By Jim “Zig” Zeigler
Oxford is becoming a top destination for live Christmas music.
Seven Christmas concerts are set in December in the Oxford Performing Arts Center (OPAC).
OPAC is in historic downtown Oxford at 100 Choccolocco Street.
The music begins December 3 with “Jingle All the Way” by Delores Hydcok and Bobby Horton.
“A Classical Christmas” with Julio Barreto and Timothy Miller follows on December 8.
“Comfort & Joy” with Jim Brickman is on December 13.
“Christmas with the Pops” is on December 15.
“A Rockin’ Christmas” with the Dallas String Quarter is on December 17.
“Nashville Noel” is on December 19.
The final Christmas concert is “An Olde English Christmas” with Peter Noone and Herman’s Hermits on December 20.
The OPAC venue was created when Oxford repurposed an unused historic building. The classic building had been a city hall, fire station and jail. Millions of dollars later, it is now a 1,200-seat performing arts theater.
If you are interested in dining on your musical trips to Oxford, an upscale restaurant is in another restored and historic building almost next door to OPAC. “Hubbard’s Off Main” is operated by Oxford civic leader and city council member Charlotte Hubbard. It offers almost white glove service. Attire is mixed, mostly dressy casual. Reservations are always accepted, and on concert nights, reservations are needed.
The restaurant is described on its website:
“…[A]n intimate yet casual atmosphere with gracious hosts eager to make you feel right at home. Choose from a menu filled with classy Southern dishes and a few Oxford originals, too – we love representing our charming town. Try one of our award-winning steaks, or if you’re looking for a more casual night out, our selection of burgers is sure to hit the spot. The brick walls and the exposed wood beams gracing the ceiling create a quaint atmosphere nestled in a historic building, and our location right across from the Oxford Performing Arts Center makes us a perfect spot to dine for a night on the town.”
Hubbard’s Off Main occupies the classic building of the former Hubbard’s Piano Company. Its walls are decked with black-and-white photos of old Oxford and old Alabama. The restaurant has a small stage and upright pianos. Dining at Hubbard’s is like dining inside a museum of Alabama of yesteryear.
U.S. travelers often have Oxford, Mississippi, on their bucket lists because of its history of Southern writers. Now, they are adding Oxford, Alabama, because of its musical performances. And it calls out for more than one trip.
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler writes about Alabama’s people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.