Oxford’s Thacker Mountain Radio Hour Gears Up for Exciting Season with New Leadership
Oxford, Mississippi, is buzzing with excitement as the Thacker Mountain Radio Hour, a popular music and literature program, prepares to kick off its 27th season. The launch event is set for 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, at the Powerhouse Arts Center, where the community is invited to enjoy a night of diverse acts, all absolutely free.
New Executive Director Takes the Helm
This season marks a fresh start for the show with the appointment of Lucy Gaines from Oxford as the new executive director. Originally from Jackson, Gaines earned her Master of Fine Arts in Documentary Expression from the University of Mississippi in 2024. Prior to this, she worked as an assistant director for both the Oxford Film Festival and the Oxford Conference for the Book, bringing valuable experience to the role.
After being introduced as the new leader, Lucy expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I have extensive experience facilitating community engagement with the arts. I’m a people person and I look forward to wearing many hats for Thacker. Our immediate goal is to expand the audience and donor base.”
Celebrating the Opening Night
During the premiere on September 5, attendees can expect an array of talented guests, including science fiction novelist Tobi Ogundiran, Memphis songwriter Mark Edgar Stuart, and renowned blues musician Peggy “Lady Trucker” Hemphill Lesueur. The event will be hosted by Jim Dees and will also feature memorable performances by Paul Tate and the Yalobushwhacker Big Band, complete with guest vocalist Mary Frances Massey.
The doors will open at 5:30 p.m., giving guests a chance to grab refreshments before the show begins at 6 p.m.. Additionally, a brief reception with champagne and cake will follow the performance to celebrate Gaines’ new role.
Exciting Lineup for Fall Season
This fall season promises a fantastic lineup for audiences to enjoy. Notable highlights include:
- Charlie Musselwhite, Blues Hall of Famer – November 21
- Richard Grant, author of “Dispatches From Pluto,” presenting an all-new talk on September 12
- Katherine Wood, thriller writer and Mississippi native – September 19
- Julie Williams, CMT Next Women of Country music artist – October 10
- The A’Capella Choir from Rust College – October 17
- Eden Brent, Delta pianist and vocalist – October 24
- Special Halloween show – October 31
Two special events related to Thacker Mountain Radio will also take place this season. A fundraiser is scheduled at the Wonderbird Gin Distillery in Taylor on October 19, and a membership party will occur at Southside Art Gallery in Oxford on December 6.
Where to Tune In
The show will continue to broadcast live every Thursday at 6 p.m. on WUMS, 92.1 FM, and can also be heard online. In Mississippi, the show will air every Saturday night at 7 p.m. on Mississippi Public Broadcasting (MPB). For those outside the state, the program is available on various public and community radio stations, including those in Memphis, Chattanooga, Knoxville, TN, and Alabama Public Radio. Recently, KNCE (93.5 FM) in Taos, New Mexico, joined their list of affiliates.
For those who prefer to listen online, the show can be accessed on major platforms like Spotify, Soundcloud, iHeart Radio, and Google Podcast.
As the Thacker Mountain Radio Hour embarks on this new season filled with engaging discussions and entertaining performances, the community of Oxford and beyond eagerly awaits what the future holds.
