Uptown Music
Get ready to groove! Our Uptown Music Series is back in 2025, promising summer nights full of diverse sounds and electrifying performances.
What?
The 39th Annual Uptown Music Concert Series in Oxford, OH
When?
Every Thursday at *7:00 PM, starting May 29th – August 14th. Get ready to immerse yourself in captivating rhythms and melodies with this lineup of musicians which includes local favorites and regional talent. So, grab a carry-out meal at your favorite restaurant, claim your spot in the park, and enjoy a FREE concert at the Uptown Parks. *Check schedule
Townie Tip: Uptown Parks is in the DORA zone! Grab yourself a cold adult beverage and have a drink on the lawn. Read our DORA blog for a list of participating businesses.
Who?
Bring your friends & family, pups, blankets, and lawn chairs, and prepare to spend every Thursday night listening to music under **sunny skies and starry nights (concerts end at 9:30 PM). Before you leave, please thank our sponsors for making this much-loved community concert series possible.
** Summer weather isn’t always sunny, unfortunately. In case of inclement weather, concerts may need to be canceled. We’ll update our Facebook page and change our voicemail on the day of a concert if we decide there needs to be a cancellation. To access voicemail, dial (513) 523-8687 and press “2” for “Event” updates.
May 29th – Motown Sounds of Touch | 7:00 – 9:30 PM
Opening the 39th Annual Uptown Concert Series with their Motown Sound, Motown Sounds of Touch. These smooth beats and catchy tunes will have us dancing, singing, and soaking in all the good feels!
“Motown Sounds of Touch is the Top ‘Motown Sound Tribute’ in the country! They have been entertaining and delighting audiences all over the country for over 20 years. Touch has shared center stage with some of the best and top acts in the country such as Rick Springfield, The Temptations, and Ray Charles. They are always a crowd pleaser and always bring their Motown Sound!“
Gold sponsor in attendance: Butler Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc., who has been kicking off the concert series for more years than we can remember!
June 5th – Dead Revival Band, Grateful Dead Tribute Band | 7:00 – 9:30 PM
“Founded in 2019 and based out of Columbus, OH – The Dead Revival Band is a Grateful Dead Tribute Band covering songs from their extensive catalog from the 60s through the 90s. This band is high energy and knows how to keep the crowd engaged and moving! Members include: Shawn Beckley (lead guitar), Tony Berkheimer (bass guitar), Adam Nedrow (drums & vocals), Kyle Jung (guitar & lead vocals), and Mike Probst (keyboards & vocals).”
Silver Sponsors in attendance: Sorriso, Paul R. Young Funeral Home, Bagel & Deli, and Visitor’s Bureau Hueston Woods
June 12th – Miami University Steel Band / Tribute to Rush | 7:00 – 9:30 PM
The Miami University Steel Band will perform for the Uptown Music Concert’s SECOND Pride Picnic theme! Don’t miss out on make-and-take ribbons, snacks, and games to enjoy while you’re jammin’ to the steel drums. This year’s performance will feature music by “Rush.”
“The Miami University Steel Band is one of the few university bands to have released professional-quality recordings. The group has produced four recordings since 2001, the latest being Three Wishes (2009). The MU Steel Band’s music is available through Pan Ramajay Productions (www.ramajay.com) and also through the iTunes Music Store and other online services. Aside from recordings, appearances at prestigious events propel the Miami University Steel Band onto a national stage. The ensemble has twice headlined the Virginia Arts Festival’s annual PANorama Music Festival (2008, 2003), and has appeared at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention three times (2011, 2005 and 2002).”
Gold sponsor in attendance: Graeter’s
June 19th *JUNETEENTH* – Vu Skeen & Nextfazze | 7:00 – 9:30 PM
Join us for a Juneteenth celebration, featuring live music from DJ Vu Skeen and the Old School Band Nextfazze. Get ready to dance, sing, and celebrate freedom with the community!
Silver sponsors in attendance: Oxford Seniors, Oxford Chamber of Commerce, Tous Les Jours and Bronze sponsors: New York Life Insurance, and Dan & Kelly Umbstead, Coldwell Banker College Real Estate
June 26th – Butler Philharmonic Orchestra | 7:30 – 9:00 PM
“The Butler Philharmonic organization consists of the Butler Philharmonic Orchestra, the Butler Philharmonic Chorus, the Butler Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and the Butler Philharmonic Guild. Based in Hamilton, Ohio, on the banks of the Great Miami River, the Butler Philharmonic has grown with the county to offer high quality music to a region that’s home to more than 400,000. The Butler Philharmonic organization strives to perform a wide variety of orchestral and choral music throughout the Butler County region.”
Gold sponsor in attendance: Ruder Bever Family.
July 10th – John Kogge & The Lonesome Strangers | 7:00 – 9:30 PM
John Kogge and the Lonesome Strangers are a folk band that Oxford, OH knows and loves. Bob Dylan, and Joni Mitchell inspire their bluegrass Americana tunes. They are no strangers to the pavilion stage, having played many uptown concerts in town. We look forward to welcoming these beloved Oxford locals back on stage!
Gold sponsor in attendance: McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital & Foundation.
July 17th – Oxford Folk Jazz | 7:00 – 9:30 PM
“Up tempo and rhythm fueled. Folk, jazz, swing, blues, and more. Members include: Zach Davis, Jim Dynes, Frank Fitch, Fred Hautau, and Lara Thurston.”
Silver sponsors in attendance: Paul R. Young Funeral Home, Kiwanis Club of Oxford, Tous Les Jours and Bronze sponsors: Oxford Veterinary Hospital and RE/MAX
July 24th – Lisa Biales | 7:00 – 9:30 PM
Dubbed the Belle of the Blues for her crystal clear voice and charming stage presence, Lisa Biales has released ten albums. A town local, Lisa is known for her vocals and bluesy, folk-rock sound. With a high-quality music video and over five albums, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy her music. Come see her as she once again joins our summer lineup. You won’t be disappointed!
Gold sponsor in attendance: Wild Berry and Silver sponsor: Greater Oxford Community Foundation.
July 31st – Jim Burns Band *PUPPY PICNIC* | 7:00 – 9:30 PM
The Jim Burns Band was founded in 2012 and has performed country music ever since. They are a local favorite, you don’t want to miss their country tunes!
Silver sponsors in attendance: LCNB, Fey Bruder Insurance, Cobblestone Inn & Suites and Bronze sponsors: Reffitt’s Garage & Towing and Glenwood Energy.
August 7th – Air Force Band of Flight | 7:00 – 9:30 PM (TBD)
“The United States Air Force Band of Flight, stationed at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, is a 17-member organization and features two musical component groups. Flight One is a popular-music group and Wright Brass is a brass ensemble with a percussionist and vocalist. Periodically, these groups combine to form the expanded Band of Flight.”
Silver sponsor in attendance: Lions Club and Bronze sponsors: Miami University Federal Credit Union, The Apple Tree, and Oxford Spirits.
August 14th – White Lighter | 7:00 – 9:30 PM
“An energetic force hailing from Cincinnati, White Lighter is a grunge-infused alternative rock band. The band fuses the folk and country influence of Kentucky with the soulful funk and rock history of Ohio. Band members include: Ethan Qureshi (lead guitar), Hallie Menkhaus (bass), Christian LeDuc (drums), and Ben Jervis (lead singer).”
Gold sponsor in attendance: Ace High Poker Club.
We’re excited to keep the good times rolling with this summer’s lineup. We’d love for you to join us on Thursdays and experience the magic of music on these summer nights. Until then, keep the rhythm alive in your hearts!
If you missed a concert, or want to relive the awesome tunes, visit our Instagram or Facebook page for show highlights.
