Thacker Mountain Radio Hour Kicks Off 27th Season with New Executive Director and Exciting Lineup

Oxford Welcomes New Season of Thacker Mountain Radio Hour

OXFORD, MS – The Thacker Mountain Radio Hour, a well-loved tradition showcasing music and literature, is ready to start its 27th year with an exciting twist. The season premiere is set for 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, at the Powerhouse Arts Center in Oxford. This year, the show will introduce its new executive director, Lucy Gaines, who is eager to bring her experience and energy to the table.

Introducing Lucy Gaines

Lucy Gaines, a native of Jackson, has recently completed her MFA in Documentary Expression from the University of Mississippi Southern Studies program in 2024. Before this, she held assistant directorships at the Oxford Film Festival and the Oxford Conference for the Book. Her background is enriched with community engagement and a passion for the arts.

Mary Margaret Andrews, the board president of Thacker Mountain, expressed her enthusiasm saying, “We feel fortunate to have Lucy Gaines as our new executive director. Lucy’s experience and energy are a perfect fit with our existing staff and crew. We look forward to growing the show artistically and financially.”

Gaines shared her excitement for the role, 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.”

Season Premiere Details

Gaines will take charge starting with the season premiere, featuring an impressive lineup of guests. Among those appearing on the first show are renowned science fiction novelist Tobi Ogundiran, Memphis songwriter Mark Edgar Stuart, and blues musician Peggy “Lady Trucker” Hemphill Lesueur. The show will be hosted by Jim Dees, alongside musicians Paul Tate and the Yalobushwhacker Big Band, with guest vocalist Mary Frances Massey.

Doors for the event will open at 5:30 p.m., and refreshments will be available for sale. The show is free to attend and promises a vibrant atmosphere with both music and storytelling.

What’s in Store for the Season?

This fall season has a rich lineup planned. Some anticipated highlights include:

• Charlie Musselwhite, Blues Hall of Famer, on November 21
• Richard Grant, author of Dispatches From Pluto, on September 12
• Katherine Wood, thriller writer and Mississippi native, on September 19
• Julie Williams, CMT Next Women of Country music/soul singer, on October 10
• The A’Capella Choir from Rust College on October 17
• Eden Brent, delta pianist and vocalist, on October 24
• A special Halloween show on October 31

Additionally, two special events related to Thacker Mountain are planned: a fundraiser at Wonderbird Gin Distillery in Taylor on October 19, and a membership party at Southside Art Gallery on the Oxford Square on December 6.

Broadcasting Live

The shows will take place at the Powerhouse Arts Center, located at 413 S. 14th St. in Oxford, with 12 shows scheduled for the fall season. There are exceptions for the dates on October 10 (Off Square Books) and October 17 (The Lyric Theatre). Each show will be broadcast live every Thursday until Thanksgiving on WUMS, 92.1 FM, and can also be accessed online. Additionally, the show will be available on Mississippi Public Broadcasting every Saturday at 7 p.m. and on community radio stations in Memphis, Chattanooga, Knoxville, TN, and through Alabama Public Radio.

For those who cannot catch it live, the show is available on several major platforms including Spotify, Soundcloud, iHeart Radio, and Google Podcasts.

For more information on the season schedule and guests, visit the show’s website at https://thackermountain.org/.