July 31, 2003

By Deidra Jackson
University of Mississippi News Services

Charles Reagan Wilson (inset), director of UM’s Center for the Study of Southern Culture, expects a Miss. Arts Commission grant to help Thacker Mountain Radio continue promoting literature and music.

OXFORD, Miss. — A new grant to the University of Mississippi’s Center for the Study of Southern Culture will support Thacker Mountain Radio, a popular hour-long variety show that celebrates literature and music.

Center director Charles Reagan Wilson said the $5,400 Mississippi Arts Commission grant will enable the show to continue its unique efforts at promoting the two art forms in Mississippi.

Oxford's only live radio show, Thacker Mountain features literary readings and musical performances broadcast from Off Square Books near the Oxford Square downtown. The 8-year-old show, which has grown in popularity with features of celebrated local and national talent, also is broadcast by Mississippi Public Radio.

Sponsored by the Center for the Study of Southern Culture and Square Books of Oxford, with assistance from local businesses and other grants, Thacker Mountain Radio shows are free and open to the public. The program airs Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on WOXD-Bullseye 95.5 FM and on the Web at www.Bullseye955.com. Its fall premiere is Sept. 11.

Featured this season are readings by authors Kevin Baker, Elmore Leonard and T.R. Pearson, as well as performances by musicians Drive-By Truckers, Sid Selvidge and the show’s house band Taylor Grocery. Emcee is Jim Dees, former editor and writer for Oxford Town magazine.

Established in 1968 by the Mississippi Legislature, the Mississippi Arts Commission is the official grants-making and service agency for the arts in the state.

To see a schedule of upcoming or previous shows or for more information about Thacker Mountain Radio, go to www.thackermountain.com.