Oxford Celebrates Ron Shapiro with Jazz Parade
Oxford, Mississippi, is getting ready for a lively celebration this Friday, August 30, as the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council (YAC) hosts a jazz parade and art gallery to honor the late Ron Shapiro. This event is part of the annual Hoka Days series, which brings together the community with art-focused activities every August.
A Tribute to a Community Champion
The Hoka Days festival began in 2019 to remember Shapiro, who was well-known for supporting arts and culture in the Oxford area. Wayne Andrews, the director of the YAC and a friend of Shapiro, highlighted how important Shapiro was to the community. “Ron was a champion of culture as a builder of community. He encouraged everyone to explore the artistic, cultural, literary, and musical opportunities within the community,” Andrews said.
The event will feature the traditional Second Line parade, a jazz procession that pays tribute to life, similar to those held during funerals in New Orleans. This annual celebration started after Shapiro’s passing, reflecting how loved he was by many.
Event Details
The parade kicks off at 6 p.m., starting at the Square and making its way to the Powerhouse. Residents are invited to join in the fun, either by watching or participating. Following the parade, attendees will have the chance to explore a local art gallery at the Powerhouse while enjoying live music from talented artists.
Andrews also mentioned that they are excited to introduce new ideas for the events this year. “We are working on bringing back receptions for the art exhibits and pairing them with experiences such as the Second Line to attract more audiences to visual arts,” he explained.
Artists for this event have been selected through various programs that encourage artists at all levels to showcase their work. Those interested in participating can apply for shows at different venues in Oxford, including the Powerhouse and City Grocery, all free of charge.
Community Involvement
The celebration is not limited to the jazz parade. The Hoka Days series has included multiple events designed to engage the community in fun and interactive ways. For example, Jordan Jones Higginbotham of Taylor, Mississippi, competed in the Iron Bartender event earlier this month. “It was chaotic, fun, stressful, and a heck of a good time,” Higginbotham said. She represented GRIT, a local establishment, and won the title by impressing attendees with her drink creations.
Higginbotham also reflected on what events like Hoka Days mean for the community. “Events like these provide a space for our community members to come together that otherwise may not. People can learn about local offerings and discover new places to enjoy,” she shared.
In addition to the bartender competition, the festival featured a hot sauce-making workshop led by a local chef, as well as movie nights for families and various live performances that included improv comedy and traditional dance.
Looking Ahead
The Yoknapatawpha Arts Council is eager to wrap up Hoka Days with a meaningful tribute to Ron Shapiro. The jazz parade is set to be filled with music, dancing, and community spirit. “We honor Ron’s legacy through each Second Line and every piece of art created,” Andrews said. The council hopes that events like this will continue to foster that sense of community and artistic exploration.
As the sun sets over Oxford on August 30, the streets will come alive with the sounds of jazz, laughter, and celebration—a fitting way to honor a beloved community member.
