ONGOING WEEKLY CLASSES  

Mon, 1-2:30pm; Yoga with Suzie Hurley, Advanced beginners, $20/class, 10 classes $150

Sat, 9:30-11am; Yoga w Suzie Hurley, Intermediate, $20/class, 10 classes/ $150

Tues-Thurs, 10am; Steady & Strong w/ Janet Pfeffer, $10/class 10/$80

APRIL 2024

April 10, 2024, 5:30pm – Seal Level Rising – A Public Event

Join us to explore the ongoing challenges of flooding, high tides, and erosion in Oxford. Through a three-part interactive series, we will look at the impacts of sea level rise in Oxford and possible steps to arrest its most devastating impacts on our community.  We encourage participation at all three sessions since they build on each other, but please join us for all you can attend. FREE. Please RSVP online at oxfordcc.org.

April 11, 2024, 5:30pm – Boating Safety with Gary Culver

Unleash Your Inner Captain – Safer Boating Skills for Every Adventure! This will be an interactive presentation on boating safety skills and emergency preparedness led by Captain Gary Culver of Culver Yacht Services and Coast Guard BM1 Bryant Gooch. FREE. Refreshments and Oysters will be available for purchase. Space is limited, sign up today online at oxfordcc.org.

April 12, 2024, at 7pm – Improv Easton

Get ready for an evening of laughter and spontaneity as Improv Easton returns to the stage at the Oxford Community Center!  Tickets are $10 per person and they sell out quickly! Buy tickets online at oxfordcc.org.

April 27, 2024, Oxford Day 2024 – Play at the OCC

Come to Oxford Day and Plan to ‘Linger for Lunch’ at the OCC with Eternal Life Ministries Grilln’ Crab Cakes and Singing on the Patio with OCC’s Jam Band from noon and beyond. Crab cakes will be for sale and the entertainment is FREE.

April 29, 2024, 5pm – OCC Annual Meeting and Open House

Join us for the Oxford Community Center’s 2024 Annual Meeting and Open House on April 29th at 5pm. Come learn about all the excitement brewing at the OCC as we thank departing board members and welcome our new ones! Light refreshments available. FREE. Please RSVP online so we can plan accordingly!

 

MAY 2024

May 1, 2024, 5:30pm – Seal Level Rising – A Public Event

Join us to explore the ongoing challenges of flooding, high tides, and erosion in Oxford. Through a three-part interactive series, we will look at the impacts of sea level rise in Oxford and possible steps to arrest its most devastating impacts on our community.  We encourage participation at all three sessions since they build on each other, but please join us for all you can attend. FREE. Please RSVP online at oxfordcc.org.

May 2, 2024, 5:30pm – Fuller & From – Lecture Series Moderated by Dave Wheelan

Every Thursday, The Spy hosts a conversation with Al From and Craig Fuller on the most topical political news of the moment. Come watch them LIVE at the OCC on May 2nd at 5:30pm for an in-person taping of the show. Moderated by Dave Wheelan, Publisher and founder of the Spy. 

May 3, 2024, 6pm – Dinner and a Movie 

Join us for Larry Paz’s delicious Greek Moussaka and Baklava and watch ‘Momma Mia the Movie’. Dinner + Movie $25 pp – starts at 6pm; Movie only is FREE – starts at 7pm. Purchase tickets at oxfordcc.org.

May 4, 2024, 8:30am – Cars & Coffee

Free, Sponsored by Prestige Auto Vault, Eat Sprout & Doc’s Sunset Grille. Come enjoy the incredible array of automobiles!

May 4, 2024, 10:30am – OCC Landscape Ribbon Cutting

Join the OCC in the ribbon cutting for the beautiful landscaping project with the three donors who made it possible, along with the Talbot Chamber and the Oxford community.

May 17-19, 2024, all weekend – 40th Fine Arts Fair

The 40th annual three-day Oxford Fine Arts Show is set for May 17-19, 2024. The prestigious juried exhibition and sales show is well known throughout the area and celebrated as the season’s ‘kick-off’ for art lovers. The schedule of events for the weekend begins with the Friday Preview Party Gala. It provides attendees the only guaranteed chance to ‘Meet the Artists’, view the full exhibit and the first chance to buy the amazing art! This is a fun evening where attendees mingle with the artists and enjoy live music, cocktails and delicious hors d’oeuvres.  The award ceremony happens at the preview party gala. Tickets sell fast, so save-the-date for May 17th, 2024 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. There are no tickets offered at the door for Friday’s Preview Gala. On Saturday and Sunday, the exhibit is open to the public from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

May 25, 2024, OCC Jazz with Hannah Gill

Eastern Shore native and jazz vocalist Hannah Gill returns to her hometown for a special night at the Oxford Community Center, kicking off the musical series “The Stage @ OCC” on May 25th. Tickets are $60 and can be purchased online at oxfordcc.org.

JUNE 2024

June 1, 2024, 8:30am – One Night in Old Havana – OCC Fundraiser

A grand party conjuring the sights and sounds of old Havana. Latin -inspired small plates, signature cocktails, music, dancing and a cigar bar under the stars. You will enjoy an immersive show featuring singers, salsa dancing and surprises. Join us for One Night in Old Havana! Tickets are $75pp and include heavy hors d’oeuvres, music and dancing. Purchase tickets online at oxfordcc.org.

 

For more info contact: [email protected] or [email protected]

For tickets to classes and shows visit oxfordcc.org

To volunteer at our events, visit oxfordcc.org/volunteer

 

Oxford, Md – Eastern Shore native and jazz vocalist Hannah Gill returns to her hometown for a special night at the Oxford Community Center, kicking off the musical series “The Stage @ OCC” on May 25th.

Gill, who has emerged as a distinguished jazz singer, songwriter, and performer, is currently signed with Turtle Bay Records. Her debut jazz album, “Everybody Loves A Lover,” released in September 2023, has received widespread praise, amassing over 10 million Spotify streams and 22 million YouTube views. She has toured the world numerous times in collaboration with Postmodern Jukebox, and her resume features performances with jazz pianist Gordon Webster, the Glenn Crytzer Orchestra, and Grammy-winner Vince Giordano.

The 26-year-old’s unique voice has been written about in the New York Times, Teen Vogue, NPR, and the Syncopated Times, which describes it as “a crisp Ivy League voice of the era, rich, with a casual confidence.” In a review of her album, All About Jazz notes that the swing era standards selections “while staying true to the original music,” are infused with her style, “which is inflected with blues and soul.”

Liza Ledford, Executive Director of OCC, looks forward to welcoming Gill: “Hannah’s success on the global stage reflects the rich artistic heritage of our community, and we look forward to celebrating her journey and musical prowess right here in her Eastern Shore roots.”

Gill will bring her NYC septet jazz band, which includes female vocals, piano, bass, drums, trombone, trumpet, and clarinet/saxophone. This will be an unforgettable evening of jazz and a rare opportunity to experience the magic of Hannah Gill in the place where her musical journey began!

Limited VIP tickets are available that include a meet and greet with Hannah and the band after the show with desserts and bubbly, as well as front cabaret seating and two drink tickets.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, May 25th

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Venue: Oxford Community Center – “The Stage @ OCC”

Location & Phone: 200 Oxford Rd, Oxford MD — 410-226-5904

Tickets for this special hometown performance can be purchased through the Oxford Community Center’s website at www.oxfordcc.org

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Website: https://hannahgillmusic.com/

Social Media: @HannahGillMusic (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter)

The 40th annual three-day Oxford Fine Arts Show is set for May 17-19, 2024. The prestigious juried exhibition and sales show is well known throughout the area and celebrated as the season’s “kick-off” for art lovers.  All submissions were sent anonymously to the juror who selected the much-anticipated list of artists for the year. The juror also selected Howard Lapp as our “Featured Artist” along with a “Featured image” entitled “Winters End” to be the subject of the poster.  The competition was steep this year with many submissions for the small show of 30 artists.  The juror, Barrie Barnett explains, “There are four criteria I use when selecting artists for a show (and they all happen to start with “c”): competence, confidence, consistency and courage. The artists that made my list showed enough evidence of these plus keen observation skills. Extra points went to those who chose and filtered their subjects through imagination and creativity.”

Please join us in congratulating the talented exhibition artists selected for 2024 show:

Sandy Alanko, Joel Boches, Carole Böggemann-Peirson, Natalie Calloway, MC Carey, Naomi Clark-Turner, Mike Cruz, Freeman Dodsworth, Lois Engberg, Scott Foster, Tamara Hutchinson, Pat Lang, Howard Lapp, Kate Leibrand, Laura McGowan, Karen Merkin, David Pellegrini, Julia Purinton, Diane Rappisi, Steve Rogers, Kathie Rogers, Kenneth Rose, Susan Schauer John, Anne Singer, Sheryl Southwick, Sharon Stockley, Mary Sue Traynelis, Stephen Walker, C. Keith Whitelock, Barbara Zuehlke.

The featured artist is Howard Lapp and the featured work of art is entitled “Winters End”.

“No one nailed the four criteria like Howard Lapp. It’s no accident he’s a local legend; he very much deserves our recognition and appreciation. Cheers, Howard!” continues Barnett.

Known for his iconic scenes from Oxford and other Eastern Shore locales, long time Oxford resident, Howard Lapp, uses shadows, strong color contrasts, and light to create his signature works. His pieces are compelling. The viewer has a sense of being or experiencing the view in real time. Howard has a unique perspective and boldly integrates structure into his pieces while painting in a contemporary style.

With this exhibition and sale being the 40^th anniversary, added activities and interaction are being planned. The awards are new and exciting and a student exhibit has been added. Saturday offers a BBQ that invites the community to enjoy the gallery and mix with other art enthusiasts alongside some of the artists as well. Lunch is served both days including the famous strawberry shortcake!

Starting in April, there is an online raffle of beautiful artwork donated by the artists. You can buy raffle tickets online prior to the show and then over the weekend, the raffle continues in the physical exhibit. Both online and physical tickets are combined for the drawing. The raffle drawing happens at the end of the show on Sunday. You don’t need to be present to win.

Karen Walbridge, Co-Chair of Oxford Fine Arts says, “Similar to Cindy Reed’s introduction to Fine Arts, who chaired the event for eight years, I started out cutting strawberries and volunteering for the weekend. And we can’t forget Jennifer Stanley who started the first show forty years ago!  The show has gone through some tough times – Covid year 2020 was definitely hard – but with Jody Ware at the helm and the artists’ willingness to adapt to an on-line show we managed to keep the show alive – something that Jody and the committee were bound and determined to do.  In 2021, we produced a hybrid show and since 2022 we’ve been back as a fully live, in-person event. With this show we are a bit smaller but stronger and we think this show is going to showcase, once again, a diverse and talented group of artists.”

The schedule of events for the weekend begins with the Friday Preview Party Gala. It provides attendees the only guaranteed chance to “Meet the Artists”, view the full exhibit and the first chance to buy the amazing art! This is a fun evening where attendees mingle with the artists and enjoy live music, cocktails and delicious hors d’oeuvres.  The award ceremony happens at the preview party gala. Tickets sell fast, so save-the-date for May 17^th, 2024 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. There are no tickets offered at the door for Friday’s Preview Gala. On Saturday and Sunday, the exhibit is open to the public from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

The juried exhibition and sale has supported the work of Oxford Community Center (a non-profit 501(C)(3) for over 40 years supporting OCC’s mission to provide the region with a year-round schedule of free or reduced educational, cultural and recreational programs and events. For more information, please visit www.oxfordcc.org, or call 410-226-5904.

The Oxford Community Center (OCC) is pleased to announce a special event celebrating the enduring legacy of author Hulbert Footner’s 1944 classic “Rivers of the Eastern Shore.” This beloved narrative offers readers an immersive look at life along Maryland’s rivers in the early 1940s.

To commemorate the recent release of the book’s second edition, the Oxford Community Center will host a tribute on March 19th at 5:30 PM. Granddaughter of the author Karen Footner will provide a personal touch to the event, offering insight into Footner’s life and writing. Dennis Forney, publisher emeritus of the Cape Gazette in Lewes, Delaware, will also be on hand to read excerpts from the book and discuss its lasting impact.

Born in 1879 in Ontario, Canada, Footner built an acclaimed literary career as both a mystery novelist and travel writer before releasing “Rivers of the Eastern Shore” in 1944. The book was an instant regional bestseller, offering readers an insight into the rivers, towns, and people along the Chesapeake Bay’s Eastern Shore. First published by Farrar & Rinehart, the book’s recent second edition was released by Footner’s granddaughter Karen, keeping this beloved title alive for modern audiences.

“We are thrilled to host this event in honor of such an iconic regional book,” said Liza Ledford, Executive Director of the OCC. “‘Rivers of the Eastern Shore’ has transported generations of readers through its rich depiction of local history and culture. We look forward to celebrating the continued significance of Footner’s literary masterpiece.”

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The event is free and open to the public. It is presented in partnership with the Oxford Library who celebrates local authors and Mystery Loves Company who will be selling the books onsite.

Doors will open at 5:30 pm. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Donations to support the Oxford Community Center’s ongoing programs and events will be gratefully accepted.

For more information and to reserve your space, please visit the Oxford Community Center’s website at www.oxfordcc.org or contact the center at 410-226-5904.

Less than two weeks remain to apply for the 40th prestigious Oxford Fine Arts 2024 show!  The application is online with only three images required for submission. Oxford Fine Arts has grown to welcome up to fifty, top artists from the Mid-Atlantic region.  The new juror is Barrie Barnett and the event chair is Karen Walbridge.  The images are sent to the juror anonymously which always creates wonderful surprises as the juror curates the show based on a wide variety of high-quality mediums. It’s always a fresh exhibition!

OCC is excited to create a dynamic experience for both the artist and the art enthusiast. The Fine Arts committee is actively soliciting new Awards this year too! The 40^th anniversary invites extra promotional activity and a broader reach inviting even more regional artists to apply.  The juried selection is shared with the accepted artists and announced to the public mid-February once the participants are confirmed. March through May extensive promotions ensue and set the stage for a successful exhibition. Spend May 17-19, 2024 in Oxford for the 40^th Oxford Fine Arts Show!

The application Deadline is December 31, 2023. A $30 application fee is required for the online submission. Artists attend the opening preview gala on Friday, May 17^th as an incredible meet-and-greet with passionate collectors. Saturday and Sunday, the gallery is open for sales 10-5pm. Each day will offer opportunities to see artists’ demos and enjoy the special show.  Tickets to the gala include a free pass for the rest of the weekend so art lovers can return often.

For more information and to submit work for the 2024 show, please visit www.oxfordcc.org, or call 410-226-5904. To learn more about the juror, Barrie Barnett, please visit her website, barriebarnett.com The show has supported the Oxford Community Center (a non-profit 501(C-3), since the 1980’s with 30% of sales used to help fund OCC’s mission to provide the region with a year round schedule of free or reduced educational, cultural and recreational programs and events. This art show is supported in part by Talbot Arts (talbotarts.org) with revenues provided by the Maryland State Arts Council (msac.org).

 

NOVEMBER 2023

November 2, 2023, 5:30pm -Meg Olmert Warrior Canine Project

In honor of Veterans Day, join us for an inspiring evening with Meg Daley Olmert, a world-renowned expert on the neurobiology of the human-animal bond. She will speak about the profound therapeutic effects of human-animal relationships. Meg Daley Olmert was also a co-creator of Warrior Canine Connection’s Mission-Based Trauma Recovery Program at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. Additionally, she will be featured in the upcoming documentary, By My Side, which highlights the impact of service dogs on veterans with trauma. Olmert has been a trailblazer in the field, and her two TEDx talks have captivated the hearts and minds of tens of thousands. RSVP online at oxfordcc.org.

November 4, 2023, 8:30am –Cars and Coffee

Last Cars and Coffee of 2023! Come and enjoy your coffee while strolling amongst the most amazing cars while learning their stories. 

November 8, 2023, 5:30pm -Oxford Preparedness Talk

Are you prepared for a major weather incident? Anyone who lives on the Chesapeake Bay should fully understand their risks and be prepared to for the possibility of such events, as this will help you protect your property and could be difference between life and death should the worst happen. RSVP at oxfordcc.org. 

November 9, 2023, 5:30pm -Answering Alaska’s Call, Book Signing with Linda Fritz

Alaska’s first eye, ear, nose, and throat specialist, arrived in 1940, intent on bringing modern medicine to the Alaska bush. This memoir-biography of Alaska’s legendary Doc Fritz, is a twentieth-century version of an age-old story—a hero’s quest into the unknown. RSVP at oxfordcc.org.

November 11, 2023, 10a-4p –Model Boat Show & Fall Festival

The OCC’s Model Boat Show is an annual attraction for families, boat lovers, sailors and modelmakers. Held during the popular Waterfowl Festival happening in Easton, the Model Boat Show draws people down to Oxford for this fantastic exhibit. Dozens of modelmakers are on site showing off their exquisite craftsmanship! Join us for a fun autumn day of model boats, oysters, Bloody Marys and more! FREE

DECEMBER 2023

December 1 – 3, 2023, -Christmas on the Creek in the Village of Oxford

We invite you to celebrate the most beautiful time of the year with in the village of Oxford! Come and enjoy the shops, excellent food and Christmas ambiance on the Creek and make this Christmas unforgettable! Visit portofoxford.com for the schedule of events.

December 1, 2023, 7:30 PM -Bluegrass Nutcracker Concert – $25

Experience Tchaikovsky’s Christmas classic like never before! The Bluegrass Nutcracker features a bar-for-bar rendition of The Nutcracker played by an 8-piece bluegrass band. Before each movement, a zesty narrator recounts ETA Hoffman’s story while poking fun at it’s often-overlooked ridiculousness.

December 6, 2023, 5:30pm -Community Holiday Potluck Dinner

This is a good old fashioned Potluck Dinner to celebrate the holidays! Join your friends and neighbors at the Oxford Community Center Holiday Potluck Celebration 2023! RSVP online at oxfordcc.org and let us know what you’re bringing!

 

 The Oxford Community Center welcomes world-renowned pianist and engaging lecturer Rachel Franklin for a magical evening exploring movie music on Friday, October 6 at 7:00 pm.

As Dr. Franklin explains, “Experiencing superb movie music can have a life-long impact. Film scores inspire and romance us, affecting us so profoundly that we fall in love with a movie without even noticing we’re watching it with our ears! Music can salvage a bad movie and make a good one great.”

With fascinating film clips, witty commentary, and virtuosic piano illustrations, the British-born Franklin delves into the hidden magic behind some of cinema’s greatest scores. Audiences will learn about legendary composers like Bernard Herrmann, John Williams, and Rachel Portman, and enjoy iconic music from Psycho, Jaws, and more.

“Rachel’s talent for bringing movie music to life is unparalleled,” said Liza Ledford, Director of Oxford Community Center. “Her blend of humor, scholarship, and breathtaking piano make this an evening that informs, moves, and thoroughly entertains. It will be a fabulous cinematic ride for all.”

Franklin’s ” MAGNIFICENT MOVIE MUSIC ” event takes place October 6th at 7:00pm. Tickets are $15. Doors open at 6:30 PM, with cocktails available for purchase. For more information and to reserve your space, please visit the Oxford Community Center’s website at http://www.oxfordcc.org or contact the center at 410-226-5904.

For more on Rachel Franklin, visit www.rachelfranklin.com.

 

OCTOBER 2023

October 6, 2023, 7pm – Dr. Rachel Franklin Music in Movies evening

The OCC welcomes world-renowned pianist and engaging lecturer Dr. Rachel Franklin for a magical evening exploring music in film. With fascinating movie clips, witty commentary, and virtuosic piano illustrations, the British-born Franklin delves into the hidden magic behind some of cinema’s greatest scores. Audiences will learn about legendary composers like Bernard Herrmann, John Williams, and Rachel Portman, and enjoy iconic music from Psycho, Jaws, and more. Tickets are $15 per person and can be purchased online at oxfordcc.org/rachel-franklin. Cash bar and snacks.

October 7, 2023, 8:30-10:30am – Cars & Coffee

Enjoy your coffee amongst amazing cars and learn their stories. 

October 12, 2023, 5:30pm – Matt Pluta Talk

As Choptank Riverkeeper and Director of Riverkeeper Programs, Matt Pluta is dedicated to safeguarding the long-term health of local rivers, guarding against illegal and harmful pollution, and building a stronger voice for the protection of the river’s natural resources. Matt’s talk will focus on the Choptank and Tred Avon Rivers.  He’ll address the results of their water quality testing; updates on recent agricultural, urban, and oyster restoration efforts; goals and metrics for underwater grasses, bacteria pollution, and sediment levels; and much more! Free, cash bar and snacks.

October 21, 2023, 8am – 5K Run/Walk for Mental Health

Come join us at the Oxford Community Center as we partner with the Christopher Foundation for Life to put on our 3rd Annual 5k Run and 1-Mile Walk for Mental Health. The Run/ Walk helps raise money for the Eastern Shore mental health programs.  The Run/Walk will be held on Saturday, October 21st.  Come out to support Mental Health awareness and get a little exercise and fresh air at the same time! Register online at https://runsignup.com/occ5kformentalhealth

October 21, 2023, 6-11pm – Annual Fall Fundraiser – The Harvest Moon Dance 

Join us for our fall fundraiser, the Harvest Moon Dance on October 21, 2023 6pm-11pm. This event is sure to entertain and delight! Blue Jeans and Bling! Dinner catered by The Ivy and dancing all night sprinkled with line-dancing and a DJ too! Tickets are $85 per person ($65 is tax deductible) and includes full buffet dinner, dessert and open bar. Tickets can be purchased online at oxfordcc.org/harvest-moon-dance. Seating is limited, get tickets today!