Thacker Mountain Ignite the Oxford Film Festival

Oxford, Miss: Noted actor and author Andrew McCarthy in Confluence with Thacker Mountain Radio Show

In an inspiring confluence of talent and creativity, actor and author Andrew McCarthy helped kick off the annual Oxford Film Festival this Thursday, alongside the equally enthralling Thacker Mountain Radio Show. The event took place at the renowned Gertrude Ford Center of Arts, marking the beginning of a culturally enriching weekend for festival-goers.

Musical Performances Enliven the Evening

The eventful evening was set in motion with the Thacker Mountain Radio Show, featuring a delightful mix of musical performances. The highlight was by the Yalobushwhacker Big Band, enlivened by the vocal stylings of Mary Frances Massey, and Memphis singer/songwriter Cyrena Wages. A particularly noteworthy moment of the evening was when Andrew McCarthy was welcomed on stage to converse with show host Jim Dees about his newest book, “Walking with Sam.”

About “Walking with Sam”

McCarthy’s new book narrates the captivating journey he undertook with his 19-year-old son, spanning 500 miles across Spain’s Camino de Santiago. The excursion saw them traverse a grueling landscape, engaging in candid conversations with far more depth than their preceding two decades of relationship. Conversations revolved around multidimensional themes: divorce, school trauma, McCarthy’s challenging relationship with his own father, the challenges of fame, and lighter topics like Flaming Hot Cheetos. It was a journey that had the potential to solidify or shatter their father-son relationship.

Cyrena Wages and Her Debut Album

The talented Memphian, Cyrena Wages, backed by guitarist Jeremy Stanfill, held listeners spellbound with songs from her debut album, “Vanity Project,” anticipated to release on May 24, 2024.

Andrew McCarthy’s Journey through Film and Literature

An iconic part of the 1980s “Brat Pack,” McCarthy starred in several popular films, such as “Class,” “St. Elmo’s Fire,” “Pretty in Pink,” “Weekend at Bernie’s,” and “Less than Zero.” Post the conversation with McCarthy, the evening was further enlivened with the Alabama band Reed Brake taking the stage, followed by the return of the Yalobushwhackers band to close the show.

When asked about his second visit to Oxford, McCarthy expressed his love for the place saying, “I think Oxford is an amazing spot. I was looking for an excuse to come back, so this worked out great.” McCarthy is scheduled to be at Square Books today at 2 p.m. to sign copies of his books.

“Adam the First”: The Opening Film of the Festival

The event continued at the Ford Center with the debut of the film “Adam the First,” a poignant tale of a 14-year-old boy who embarks on a cross-country journey in search of his father. The Oxford Film Festival will showcase a diverse selection of films at the Malco Theater throughout the weekend.

For More Information

More information about the film schedule, ticket, and pass purchases can be found on the Oxford Film Festival’s official website.