Oxford Community Celebrates Ron Shapiro with Jazz Parade
OXFORD, MS – The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council (YAC) is gearing up for the grand finale of its annual Hoka Days event series with a festive jazz parade and an art gallery exhibit on Friday, August 30. These _Hoka Days_ take place every August to celebrate art and culture in the Oxford-Lafayette area, and this year, the series is dedicated to remember arts patron and community supporter Ron Shapiro, who passed away in 2019.
Wayne Andrews, the director of the YAC and a close friend of Shapiro, described him as a true champion of culture. “Ron was a builder of community. He encouraged everyone to explore the artistic, cultural, literary, and musical opportunities present in our area,” said Andrews.
A Celebratory Second Line
The closing event, known as the **Second Line and Art Showcase**, follows a cherished tradition of New Orleans jazz funerals. This festive procession is both a celebration of life and an expression of grief. “Musicians honored Ron with a second line just after he passed. Each year, we sponsor local musicians to host this event in his memory and to mark the end of our month-long celebration,” Andrews added.
The parade is set to kick off at 6 p.m., starting from the historic Square and winding its way to the Powerhouse, a popular venue for community events and performances. Following the parade, attendees can explore a local art gallery set up inside the Powerhouse, showcasing works from various artists while enjoying live music from local talent.
Highlighting Local Talent
The Art Showcase will feature selected artists who submitted their works through YAC’s gallery series programs. Andrews noted, “We want to create a welcoming environment for both visual artists and attendees. We’ve also begun pairing the art exhibits with lively experiences like the Second Line to attract a broader audience to our local artists.” Interested artists can apply free of charge at the YAC’s website, making it accessible to all skill levels.
Community Involvement and Activities
Participants in Hoka Days include individuals like Jordan Jones Higginbotham from Taylor, Mississippi. She recently competed in the Iron Bartender event on August 9, where local restaurants showcased their best cocktails, and Higginbotham was voted the winner representing GRIT. She described her experience as “chaotic, fun, stressful, and a heck of a good time.”
Reflecting on the impact of events like Hoka Days, Higginbotham remarked, “It boosts everyone’s confidence and community spirit. I don’t usually feel very confident, so hearing encouragement from others really helped me.”
Hoka Days also offered a variety of activities open to everyone, not just professionals. On August 11, local hot sauce fans participated in a hot sauce-making workshop led by local chef Aaron Harris. Families gathered to watch the animated movie “Trolls Band Together” on August 17, hosted by a local Girl Scouts troop at the Old Armory Pavilion. The series of performance arts included a lively improv show from Anubis Improv and a delicate showcase of butoh, a traditional Japanese dance form.
Building Community Ties
Community members like Higginbotham believe events such as Hoka Days create essential connections among residents. “These occasions offer a platform for people to gather who might not otherwise meet. They help folks learn about local culture and discover new places and activities,” she expressed.
As Hoka Days draws to a close, the celebration of Ron Shapiro’s legacy continues to resonate through the local arts scene, reminding everyone of the power of community, culture, and joy.
