Oxford Announces New Season of Thacker Mountain Radio Hour and Welcomes Lucy Gaines as Executive Director

Oxford Welcomes New Executive Director to Thacker Mountain Radio Hour

Oxford, Mississippi is all set to kick off the fall season of the beloved Thacker Mountain Radio Hour, a music and literature program that has been a staple in the community for over two decades. This season marks the 27th year of the show, which is famous for celebrating local talent and bringing vibrant performances to the stage.

The season premiere is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, and will take place at the Powerhouse Arts Center. Admission to the event is free, allowing everyone in the community to come out and enjoy the festivities. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with refreshments available for purchase.

Introducing Lucy Gaines

Excitingly, this season will see a new face in leadership. Lucy Gaines, a Jackson native, has stepped into the role of executive director for the Thacker Mountain Radio Hour. A recent graduate of the University of Mississippi with an MFA in Documentary Expression, Gaines brings with her a wealth of experience from her previous work at the Oxford Film Festival and the Oxford Conference for the Book.

“We feel fortunate to have Lucy Gaines as our new executive director,” said Mary Margaret Andrews, the board president. “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.”

As for Gaines, she is looking forward to this new chapter. “I have extensive experience facilitating community engagement with the arts,” she remarked. “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.”

What to Expect This Season

The premiere will feature a fantastic lineup of guests, including 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 Paul Tate and the Yalobushwhacker Big Band, with special guest vocalist Mary Frances Massey.

Looking ahead, the fall season boasts an impressive array of guests, including the renowned Blues Hall of Famer Charlie Musselwhite on November 21, and a special event with author Richard Grant on September 12, where he will present a new installment titled “Dispatches from Arizona”. Other notables include thriller writer Katherine Wood on September 19 and soul singer Julie Williams on October 10.

Special Events This Fall

Fans of the show will also be able to enjoy special events throughout the season. There will be a fundraiser on October 19 at the Wonderbird Gin Distillery in Taylor, as well as a membership party at the Southside Art Gallery on December 6.

Where to Listen

The Powerhouse Arts Center, located at 413 S. 14th St in Oxford, will host all 12 shows for the fall season, with the exception of October 10 and October 17. The show will broadcast live every Thursday until Thanksgiving on WUMS, 92.1 FM, and can also be heard on Mississippi Public Broadcasting every Saturday night at 7 p.m. Additionally, fans can catch the show online and on various public and community radio stations across several states including Tennessee and Alabama.

For more details about the lineup and upcoming events, guests are encouraged to visit the show’s official website. As Oxford gears up for this exciting season, the Thacker Mountain Radio Hour promises to be a highlight in the community’s cultural landscape.