Oxford Honors Ron Shapiro with Jazz Parade
Oxford is ready to celebrate the life and legacy of Ron Shapiro with a vibrant jazz street parade and art gallery this Friday, August 30. The event will mark the closing of the annual Hoka Days, a series of engaging art events designed for the Oxford and Lafayette communities.
Every August since 2019, Hoka Days has been a platform for residents to connect over art and culture, remembering Ron Shapiro, a cherished figure who greatly contributed to the local arts scene. According to Wayne Andrews, the director of the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council (YAC) and a close friend of Shapiro, “Ron was a champion of culture as a builder of community.” He dedicated himself to encouraging others to explore the many artistic and musical opportunities available in the area.
Cultural Celebration with a Twist
The Second Line and Art Showcase will be the grand finale of Hoka Days. This tradition of second lines originates from New Orleans and typically takes place during funerals to celebrate the deceased. Ron was honored with a second line in 2019 after his passing, and since then, the YAC has continued to celebrate him this way each year. “The Arts Council has sponsored musicians annually to host the second line in honor of Ron,” Andrews added.
The festivities kick off at 6 p.m. with community members invited to either watch or join in as the second line marches from the Square to the Powerhouse. After the parade concludes, attendees can relax and enjoy an art gallery featuring local artists alongside live music.
Local Talent Showcased
The artists whose works will be displayed at the Powerhouse were chosen through gallery series programs organized by the YAC. These programs allow artists of all skill levels to apply and exhibit their works. People interested in displaying their art can submit their pieces through the YAC’s website, oxfordarts.com.
This year, events throughout Hoka Days have allowed many community members to showcase their talents. For instance, local bartender Jordan Jones Higginbotham recently won the Iron Bartender competition held on August 9, representing a local establishment called GRIT. She described her competition experience as “chaotic, fun, stressful and a heck of a good time.” After receiving positive feedback from seasoned bartenders, Higginbotham expressed boosted confidence in her abilities.
Community Engagement
Hoka Days has welcomed participants from all walks of life. On August 11, amateur cooks delved into hot sauce making with a workshop led by local saucier Aaron Harris. Families also gathered at the Old Armory Pavilion to enjoy a screening of “Trolls Band Together,” organized by a local Girl Scouts troop. The event lineup included various performance arts, such as an improv show by Anubis Improv and a traditional Japanese dance showcase known as butoh.
Higginbotham emphasized the importance of events like Hoka Days, stating, “They provide a space for our community members to come together that otherwise may not exist.” She noted how such gatherings help people discover new places, opportunities, and each other within their local area.
As Hoka Days concludes this Friday, participants look forward to celebrating not just the arts but the spirit and legacy of Ron Shapiro and the arts community he passionately nurtured.
