With acts ranging from lo-fi indie singer Iron and Wine to alternative rockers Deer Tick to alt-country crooner Patterson Hood to local favorites Young Buffalo, this year's Double Decker Arts Festival certainly enjoyed its fair share of talented musical acts. Perhaps one of the most impressive was Saturday evening's headliner, soul singer Mavis Staples.
A rhythm and soul, blues and gospel singer from Chicago, Staples was once a member of the influential Staples Singers band and has been active in the music industry for over fifty years. Although Staples primarily tours as a solo act now, she brought her whole band to Oxford for the festival performance.
Taking the stage at 9:00 PM Saturday evening, Staples launched immediately into her soul-filled set. Staples played a wide range of songs covering her extensive music career and interspersed among her songs, the former civil rights activist also included a healthy dose of social commentary concerning the state of the country.
Throughout the evening, Staples interacted with the crowd and even joked about moving to Oxford given the warm reception she had received thus far at the festival. Earlier in the evening Staples even joined an earlier performer, the Funky Meters, on stage.
Oxford residents, Ole Miss students, and visitors alike crowded close to the Caterpillar Main Stage where Staples performed, and generations gathered together to hear the music legend.
"I grew up listening to Mavis Staples my whole life and it was great to finally see her live," stated Peter Englert, a freshman journalism major. "Her show was easily the best I saw at Double Decker this year."
"It was great to see such a legend perform tonight," said Austin Williamson, a concertgoer and native of Dallas Texas. "I don't often come to Oxford, but when I do, it's for events just like this. This is what's great about this city."
Even after a half century performing, Staples kept the Oxford crowd on their feet and moving through her hour-long set, an excellent close to the 17th year of Double Decker.
Next weekend, Staples continues her summer tour at Jazz Fest in New Orleans, Louisiana. For more information about Mavis Staples or to see her other upcoming festival dates, check out her website here.
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