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14 INVITATION OXFORD | September 2017
September 2017 | INVITATION OXFORD
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SEPTEMBER 2017
AT HOME
ON THE COVER
66 Downtown Deluxe
78 True Blues
This newly designed condo blends high-end, modern finishes with team-spirited decor.
A rare collection of Mississippi’s iconic blues music is available on vinyl this month.
74 City of Love
80 Limited Edition
A chance encounter on the Square reunites a couple 30 years after their college romance.
A local craftsman uses trees from the Ole Miss campus to create the Magnolia Collection.
ON THE FIELD
At attention! The University of Mississippi’s Pride of the South marching band is geared up for another exciting football season. photographed by Joe Worthem
86 Meet Coach Luke
102 Forward Rebels
The new interim head coach has a long history with Ole Miss football.
The Ole Miss football team is blocking out noise and focusing on the season ahead.
90 March On
106 Dynamic Duo
The Pride of the South marching band is an integral part of game day.
Two UM students spent the 2016 season coaching Oxford High School football.
98 Lafayette All the Way
110 Saturday Spirit
The Lafayette High School Commodores are 2016 football state champions.
Football season is here, and Rebels fans are ready to get their Grove on.
132 IN EVERY ISSUE 22
Letter From the Publisher
30
What’s Happening
32
Community Corner
38
Rebel With a Cause
40
AROUND TOWN 116 Furry Football Fans
126 Mix It Up
In Season: Picnics
Rebel Paws day care gives Oxford canines a place to have their own football traditions while their owners enjoy time at the game.
Ivy McLellan of Snackbar shakes things up with his Invitation-exclusive cocktails that will fill your Grove guests with Ole Miss spirit.
156
Out and About
122 Eat This, Not That
132 Fashion Police
160
I Am Oxford: Dent May
Follow these tailgating food swaps to stay fit and fabulous in the Grove.
The SEC’s new clear-bag policy has prompted a trend in designer handbags.
16 INVITATION OXFORD | September 2017
126
EVENTS 46 Meet the Rebels 48 Tig Notaro Stand-Up 50 Meet the Commodores 52 Boosters & Blues 54 Hotel Hop 56 OUS Meet the Teacher BBQ 58 Watermelon Carnival 60 Boys & Girls Clubs Bash 62 Students for Alzheimer’s Tourney 138 Goodnight Market 140 Iron Bartender Competition 142 Food Truck Fight 144 Back-to-School Bash 146 Square Alliance Summerfest 148 Project Pat Concert 150 Community Water Day 152 21 United Camp
September 2017 | INVITATION OXFORD
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THE PUBLISHER
M
y heart jumps a time or two, and I clap and wave my free plastic pom-pom in the air. The Ole Miss marching band, the Pride of the South, has provided that experience for me year after year, and they have been working for weeks in order to do so. On page 90, you’ll meet members of the Pride of the South who give a firsthand account of life as a member of the 300-pluspiece marching band. If you think you’re hot in a sundress and sandals in the stadium on game day, imagine how these band members feel standing the entire game in long pants and long-sleeved jackets. They each say they do it for the love of Ole Miss and each other. While the band plays on, fans will adjust to a new fashion policy this season. The Southeastern Conference has rolled out a new security policy that regulates the size and type of bag permitted in SEC stadiums. If a gallonsized Ziploc bag isn’t your style (which, for most Ole Miss fans, it is not), take a peek at page 132 and discover new designer handbags you can bring into the stadium. One was created by Ole Miss alumna Kelly Wynne White Ferguson, who now lives in Austin, Texas. Things may have changed in the coaching department this year, but the players who have committed to playing football at Ole Miss have a lot going for them both on and off the field. Meet punter Mac Brown on page 38. When he was 14, he decided to help out a friend’s father who had Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) in his hometown of Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Five years later, Brown’s Awesome Lemonade Stand has raised more than $30,000, which is being donated to help fight the disease. We hope you enjoy our football issue. Thanks for reading Invitation Oxford; we are honored and thankful to have served Oxford for 11 years. Hotty Toddy!
RACHEL M. WEST, PUBLISHER
22 INVITATION OXFORD | September 2017
INVITATION Oxford publishers
Phil and Rachel West
editorial
EDITOR IN CHIEF Lena Anderson CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Emily Welly EVENTS EDITOR Mary Moreton STAFF WRITER Ginny Cooper McCarley CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Caitlin Adams Lanie Anderson Melanie Crownover Ben Garrett Kim Suddeath EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Katherine Henson COPY EDITOR Kate Johnson
office
BUSINESS MANAGER Hollie Hilliard DISTRIBUTION Donald Courtney Brian Hilliard MAIN OFFICE 662-234-4008
art
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Hallie Thomas STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Joe Worthem CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Joey Brent Jessica Richardson Ian Tilghman Megan Wolfe Natalie Wood
production
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Emily Suber
advertising
ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Alise M. Emerson Leigh Lowery Lynn McElreath Stacey Raper Moni Simpson Whitney Worsham ADVERTISING DESIGNERS Zach Fields Becca Pepper ADVERTISING INFORMATION ads@invitationoxford.com
To subscribe to one year (10 issues) of Invitation Oxford or to buy an announcement, visit invitationoxford.com. To request a photographer at your event, email Mary at mary.invitation@gmail.com. Invitation Oxford respects the many diverse individuals and organizations who make up north Mississippi and strives to be an inclusive representation of all members of our community.
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS MAGAZINE
September 2017 | INVITATION OXFORD
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the details matter.
September 2017 | INVITATION OXFORD
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SEPTEMBER 2017
Sport a New Look Ole Miss fans have another way to show school spirit this football season. The new “M” script logo is now available on select apparel and merchandise. Hotty Toddy!
9/29 Band of Horses The Grammy-nominated American rock band performs songs from its most recent album, Why Are You OK, and other greatest hits. The band began in Seattle in 2004. Tickets $33-$38, additional $3 if under 21 (cash only, all minors must be accompanied by an adult). Doors open at 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m., the Lyric, thelyricoxford.com
9/7
9/11
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame members Dickey Lee and Pat Alger and Grammynominated songwriter Roxie Dean—three of country music’s top songwriters—will sing songs they have written and share the inspiration behind some of the genre’s biggest hits. 7:30 p.m., Ford Center fordcenter.com
The LOU community holds its annual 9/11 Day of Remembrance, including a run hosted by the UM Army ROTC program, a ceremony at the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Oxford and a parade of first responders. For more details, turn to page 32. Race 5:30 a.m., the Lyceum Ceremony 10 a.m., Mississippi State Veterans Home in Oxford
Nashville Songwriters Night
Home Football 9/2
South Alabama vs. Ole Miss 6:30 p.m., Vaught-Hemingway Stadium
9/8 Crosstown Classic: Oxford High School vs. Lafayette High School 7 p.m., Lafayette Stadium
9/9 UT Martin vs. Ole Miss Time TBA, Vaught-Hemingway Stadium
30 INVITATION OXFORD | September 2017
9/8-10
Hummingbird Migration and Nature Celebration The 18th annual event is one of the Southeast’s largest nature festivals and includes guest speakers, live animal shows, wagon rides and an up-close view of ruby-throated hummingbirds being banded and released. Free-$15 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Holly Springs strawberryplains.audubon.org
Day of Remembrance
9/12
Walk With Me Screening The documentary, narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch, takes viewers inside the worldfamous monastery of Zen Buddhist master Thich Nhat Hanh and captures the life of a monastic community whose members have given up all their possessions for one common purpose – to practice the art of mindfulness. Tickets $13, gathr.us/screening/20538 6:30 p.m., Malco Oxford Commons
9/14
Dent May
KELLY WYNNE Red Game Day Bag Available only at Cicada
Mississippi-born singer/songwriter and ukulele enthusiast Dent May performs songs from his newly released album, Across the Multiverse. The Bonus and Melinda will also perform. Read more about May on page 160. 9 p.m., Proud Larry’s proudlarrys.com
9/16
Nerd-Vana Convention The comic, game and anime convention includes a panel discussion, games, music and more. Special guests from around the country will speak. Search “Nerd-Vana Convention” on Facebook for more information. $15 in advance, $20 at the door 10 a.m.-9 p.m., the Powerhouse
9/21
An Evening in the Faulkner Garden Presented by the New Albany Garden Club, the event includes a tour of the Faulkner Literary Garden, live music, food and beverages by Tallahatchie Gourmet, a preview of the Faulkner and Folk Art exhibit, plein air painting, pottery demonstrations and more. 5-8 p.m., Union County Heritage Museum, New Albany For more information and tickets, call 662538-0014 or visit ucheritagemuseum.com.
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9/25
Mojo Rising Book Launch The anthology Mojo Rising features musicians and writers from the geographical area known as the Mojo Triangle (Memphis, New Orleans, Nashville and most of Mississippi). Special guests, including family members of those featured in the publication, will attend the special event. Mojo Rising was published by Sartoris Literary Group and edited by James L. Dickerson and Joseph B. Atkins. Time TBA, Rowan Oak sartorisliterary.com COSMETICS
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September 2017 | INVITATION OXFORD
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DAY OF SERVICE AND REMEMBRANCE written by Ginny Cooper McCarley
The annual Day of Service and Remembrance, an event to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11 and celebrate local first responders who serve our community, will be held at the Mississippi State Veterans Home in Oxford. “So many times the veterans aren’t able to get out in the community, so it’s nice for the community to be able to go there and remember 9/11 with them and the first responders,” said Teresa Faust, director of Volunteer Oxford. Volunteer Oxford, a nonprofit organization devoted to developing, promoting and supporting local volunteerism, has helped plan the event. For Faust, the day of remembrance not only encourages young people to learn the importance of the day but also draws attention to first responders who play vital roles in our community. “Part of our mission is to inform our community to remember our first responders, and to remind (the community) that in a crisis, this is who we turn to,” Faust said. Currently, Faust and others are working with students at Lafayette and Oxford high schools to start a 9/11 self-expression project. Because high school juniors and seniors were just toddlers in 2001, Faust hopes that through social media, an interview or speaking with their parents, students will be able to understand the historical importance of the day. “We want to honor this moment in our nation’s history and transform the day into (one of ) unity and kindness,” Faust said. The event will kick off with a free two-mile ROTC Memorial Run. Participants will gather at the Lyceum at 5:30 a.m. and run through the Square. Then the UM ROTC cadets will distribute 3,000 flags around campus. At 10 a.m., a ceremony featuring the presentation of the colors, a performance of the national anthem and taps, a moment of silence, and a series of speakers will take place at the Veterans Home. Following the ceremony, the parade will begin at 10:45 a.m.
32 INVITATION OXFORD | September 2017
Mounted patrol will lead the parade with a riderless horse, to symbolize fallen soldiers, followed by several first responders from the community and surrounding area. “As we remember the firefighters, police officers, paramedics and military personnel who gave their lives in service that day, we must
remember to honor and celebrate their service and sacrifice and stand resolute to be ‘always ready . . . that others may live,’ ” said Mark Heath, chief of the Oxford Fire Department. For more information, search LOU 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance on Facebook, call 662-236-6662 or email volunteer@oxfordms.net.
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LICENSES
MAC BROWN An annual lemonade stand has raised more than $31,000 for ALS research. PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF OLE MISS ATHLETICS
written by Ginny Cooper McCarley
In the summer of 2012, Ole Miss punter Mac Brown decided to set up a lemonade stand in his hometown of Eden Prairie, Minnesota. But it wasn’t so the then 14-year-old could get money for summer camp or a vacation; it was to raise money for a friend’s dad who was battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The fundraiser was a huge success, and five years later, Brown’s annual ALS Awesome Lemonade Stand raised $20,000. This year, with the goal set at $30,000, donations have already exceeded $31,000. The proceeds from Brown’s inventive lemonade stand go to the ALS Therapy Development Institute, an organization devoted to discovering and developing treatments for ALS. It is the world’s first and largest biotech nonprofit focused solely on ALS research, and 87 cents of every dollar donated to it goes directly to ALS research. “It feels great to hit our goal,” Brown said in an Ole Miss press release. “The whole community really stepped up this year. It’s amazing to see how six years ago a simple fundraiser to support a family has turned into a nationwide event. We knew that this year we set a very lofty goal, but to see not only our neighborhood step up but Rebel Nation and other donors from
38 INVITATION OXFORD | September 2017
different states makes it even more special. This feels good, but the Awesome Lemonade Stand won’t stop until a cure is found.” ALS is a disease that attacks the central nervous system. Currently there is no cure, and the mean survival time for people with ALS is just three to five years, according to the ALS Association. Though it progresses differently for each individual, progressive muscle weakness and paralysis are inevitable consequences of the disease. For Brown, the disease has hit close to home. Michael Brandt, the father of a friend on Brown’s grade school soccer team, died from ALS, as did Mike Mitchell, a high school friend of his mom’s. The brother of Brown’s neighbor, John Pallansch, also died after a fight with the
disease this past year. “Watching a family battle a terrible disease was heartbreaking,” Brown said. “I knew that I needed to do something to try and help. This disease is brutal – not only on the person who has it, but the entire family. It feels great to take action and try and help out. But it is as simple as a lemonade stand. The more money we raise, the closer we get to a cure. “What makes it awesome is finding out new stories about other people’s connections with ALS and how this lemonade stand can make so much sadness in a disease turn to hope and that people are not giving up,” he added. “We came up with the term ‘Rebel with a cause.’ I am just trying to make a difference and do my part.”
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COURTESY OF TIME INC. BOOKS
PICNICS
written by Kim Suddeath
I
n the early fall, there’s nothing quite like taking in the fresh Mississippi air while enjoying a meal outside with family and friends. Although picnics are a great way to fully embrace the season, they require planning ahead and packing the right essentials. All the preparation can feel a little overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to, according to local chef, caterer and cookbook author Elizabeth Heiskell. Heiskell knows a thing or two about packing the perfect picnic. As someone who often caters large outdoor events all over the South, she’s learned how to throw the perfect picnic without the stress. “When it comes to picnics, less is more. If you are hauling everything but the kitchen sink, you will be exhausted and frustrated by the time you get to your destination,” she said. Her picnic essentials include a cooler filled with children’s drinks, wine, water and, of course, ice. Sometimes she even likes to mix a seasonal cocktail in mason jars and toss those in as well. She recommends packing portable foods like sandwiches or tacos, and going with vinaigrette-based salads instead of mayonnaisebased dishes. Her No. 1 preparation tip is to assemble and make everything at home so all you have to do when you get there is sit back, relax and enjoy the picnic. Aside from the food, her go-to packing essentials include a thick blanket and a garbage bag. “It’s important to leave your picnic site better than the way you found it,” she said.
40 INVITATION OXFORD | September 2017
Heiskell has several favorite picnic spots in Oxford. It all depends on what you’re looking for. Rowan Oak is a great location for a more private, quieter picnic, and the Square is where to go if you want more hustle and bustle. “If you want to see and be seen, the courthouse lawn is lovely,” she added. If you have young children or animals with you, Heiskell recommends Avent Park or Lamar Park. But her all-time favorite picnic location is the Grove. “It is one of the most beautiful spots in Oxford. But while you sit there and enjoy all the peace and quiet, make sure you pour your wine in a red Solo cup,” she said. “Grove rules always apply.” The following recipes are from What Can I Bring? Southern Food for Any Location Life Serves Up by Elizabeth Heiskell, set for release October 2017 by Time Inc. Books.
Chopped Niçoise Salad 1 (16-ounce) package farfalle pasta, cooked according to package directions and cooled ½ cup Versatile Vinaigrette (recipe below) ½ cup coarsely chopped pitted Kalamata olives ¼ cup chopped fresh basil ¼ cup chopped fresh mint 2 large tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch pieces 1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces 3 celery stalks, cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
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Versatile Vinaigrette ¾ cup apple cider vinegar 2 Tablespoons honey 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1½ teaspoons kosher salt ¼ teaspoon black pepper ¾ cup olive oil or canola oil Whisk together the vinegar, honey, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Add the oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly, until smooth.
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COURTESY OF TIME INC. BOOKS
Breakfast Tacos ¾ cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed 1½ cups water 2½ teaspoons kosher salt 2 large sweet potatoes (about 11⁄2 pounds), peeled and cut into 1⁄2-inch pieces 3 Tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 medium-sized red onion, thinly sliced 1 small red bell pepper, cut into thin strips ½ cup sour cream ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 Tablespoon fresh lime juice (from 1 lime) 1½ teaspoons chili powder ½ teaspoon ground cumin 16 (8-inch) corn tortillas, warmed 1 small ripe avocado, thinly sliced Heat oven to 400°F. Bring quinoa, water and 1 teaspoon of salt to a boil over medium-
42 INVITATION OXFORD | September 2017
high. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and cover. Cook until tender, about 12 minutes. Remove the lid, and let stand 3 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Toss together sweet potatoes, 2 Tablespoons of olive oil and 1 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Spread in an even layer on a baking sheet. Bake until fork-tender, about 15 minutes. Heat the remaining olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high. Add the onion and bell pepper, and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat; cool 5 minutes. Stir together sour cream, cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, cumin and remaining ½ teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Top each tortilla with 2 Tablespoons of quinoa, ¼ cup of potatoes, 2 Tablespoons of onion mixture, 1 Tablespoon of cream mixture and 1 avocado slice.
“When it comes to picnics, less is more. If you are hauling everything but the kitchen sink, you will be exhausted and frustrated by the time you get to your destination.” —ELIZABETH HEISKELL
September 2017 | INVITATION OXFORD
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44 INVITATION OXFORD | September 2017
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View more photos at invitationoxford.com.
MEET THE REBELS Meet the Rebels was held Aug. 12 at the Manning Center. The event was a chance for fans to interact with the Ole Miss football, soccer, volleyball and rifle teams as well as the spirit squads. photographed by Megan Wolfe
Sydney Barry and Kaylee Sawyer
Jackson and Dickie Scruggs with Keith Carter and Zach Scruggs
Emma Gaddy, Kelly Gilbert and Mary Elizabeth Killian
Faridah Salau, Sariya Khan and Hannah Morrow
Lynn, Katherine and Rip Johnson
Kylie Dickson, Madisyn Bowie, Jordan Bowie and Kendall Frauenberger
Ethan and Scott Oswalt
names names Brody names andnames Kevin names Carwyle names names
Ben and Ty Robbins
Claire and Tim Sims
names C.J.names Moore, names Jaylon names Jonesnames and D.D. names Bowie names
Martha Stubbs with Keaton, Luke, Nancy, Lynlee and Nancy Chamblee
46 INVITATION OXFORD | September 2017
Brendan Dwyer, Jenny Garrett, Paris Buchanan and Kyle Campbell
EmilyFaye Cobb and Gabriela Wells
Chad, Jenna, Amy and Caleb Reeves
Olivia and Jamie Carr
Mitt Hobbs, Walton Gresham, Lenore Hobbs and Laura Gresham
Jillian and Matt Rippon with J.J. Eftink
Michael and Todd Ferretti with Jude, Cindy and Jordan Johnson
Tyson and Joe Wilkins
Deontay Anderson and C.J. Miller
September 2017 | INVITATION OXFORD
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View more photos at invitationoxford.com.
TIG NOTARO STAND-UP Comedian, writer, actor and Mississippi native Tig Notaro performed a live show Aug. 11 at the Lyric. Notaro received a 2016 Emmy nomination for her HBO stand-up special B oyish Girl Interrupted. photographed by Megan Wolfe
Debbie Willson and Ritchie Montgomery
Kris and Matthew Zediker
Paul and Jessica Watkins
48 INVITATION OXFORD | September 2017
Bonnie Blankenship, Cord Tutor, Jake West and Paige Gillentine
Tim Gentry and Gabriel Scala with Brad Olmstead
Aylen and Iris Mercado with Shannon Hoffman
Kakky Brown, Gretchen Williams, Stevi Self, Meg Hayden and Riley Woolworth
Erin Buck and Shannon Merritt
Robin Street and Stan O’Dell
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View more photos at invitationoxford.com.
MEET THE COMMODORES Meet the Commodores was held Aug. 10 at the Lafayette football field, where players and coaches from the junior high and high school Lafayette football teams held a meet and greet with fans. photographed by Joe Worthem
Kentrick Boles with Amy and Gabby Turnage
Derrick Burgess, Jason Carothers and Julian A. Smith with Andy and Lawson Fortner
Massey Grace, Alecia and Emma Russell with Stephanie Neely and Kelsey Cooper
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Cicely and Brantney Cox
Memone and Deborah McIntosh
Gunner Atkinson, Sadie Harwell, Daniel Reed Steelman, Monica Dabney, Charlotte Avent and Leah Christman
Kiyana Thompson, Summer Gray and Kylee Walls
Mariah Jones, Lakaya Reed and Makyi Jones
Micah Daniels and Jala Panser with Samya and Chanya Clayton and Tee Reynolds
Lafayette High School varsity football team
Michael Fair, Matt McCrory, Jay Jones, Carter Norris, Ryan Avent, Justin Lee, Vance Holland and Nacoma James
Dallas, Alexis, Ava and Elliot Mooneyham with Kristie and Vaida Homolik
Ellen and Jeff Kellum
Lafayette eighth-grade football team
Jerkyla, Courtney and Jayla Lipsey
Lafayette ninth-grade football team
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View more photos at invitationoxford.com.
OXFORD CHARGERS BOOSTERS & BLUES The Oxford Chargers Booster Club hosted its annual fundraiser Aug. 12 at the Powerhouse. The Woodstock-themed event included food and drinks, a DJ, dancing and a raffle. photographed by Megan Wolfe
Monica Johnson and Heather Ormon
Brian and Chasity Vonderheide with Cheryl and Michael Joe Cannon
Barney and Jake Thompson
Miguel and Kate Centellas
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Marcia Bibbs, Maggie Beavers and Vicki Stevens
Frank Yerger, Jason Waller, Don Davis, Tom Tann and Chris Rousseau
Libbie and Kevin Patterson
Amy and Michael Dennis
Eleanor Davis and Liz Duperier
Bill and Barbara Jim Turner
Mike and Lisa Mitchell
Audra and Eddie Rester
Tanya and Hank Sherman
Gary and Brittany Franks
Mike and Deb Hardwick
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View more photos at invitationoxford.com.
HOTEL HOP Visit Oxford hosted a Hotel Hop July 30. Guests rode the Double Decker bus with stops at Graduate Oxford, Courtyard Marriott, The Inn at Ole Miss and Chancellor’s House. Each hotel provided a signature drink and tapas. photographed by Megan Wolfe
Monique Horan with Michel and Heinz Jakobi and Lauren Morgan
Larry and Cassie Veasey with Bill and Allison Bailey, Sheila Pinnix and David James
Dianne and Eric Wade
Mary Grace Vasilyer, Liz McIntyre and Gwen Turner
Kaye and John Robinson with Holly and Jason Easley
Bonnie and James Reid with Cayce and George Read, Charlie Pappas and Christina Rutland
Stefan Wilson with Abraham Dean and Amber Sharp
Eric and Carlen Johnson with Lexy Sieben
Football Rocks!
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View more photos at invitationoxford.com.
OUS BACK-TO-SCHOOL BARBECUE Oxford University School held a Meet the Teacher event Aug. 8. Students, parents and teachers enjoyed barbecue and hot dogs, and celebrated the beginning of the new school year. photographed by Megan Wolfe
Christopher, Madelyn and Lecha Diggs
Katherine, Anabelle and Stephen Pannel
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Rob and Kate Forster
Sophia and Stephen Williams
Shelley Browning, Kathy Beasley, Cindy Summerlin and Edgar Serrano
Anne Marie, Genevieve and Bradley Gordon
Evan, Cacy, Patrick, Mollie and Adam Clay
Indie Jules and Ashley Moore
Morgan and Piper Arceneaux
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View more photos at invitationoxford.com.
WATER VALLEY WATERMELON CARNIVAL The 48th annual Watermelon Carnival was held Aug. 4-5 in downtown Water Valley. The familyfriendly event included food, live music, a street dance, a watermelon contest, and arts and crafts vendors. photographed by Jessica Richardson
Jennie and Cheyenne Brewer
Linda Griffin, Dot Rudy, Lucy Coleman and Tonna Logan
Karon and Katelyn Stanford
Cheyanna Baker and Ginger Bennett
Saniya Boyd, Emma Quince, Josiah McGhee and Priya Boyd
Malachi and Wardean Booker with Juanita and Velda Bradford
1400 University Ave • Oxford, MS 38655 • 662.234.3232
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Gene Buglewicz, Jerry Daum and Gene Hays
Joe and Pamela Mize
Carolyn Hawkins, Linda Cox and Ruby Carr
Anne Catherine Gurner and Betty Bridge
Bailey Britt and Ashley Bailey
Landon and Sasha Buckley with Okesha Moore
Harold and Joseph Brummett
Kay Goodwin, Stella Stewart and Patricia Norwood
Shelly Howell and Jonnie Mayo
Chaz and Amy Kirby
Linda Maynor, Becky Jones, Danielle Gentry and Andy Jones
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View more photos at invitationoxford.com.
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH The Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi held a back-to-school bash and school supplies drive July 29 at the LOU Barksdale Clubhouse. Guests enjoyed games, activities and refreshments. photographed by Joe Worthem
La-Quanda Johnson and Deborah Dunn
Trey Black and Kaycee Street
Reshun Barksdale and Marilynn Giles
Takilah Parker and Briana Simms
Arica, Chanijah and Chadaijah Rogers with Kristen Malone and Azariah Bogard
Michael and Jackie Certion with Courtney Gipson
Shekibia Mickens and Jacqueline Wright
Kenorus Wilson with Amarrie and Zanieya Booker
Lets Go Rebs! MONDAY - SATURDAY 10:00-6:00 SUNDAY 12:00-4:00 662.234.8383 OXFORD, MISSISSIPPI
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View more photos at invitationoxford.com.
STUDENTS FOR ALZHEIMER’S TOURNAMENT Students for Alzheimer’s held a tennis tournament Aug. 5 at the John Leslie Tennis Courts. Proceeds from the event will benefit Memory Makers Respite Day Services. photographed by Megan Wolfe
Jack and Melanie Ligon
Jo Ann O’Quin and Tina Hill
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Mary Victoria Sullivan and David Torrent
Vicki, Michael and Claire Stevens
Lynda and Mary Beth Lively
Tommy Clements, Bella Shipman, Joel David Montgomery and Jeannette Clements
Sara Branscome, Campbell Thomas and Carson Stanford
Sam Sliman and Bill Turner
Sam Peeler with Ann Bishop and Amy Hartley
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66 downtown deluxe 74 city of love 78 true blues 80 limited edition
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A condo off the Square has a little bit of everything, from high-end, modern finishes to team-spirited decor. written by Melanie Crownover
photographed by Joe Worthem
W
hen Brian Hayden contacted local interior designer Jennifer Russell for help with his new condo, Russell knew just how to create the look Hayden had envisioned. The result was 1,200 square feet of industrial rustic chic blended with Rebels flair. “There’s not another like it,” Russell said. “Brian had his own vision here that I just helped him execute.” Hayden also enlisted contractor Alex Williams of Memphis-based Alexander Construction LLC to help with the renovations of the condo,
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located just north of the Square in the Vieux Carré building. “[It] was such an enjoyable process working with a talented designer and an engaged owner,” Williams said. “We all worked together as a team collaborating on all phases of construction to produce an awesome end product.” The condo was an empty shell, without walls, when construction began in April. Ninety days later, the two-bedroom, two-bath project was complete. Hayden’s inspiration began with the 120-year-old reclaimed “dirty top” pine hardwood flooring he found in Louisiana and a visit to
Restoration Hardware to outfit the entire floor plan with state-of-the-art recessed and hanging LED lighting. A leather sectional, metallic aviator chairs and a handmade live-edge, waterfall-sided coffee table made of beetle pine accentuate the herringbone flooring pattern in the living room. An industrial ceiling design with exposed ductwork adds to the contemporary feel, as do floor-toceiling blackout curtains that hang from a metal gas pipe running the length of the entry wall. A queen-sized bed housed inside a Canadian cabinet bed disguised September 2017 | INVITATION OXFORD
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“We all worked together as a team collaborating on all phases of construction to produce an awesome end product.” -contractor Alex Williams as a distressed entertainment center gives guests an extra sleeping option. Neutral grays and whites work with deep-stained woods and antiqued brass hardware to give the space the laid-back demeanor of a modern lodge. The open floor plan connects the living room to a concrete-topped bar with metallegged Plexiglas stools that faces the kitchen. A stainless Bertazzoni stove from Italy and a refrigerator with a programmable, transparent door, along with gold trim capping the wall tiles, add bling to the open-shelved kitchen walls. A rustic bar that houses an old whiskey barrel refurbished into a working sink punctuates the end of the kitchen and entry to the outside terrace. “The brick in the bar wall came from an old cotton mill in Belzoni,” Hayden said. “I found the Jack Daniel’s whiskey barrel over there in a little store on the square in Bruce. When I told them I wanted it made into a sink, I got some looks. The barrel top became our tabletop [on the terrace].” Subtle team spirit is reflected in the decor as guests make their way to the back of the
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Contractor Alex Williams and designer Jennifer Russell (pictured opposite page) helped bring to life owner Brian Hayden’s vision for his renovated condo just off the Square. Unique details, such as an old Jack Daniel’s whiskey barrel repurposed as a working bar sink (pictured far left) and antiqued brass hardware, mixed with modern elements like a stainless steel Bertazzoni stove, give the space a blend of rustic and modern chic.
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“Oxford is called the Little Easy, so it fits. The architecture of this building is even New Orleans style.” -homeowner Brian Hayden
residence. A novel twist on Colonel Reb in red and blue looks on from a frame on the bar. The letters “HYDR” (a nod to the Ole Miss mantra “Hell yeah! Damn right!”) stand out in red among the penny tiles of the shower in the guest bathroom when the motion-sensing lighting is activated. Mementos from Hayden’s Ole Miss days as a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity and black-and-white photos of the fraternity’s former house decorate the hall on the way out to the deck, where HYDR also graces the back of the patio chairs near a Big Green Egg grill. “You can tell I’m a huge Saints fan too when you see the master bedroom,” Hayden said. “Oxford is called the Little Easy, so it fits. The architecture of this building is even New Orleans style.” The master bedroom is decorated with understated black-and-gold quilted bedding, while framed memorabilia from the team’s 2010 Super Bowl win hangs on the wall. Black enclosed fans resembling airplane rotors continue the industrial vibe. The condo will be offered as a weekend rental property. Hayden plans to sweeten the stay for guests by offering concierge services such as stocking the refrigerator and bar with certain items, personalizing the plastic cups on the shelves or making arrangements to transport guests to and from the game in style. “Brian has thought of all the special touches,” Russell said. “The location would have rented itself before, but now this space is just as impressive as how close it is to everything for game day.”
As a fan of both the Ole Miss Rebels and the New Orleans Saints, Hayden was able to show his team spirit in little details throughout the condo. An HYDR tile design in the guest shower (pictured at top) pays homage to the popular Ole Miss mantra, while a black-and-gold color scheme in the master bedroom pays tribute to the Saints. The top of the Jack Daniels whiskey barrel now functions as an end table on the deck (pictured at left).
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written by Katherine Henson
photographed by Meg Javoronok
A chance encounter on the Oxford Square reunites a couple 30 years after their college romance in the 1970s.
Left: Anne and Charlie pose for a picture in Dallas, Texas (Anne’s hometown), in 1973 when they first met and dated while students at the University of Mississippi. The couple parted ways when Charlie graduated. Right: Four decades later, after a random encounter on the Square, the couple rekindled their relationship and married in March.
O literary icons and foodies; it’s also a place xford isn’t just a town full of football fans,
for love connections. Anne and Charlie Ruffin first met in the fall of 1973 while enrolled at the University of Mississippi. Charlie was a senior when he first met freshman Anne Scott Perry. Carol Ann Carter, a friend of Charlie’s and sorority sister of Anne’s, introduced the two one night. “This tall gal hops in the front seat, turns around to me and says very confidently, ‘Hi, my name is Anne-with-an-E.’ I remember thinking, ‘This girl is gorgeous,’ ” Charlie said.
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“Charlie developed a major crush on Anne immediately,” Carter recalled. The two quickly established a friendship, and later that fall, Charlie asked Anne to the Ole Miss vs. Tulane game. “That was when I knew I wanted to be with her. She would yell and scream for the Rebels but would exude her Southern grace while doing it,” Charlie said. By the following year, the two were officially dating. Charlie went to visit Anne’s hometown of Dallas, Texas, where he met her parents.
“Their home in Dallas was beautiful, and they had a guest home out back where I stayed during that visit. We got caught cuddling in the family room, and Anne’s father waved his arm at us and said, ‘Stop that cuddling,’ ” Charlie said, laughing. Charlie thought very seriously about their future together. He was graduating soon from Ole Miss with a major in biology and minor in chemistry and political science. He was a member of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and would be stationed at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi following his graduation.
The college sweethearts married on St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, 2017, at Chapel of the Cross in Madison, surrounded by their families.
“I went to look at engagement rings, and the more I thought about it, I knew the timing was not right,” he said. Charlie called Anne and explained to her that he had a duty to his country, and she should enjoy her time in college as a sophomore. “He broke up with me, and I was very confused,” Anne said. “I remember walking down the steps (of my parents’ house) into the sunroom and telling them what happened.” In 1977, Charlie was honorably discharged from the Air Force and began working on his MBA. He never forgot about Anne. He
called the Pi Phi house looking for her and wrote her letters, trying to reconnect. The letters came back undelivered. The two continued their lives, separately. Anne graduated with a degree in education from Ole Miss and became a mother to four daughters. Charlie had two children. Three decades later, fate struck. In 2004, Charlie and Anne ran into each other in front of City Grocery on the Oxford Square. “I knew right away who it was when I saw him after almost 30 years,” Anne said. “I saw her eyes and her smile, and you just
can’t forget those,” Charlie added. Life kept them apart for another decade, but after Charlie reached out to wish Anne a happy birthday in 2015, the timing was finally right. The couple got back together, and on Dec. 16, 2016, Charlie proposed while standing on the front steps of the Ole Miss Lyceum. He knelt down on one knee and asked Annewith-an-E to finally be his bride. She said yes. “It was a blessing that life brought us together at that perfect moment,” Anne said. The couple wed on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 2017. They now reside in Madison. September 2017 | INVITATION OXFORD
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A rare collection of Mississippi’s iconic blues music is available on vinyl beginning this month.
written by Caitlin Adams
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There is a new set of blues music emitting from turntables this fall, thanks to a recent release from Oxford’s own independent record label, Fat Possum Records. Worried Blues, a collection of 10 albums, features rare, lost and out-of-print recordings from some of Mississippi’s most iconic blues legends. The release is making headlines across the music industry. “It’s very rare in 2017 – with the internet and YouTube – to find something that has not been heard in a long time,” said David Swider, owner of The End of All Music, Oxford’s independent record store. “This is a gold mine, a total jackpot.” The historical collection’s roster is chockfull of rhythms from musical greats such as Mississippi John Hurt, Skip James, Furry Lewis and Honeyboy Edwards, with each album dedicated solely to one artist. All but one of the musicians hail from the Magnolia State. The result is a revived collection that serves as a blues archive. “It’s just adding more to the richness of Mississippi musical history,” Swider said. “Mississippi is steeped with tons of unbelievable art and music. This just builds upon that.” Adelphi Records limitedly released the collection – largely recorded in the ’60s and ’70s – on CD in the ’90s. But it wasn’t until recently that Fat Possum Records decided to bring the oft-forgotten recordings mainstream. “They’re avid blues fans,” Swider said of Fat Possum’s president, Matthew Johnson, and general manager, Bruce Watson. “They know more about blues and the history than anyone else in the business.” Johnson and Watson are seasoned veterans when it comes to releasing new records. In 2008, they unveiled The George Mitchell Collection, a catalog of hundreds of hours of recordings from the musician and producer. Worried Blues is the duo’s latest venture. “This kind of continues the tradition of Fat Possum putting out rare recordings,” Swider said. “This project is one of the better ones they’ve done.” For this release, the record label collaborated with Amazon to promote the collection. “It’s never been treated with the kind of full-on machine that Fat Possum can put behind it,” Swider said. “Everything from doing
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800-465-8386 or 601-944-0630 www.georgebellrugcleaning.com Furry Lewis (top) and Mississippi John Hurt (above) are two of the blues legends featured in the Worried Blues collection. The rare recordings, released by Oxford’s Fat Possum Records, will be available on vinyl this month.
the recordings justice, creating new artwork, cleaning up the sound and putting out a top product that needs to be in every record store in the country.” Vinyl copies of the collection hit shelves this month and can be purchased locally at The End of All Music or downloaded from Amazon. Swider acknowledges the ease of streaming and digital downloads, but he also encourages music aficionados to purchase the physical records for a piece of blues history. “These types of records are why the vinyl medium is so special,” he said. Bonus features of the records include original artwork created for the collection’s release and line notes by folk guitarist and music historian Elijah Wald. “They give really important insight on these recordings and these musicians,” Swider said. “These are the kind of records you want to own on vinyl and display.” September 2017 | INVITATION OXFORD
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Salvaged trees from the Ole Miss campus are featured in a custom-made collection.
written by Caitlin Adams photographed by Joe Worthem
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Left: Woodworker Will Hopkins of The Green Door, pictured in front of custom wall hangings created for client Beth McKey, uses trees cleared from the University of Mississippi campus in his Magnolia Collection. Above: The limited collection includes this one-of-a-kind conference table, located in the Oxford office of Ole Miss alum, Jimmy Carr.
Woodworker Will Hopkins was up for the challenge when his former University of Mississippi classmates called on him to create a custom table. “I was working in construction when my friend asked me [to make the table], and it came so natural to me, so I decided to give it a try,” Hopkins said. Hopkins is a self-taught woodworker and owner of The Green Door, a custom-furniture and reclaimed-wood-flooring studio in Oxford, where he works alongside his parents, Bill and Jo Hopkins. “My dad (he retired in ’08) is the talent, so to speak,” Hopkins said. “He’s always been able to build any design I come up with. And my mom (retired in ’15) has helped me so much in doing the books and typing up the bids and helping run the business, but she is also in that shop hammering nails, sanding, etc.”
Hopkins recently struck an exclusive partnership with an arborist contracted by Ole Miss to work with the university as it began clearing land for new academic buildings and additional parking. The deal allows Hopkins to create one-of-a-kind pieces from the harvested trees that would otherwise be hauled away. To date, he is the only woodworker allowed to build furniture for resale from the wood. He has dubbed the wood – and the furniture that comes from it – the Magnolia Collection and relies on word of mouth to promote the limited supply. Creating furniture out of unique, rare wood is not new for Hopkins, who once constructed a table from a piece of dying cedar removed by the arborist at the Rowan Oak property. He sees the Magnolia Collection as a unique branding opportunity to allow alums, Rebel fans and Oxford residents to purchase a
piece of the campus for their homes. Hopkins immediately knew he would design the first piece in the collection for his college buddies, Katie and Richie Haiks, who now live in Lafayette, Louisiana, and contacted Hopkins to create a statement piece for their large dining room. “I knew I had to do something special,” Hopkins said. “I wasn’t going to make them just any average table.” With a growing family, the Haikses don’t make the trek north as often as they would like, but they were looking for a way to honor their time spent in Oxford. “We liked the idea of having something from Ole Miss in our home,” Katie said. But Hopkins’ vision for his friends went beyond the borders of the Ole Miss campus. He decided to construct a piece that paid homage to the couple’s history, and the result was a September 2017 | INVITATION OXFORD
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Mississippi-shaped cutting boards are the most popular items available in the Magnolia Collection. Visit thegreendoorco.com to see more of Hopkins’ custom-made pieces.
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live-edge, hybrid table made from wood from throughout the South. While the top of table came from a campus tree from the Magnolia Collection, the base has two origins: Half was sourced from cypress that was harvested from an abandoned warehouse in Louisiana, where Richie grew up, and the rest was pine reclaimed from a cotton gin in the Delta, where Katie was born and raised. “The table is kind of like us in that respect: part Louisiana and part Mississippi Delta, tied together by Ole Miss,” Katie said. Each item at The Green Door is a true custom job; clients work with Hopkins to design the size of the piece they envision, and then choose among the species of wood available. Hopkins says it is pure luck if there’s a piece of wood from the Magnolia Collection that aligns with a customer’s vision. “It just depends on what I have available and in what size,” he said. If the wood happens to be available, clients must be ready to open their pocketbooks. Pieces in the Magnolia Collection carry a hefty price tag – sometimes twice the price of a similar item made out of a different wood. But the line is for customers who are looking for more than a piece of furniture; they’re looking to invest in the preservation of the Ole Miss campus. “You’re paying for the history and rarity,” Hopkins said. “It’s a very limited supply that becomes a one-of-a-kind piece.” In addition to the Haikses’ table, Hopkins and his father have designed and built roughly 15 pieces of furniture for the Magnolia Collection. Custom pieces include dining tables, barn doors and side tables, as well as smaller items like cutting boards and charger plates. Hopkins says the cutting boards are his best sellers due to the lower price tag and mobility of the pieces – some clients haul them to the Grove on game days, while others use them as a focal point in the kitchen. For Hopkins, his favorite part of the new collection is creating statement pieces of furniture that clients will pass down for generations. And when it comes to The Green Door’s custom pieces, and the Magnolia Collection wood used, no two items are alike. “Trees are like people,” Hopkins said. “When you peel back the layers, you really find out what they are.”
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on the field
86 Meet coach Luke 90 March on 98 lafayette all the way 102 forward rebels 106 dynamic duo 110 saturday spirit
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PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF JOSH MCCOY/OLE MISS ATHLETICS
meet Coach Luke
written by Ben Garrett
This season, the Ole Miss football team will be led by a new coach who has a long history with the Rebels.
T
he name Matt Luke may be new to some people, but it’s not new to Ole Miss football. Luke was born a Rebel (both his father and brother played football at Ole Miss), he helped lead the team to an Egg Bowl victory in 1997 playing with a torn MCL, and he has spent the last five seasons serving as Ole Miss cooffensive coordinator and offensive line coach. Now Luke is about to play his biggest role yet with Ole Miss football: as interim head coach for the 2017 season. And though he may not be the biggest name in the SEC just yet, there are many people who believe Luke is just the man for the job. “There is not a person more perfect for a position like this right now,” said Eli Anding, a former Ole Miss teammate of Luke’s. “Because
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what Matt brings to the table is integrity and the love of Ole Miss and a work ethic that is second to none.” “What Ole Miss needs right now is someone who understands Ole Miss and understands what is important to Ole Miss,” Anding added. “Matt is everything that encompasses. Matt’s going to get in there and teach integrity, do your job, work your can off and do right.” In the Ole Miss record books, Luke is listed as a four-year letterman. But his career is unlike that of most any other player who finished with such distinction. Luke, a native of Gulfport, walked on at Ole Miss. He’d always dreamed of being a Rebel, to follow in the footsteps of his father, Tommy, who was a defensive back in the 1960s,
and his brother, Tom, who quarterbacked the Rebels from 1989 to 1991. Tom currently serves on the football staff as assistant athletics director for player development. Coach Luke was undersized as a center, but he started 33 career games. He served as a team captain in 1998, the year Ole Miss posted a 7-5 record and defeated Texas Tech in the Independence Bowl. But never was Luke’s dedication to Ole Miss football put on display more than in the 1997 Egg Bowl. Luke tore an MCL the first drive of the game. Dismissing the training staff’s protests, he returned for the final, game-winning possession. On one leg, he blocked 330-pound Mississippi State nose guard Eric Dotson.
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Let me say this about having Matt in that locker room as the coach of those players: It’s so important to have someone they believe in and trust. They’ve been to war with Coach Luke. They’ve fought with him. They know what’s in his heart, and they’re going to stand behind Matt.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF JOSH MCCOY/OLE MISS ATHLETICS
-Wesley Walls
Interim head coach Matt Luke is no stranger to the Ole Miss football program. In the late ’90s, he played center and served as team captain for the Rebels, both his father and brother played football for Ole Miss, and Luke has served as co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach for the team through the last five seasons.
Dotson bested Luke on the two-point conversion, and he was within inches of sacking Ole Miss quarterback Stewart Patridge. One of the most memorable plays in Egg Bowl history was nearly reversed in favor of Mississippi State. But Dotson was cut short, and Patridge’s pass found wide receiver Cory Peterson in the chest – all because Luke had swept his injured leg to trip up Dotson. The Rebels won the game, 15-14. “He’s got the desire, and he’s got the bloodlines from his dad being a big-time player and his brother being an incredible Ole Miss Rebel,” Anding said. “I knew he was going to be special. His determination was second to none of anybody I ever played with in five years at Ole Miss.” Former Ole Miss tight end Wesley Walls is
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a believer too. Walls, one of the most acclaimed players in school history, never played with Luke. Still, Luke has his support. “Matt Luke’s the perfect guy to be named interim head coach,” said Walls, a member of the College Football Hall of Fame who earned first team All-America honors in 1988. “He and his wife are great people. They’ll represent Ole Miss well. I think that’s what we need right now.” Walls said that for a locker room that’s been hit with one adverse situation after another, Luke’s steadying presence is critical. “Let me say this about having Matt in that locker room as the coach of those players: It’s so important to have someone they believe in and trust,” Walls said. “They’ve been to war with Coach Luke. They’ve fought with him. They know what’s in his heart, and they’re
going to stand behind Matt.” It remains to be seen how long Luke will be in the head coach position and what the team’s record will be under his leadership, but those who know him well believe his only priority is to lead the Rebels to victory. Former teammate Walker Jones said he feels confident Ole Miss is in the hands of a coach who is looking out for Ole Miss first. “There’s all sorts of different coaches out there,” Jones said. “I don’t really care about the guys that put out great quotes in a press conference and are on social media saying funny things. I like the coaches that can win. That’s the thing about Matt; he’s going to win. That’s all he knows. He’s won his whole life. He has overcome any adversity or obstacle he’s ever had.”
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The Pride of the South marching band is an integral part of game day at Ole Miss, from rallying in the Grove to playing the alma mater after the game. written by Ginny Cooper McCarley
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photographed by Joe Worthem
Most football fans
know the Pride of the South marching band best for its spectacular halftime show. The themed extravaganza features intricate marching patterns and dance moves from the more than 300 members of the band and the Rebel ettes, plus flag routines from the nearly 40 members of the color guard. However, these carefully choreographed and much-rehearsed shows are just one small aspect of game days for members of the band. For many band members, such as senior drum major Jiwon Lee, game day begins nearly six hours before kickoff. Lee and her fellow drum majors open the band hall and prepare for the game, answering questions from other band members and getting dressed in their uniforms, which pose their own set of challenges. “The uniforms can get really, really hot and really, really cold,” Lee said, laughing. “Since the first game of the season is in late August or early September, everyone is really hot, but we’re there in full uniform.” After getting dressed, the drum line warms up and joins the pep band – a smaller version of the whole, with just three or four people playing each instrument – to perform in front of the Union as the football players take to the Walk of Champions. Pep band members then join the rest of the band in the Grove for a performance that features the full Pride of the South playing a warm-up routine that leads into the fight song. “That’s what the fans really go crazy about,” Lee said. “They cheer, and the families get really involved.” When the rally in the Grove ends, band
The University of Mississippi’s Pride of the South marching band consists of more than 300 members and has been an integral part of Ole Miss since 1928. The duties of the band on game day include performing the pregame fight song at the Grove, playing tunes from the stands throughout the game and performing the halftime show in front of 60,000 fans in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. September 2017 | INVITATION OXFORD
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“The work and time commitment creates a very strong level of camaraderie amongst the band members,
much like the football team.” - Randy Dale
Game days are long for band members, who may log 12 hours from start to finish. They also come to campus a week before classes begin for three-a-day practices and continue two-hour practices every weekday after the semester starts.
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members quickly move to the road and line up to parade to the stadium, escorted by police. Band directors lead the parade, followed by drum majors, twirlers, Rebelettes and instrumentalists. After a short pregame show, the band lines up in the stands area where they play throughout the game – always standing, unless a player is hurt on the field. Some of the band’s favorite selections are classics like Hey Baby and modern hits like Katy Perry’s Dark Horse. Then comes the much-anticipated halftime show, for which the band typically performs three to four different routines a year, with tunes ranging from popular music to traditional marching band songs. This year, it will play a patriotic show and a ’90s grunge rock show, among others. “We try to keep a lot of variety in the selections,” said Director of Bands Randy Dale. After halftime, the band continues to play for the rest of the game until ending the day – win or lose – with the university’s alma mater. All told, a typical game day can last up to 12 hours for members of the marching band. But the game day routine is just one aspect of being in the band. Members come to campus a week before classes start to attend three-a-day
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The effort and commitment required of the Pride of the South marching band foster a sense of community among the 300-plus members. From the Rebelettes and drum majors to the color guard and instrumentalists, by the end of the season, they are more like family members looking out for one another.
practices held in the morning, afternoon and evening. Once the fall semester begins, the band practices every weekday beginning at 4 p.m. for about two hours. “It takes an immense amount of time and effort for the band to put together all of the game-day presentations,” Dale said. “The work and time commitment creates a very strong level of camaraderie amongst the band members, much like the football team.” That sense of camaraderie makes marching with the Pride of the South a special experience. “As a drum major, I get to connect with every student (in the band) and see them and talk to them every day. We’re like a family, really,” Lee said. “We all think of the Ole Miss band as one big family.” Lee, a senior majoring in flute and violin performance who plans on pursuing her PhD to become a college professor, played in the band for two years before becoming its first Korean drum major. It’s hard for her to imagine life without the Ole Miss marching band once she graduates in May 2018.
“To really understand the Ole Miss marching band, you have to envision a family of more than 300 people who are looking for
in the marching band for all four years of her undergraduate career. Now, as a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in journalism at Ole Miss, she serves as public relations coordinator for not only the marching band but also the symphonic, concert, university and jazz bands. “The members (of the marching band) become family and have a ‘we’re only as strong as our weakest link’ mentality. To really understand the Ole Miss marching band, you have to envision a family of more than 300 people who look for the success of each other,” she said. That supportive environment is what led Schlick to join the marching band. Although she knew that she wanted to be a part of the Ole Miss band, she originally thought she would play solely with the symphonic band. However, Dale had a member of the marching band personally call Schlick, which changed both her perception and her plans. “Seeing the way the Ole Miss [marching] band provided a sense of community and comfort to me before I was even a part of campus made me reconsider, and I decided to join
the success of each other.”
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- Jacqueline Schlick “I went to Oxford High School, so I’ve been around the Ole Miss band all my life. (Playing in the band) is something I dreamed of, really, because growing up my family went to Ole Miss games,” Lee said. “It’s really hard and bittersweet, since it’s the end of my undergraduate years.” Recent graduate Jacqueline Schlick felt the same when she graduated in May, so she found a way to stay involved. She played the piccolo
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“My time in the band was so profoundly special because I got to be part of the rich history of the Pride of the South, the culture of Ole Miss football and the energy of game day, all while standing next to people who made it so incredibly worthwhile.� - Jacqueline Schlick
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the marching band the second I hung up the phone,” Schlick said. “Four years later, I graduated as a band senior and couldn’t even fathom a college career without it.” Onlookers might be surprised to learn that most band members, like Schlick, are not pursuing degrees in music; in fact, only around 10 to 15 percent of the students are music majors. Dale, who has been with the band for seven years, first as assistant director and now as director of bands, said the diversity of the students is what makes his job so special. “My favorite part of working with the Ole Miss band is the interaction with all the people that I get to work with, be around, and teach, as well as learn from,” Dale said. “We have people from a large variety of backgrounds and cultures.” Although this will be Schlick’s first season not marching with the band, she said she already misses the experience. “Every person in that band was so warm and loving, so interested in your triumphs and failures, so ready to stand up for you, catch you as you fell or pick up the pieces when life outside of band got messy,” she said. “My time in the band was so profoundly special because I got to be part of the rich history of the Pride of the South, the culture of Ole Miss football and the energy of game day, all while standing next to people who made it so incredibly worthwhile.”
Game days at Vaught-Hemingway wouldn’t be complete without halftime performances by the Pride of the South. The themed routines feature intricate marching patterns and choreographed dance moves.
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A little rain didn’t dampen the spirits of the LHS Commodores, who won the 2016 MHSAA football championship 4A division last December. photographed by Joey Brent
THE LAFAYETTE HIGH SCHOOL COMMODORES football team is sporting some new bling with its 2016 state championship rings. The team finished out a 13-2 season last year with a victory over the Poplarville Hornets on Dec. 3. The ’Dores, under the direction of head coach Michael Fair, won the game 27-12 and clinched the MHSAA football championship 4A division on a cold and wet day in Starkville. Fans didn’t let a little rain stop them from supporting their team and cheering the Commodores to victory at Mississippi State University’s Davis Wade Stadium. Coach Fair and the 2017 LHS Commodores will host the Oxford High School Chargers in the Crosstown Classic on Sept. 8.
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forward rebels
written by Ben Garrett photographed by Ole Miss Spirit
The Ole Miss football team is blocking out noise and focusing on the season ahead.
I
t’s no secret that Ole Miss is heading into the 2017 season with a set of challenges. It wasn’t an easy spring or summer. But the team’s attention isn’t on the chatter or drama; it’s on playing ball and winning games. And if the Rebels can’t go to a bowl game (the school has a one-year self-imposed postseason ban with the NCAA), they’re out to ensure other teams don’t go either. Sophomore quarterback Shea Patterson, whose career so far consists of a 1-2 record in all of three games as a true freshman a year ago, said Ole Miss is embracing the role of spoiler. The Rebels were 5-7 last season, including a 2-6 mark in SEC games. They were picked to
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finish last in the SEC West by league media. “When (the bowl ban) first happened, it was devastating. We came here to win a national championship,” Patterson said. “The adversity can crumble you apart, but it brought us together. We’re going to take that chip on our shoulder into the season. If we’re not going, you’re not going. That’s our motto.” Patterson is an important player on the roster, both on and off the field. He used the summer to better cultivate chemistry and timing with his wide receivers, and he’s quickly becoming the face of the program. Patterson was the youngest of three player representatives for Ole Miss at SEC Media Days in July.
But Patterson is no finished product. He never expected to play last season. A week before his debut at Texas A&M, he was running the scout team. But following a seasonending injury to starter Chad Kelly, Patterson’s redshirt was removed. Overall, he totaled six touchdowns compared to three interceptions, averaging 293.3 passing yards per game. “Shea’s a great player; I saw that early on,” Ole Miss defensive tackle Breeland Speaks said. “He’s been a great leader. He just needs to sit back, cool down and just let it flow. He’s been doing great this off-season. I’ve been watching him throw to the wide receivers all summer. I watched 7-on-7, and he looks great. I’m really
“When (the bowl ban) first happened, it was devastating. We came here to win a national championship. The adversity can crumble you apart, but it brought us together. We’re going to take that chip on our shoulder into the season. If we’re not going, you’re not going. That’s our motto.” -SHEA PATTERSON
Starting quarterback Shea Patterson (pictured far left) is poised and ready for the 2017 season, along with key teammates defensive tackle Breeland Speaks (top) and wide receiver D.K. Metcalf (bottom).
excited for him.” Patterson leads an Ole Miss offense stocked with talent. His offensive line is one of the most veteran-laden and deep in the conference, and his wide receivers – despite the losses of Damore’ea Stringfellow and Quincy Adeboyejo – feature a host of former five- and four-star prospects. Oxford product D.K. Metcalf is among the headliners, joined by fellow sophomore A.J. Brown, returning receptions leader Van Jefferson and the talented and productive collection of Damarkus Lodge, Markell Pack, Tre Nixon and others. Metcalf caught only two passes last season,
but both went for touchdowns. “You look at the wideouts, we’ve got some physical specimens,” Ole Miss wide receivers coach Jacob Peeler said. “You walk in the door and D.K. looks like an NFL defensive end. He’s 6-4, 220-225 (pounds), and he runs a 4.4 (40yard dash). That’s unheard of. There’s not many of those guys walking around in the United States.” Peeler’s group could easily stake claim as the most talent-rich on the team, though the offensive line can make a case too. Spearheaded by an interior core of veterans (Sean Rawlings, Javon Patterson and Jordan Sims), the unit features a mix of youth and experience. Former five-star Greg Little is
firmly entrenched at left tackle, while Alex Givens and Rod Taylor entered fall camp in August battling for the starting job at right tackle. Javon Patterson, who was limited in the spring because of injury, believes the Rebels are well equipped not only to handle the adversity swirling around the program but also to put forth a memorable campaign, even without any chance at the postseason. “Everybody’s trying to get that work,” he said. “Everybody’s trying to be the best player they can be and make a name for Ole Miss. That’s what we’re doing. That’s what’s keeping us focused on the main goal: winning 12 games. One game at a time.” September 2017 | INVITATION OXFORD
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“Everybody’s trying to get that work done. Everybody’s trying to be the best player they can be and make a name for Ole Miss. That’s what we’re doing. That’s what’s keeping us focused on the main goal: winning 12 games. One game at a time.” -JAVON PATTERSON
Veteran Ole Miss players Sean Rawlings, Javon Patterson (pictured above) and Jordan Sims bring experience and confidence to the offensive line this season.
In order to rack up wins, however, the Rebels will need significant improvement from their defense. Ole Miss, as a whole, failed to stop opponents on a consistent basis last season. The Rebels surrendered 408 points, the most they’ve given up since 2010. It was only the second time in the past 50 years Ole Miss allowed more than 400 points in a season. The Rebels finished ranked 120th of 128 Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) programs in run defense. While concern abounds regarding depth at linebacker and in the secondary, Ole Miss
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is relatively strong along the defensive line. Speaks is joined by, among others, All-SEC first-team selection Marquis Haynes, a defensive end, as well as sophomore defensive tackle Benito Jones, who was named a freshman AllAmerican in 2016. “It motivates us a lot,” Speaks said of last season’s struggle. “We want to get out there and show we can play football. We want to have success every game. South Alabama being that first game, we want to make sure we set the bar high. We want to make sure everybody’s communicating and it’s a well-oiled machine.”
The South Alabama game on Sept. 2 presents the first of a finite number of opportunities for the Rebels to make the best of an otherwise difficult situation. And they’re eager to block out the noise and, ideally, upset some championship hopes. “I feel like this off-season and spring we all collectively have taken our leadership role and fortunately have great teammates and staff,” Shea Patterson said. “Worry about what we can control and be the best version of ourselves every day. Looking forward to September. Anything else is irrelevant for us right now.”
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Two University of Mississippi students spent the 2016 season coaching Oxford High School football. written by Katherine Henson photographed by Joe Worthem
O
le Miss sophomore Joey Walden began his dream job in the summer of 2016 when Oxford High School head football coach Chris Cutcliffe hired him as the freshmen offensive coordinator. “Coach and I always had a really good relationship when he coached me at OHS,” Walden said. “We joked about me coming to help coach in college. I never actually thought it would happen.” Walden then asked his roommate, Ole Miss junior Hunter Story, if he’d be interested in joining him as a volunteer assistant offensive coordinator that fall. “He asked me to come along, and I thought, ‘We’re already like salt and pepper, so why not work together?’ ” said Story. Both men played football in high school – Walden as wide receiver for OHS and Story as a receiver for St. Benedict in Memphis, Tennessee. The young coaches’ experiences on the field and their close friendship helped them work together to coach the high school athletes. “When Hunter came to assist the ninthgrade team, we clicked instantly as coaches together,” said Walden. Cutcliffe assigned all offensive duties of the freshman team to Walden and Story, which carried a lot of responsibility. The two led practices every weekday from 3-5:30 p.m., and Hunter Story (left) and Joey Walden (right) served on the football coaching staff of the Oxford High School Chargers last year. Story returns this season as offensive coordinator for the OHS freshman team.
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they were on the field coaching every Monday night for the home games and traveled to every away game. Walden was also an assistant for the varsity team and was there for morning practices and Friday night games. To help the team improve, the young coaches studied football film and came up with a focused plan for each practice. Their dedication did not go unnoticed by the team. “Hunter and Joey have done an outstanding job,” Cutcliffe said. “They are great role models for these freshmen boys. They hold them accountable and show them high school football is hard work.” College is hard work, too, so the men, who are both members of the Kappa Alpha fraternity, took great care in balancing their own studies with their work with the OHS team. “We work pretty well together; if one of us is studying, the other will watch film,” said Story. “We are best friends, and coaching together is an added bonus.” Walden and Story were very hands-on in their coaching style. They were on the practice field, challenging players through difficult running routes, encouraging them side by side during drills and helping the athletes where they fell short. The freshmen began preparing for the season with cardio conditioning and weight lifting. “The sport of football pulls people together, and being close in age gives these players a support system that they can relate to,” Walden said. “The kids call us for everything,” Story added, “whether it’s about football or to be tutored in academics. There is mutual respect between us.” For the upcoming season, Story will take Walden’s previous role as the offensive coordinator for the freshmen team. After achieving an undefeated season in 2016, he has high expectations for the team this year. Story is excited to have a new group of freshmen from the middle school coming to play their first game of high school football. “It’s going to be a new set of challenges, but I’m excited to gain more coaching experience,” he said.
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Are you ready? Football season is here, and Ole Miss fans are geared up to get their Grove on and rock the stands at Vaught-Hemingway. photographed by Joe Worthem
Below: A sea of red-and-blue tents greets Grove guests for a day of delicious food, football fun and Rebels pride. Above right: The Ole Miss cheerleaders and Pride of the South marching band entertain fans from the field. Opposite page, top to bottom: The football team is amped up for the big game; Rebels fans enjoy a day in the Grove; intricately decorated sugar cookies are festive tailgate treats.
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From decked-out classic cars to guests dressed to the nines, the experience at the Grove is like no other. Inside the stadium, more than 60,000 fans gather to “lock the Vaught” and cheer on the Ole Miss Rebels. Football season kicks off Sept. 2 with the Rebels’ home opener against the South Alabama Jaguars at 6:30 p.m.
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around town 116 furry football fans 122 eat this, not that 126 mix it up 132 fashion police
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Rebel Paws day care gives Oxford canines a place to have their own game-day traditions. written by Katherine Henson photographed by Joe Worthem
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Players on the Ole Miss football team aren’t the only ones hyped up for game-day action; four-legged guests at Rebel Paws day care spend their Saturdays donning red and blue jerseys and playing football while their owners spend a fun-filled day at the Grove. Rex (pictured above in black and white stripes) serves as the official referee each game.
Amanda Charest understands that even dogs love Ole Miss football. So in 2015, the Pampered Paws general manager began Rebel Paws day care, featuring football game-day traditions designed just for four-legged fans. For home games, owners can drop off their furry loved ones at Pampered Paws three hours prior to kickoff. Owners fill out character analysis forms, which are used to group the dogs based on size and personality. The “chase me, don’t touch me” dogs and the “ruff and
tumble” dogs are placed in separate areas. “We don’t pair a Great Dane with a chihuahua,” Charest said. Each group plays a game of football dressed in Ole Miss jerseys. The older dogs assume the role of cheerleader in the playroom. The actual Ole Miss game is televised in each designated area so the dogs can watch their Rebels in action. Rex, a bichon frise, is the assigned referee each year. He wears a black-and-white striped
shirt and sits on an elevated stand, where he can peer down at the dogs playing, making appropriate calls when needed. At halftime, the dogs snack on their own tailgating fare, such as turkey dogs. “They go bananas for those turkey dogs,” Charest said. Yellow Labrador Tucker and his best friend, another Labrador named Maverick, are always the most excited for their halftime treat and rile up the rest of the group to help September 2017 | INVITATION OXFORD
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The Pampered Paws staff gets time on and off the field as well, often playing the role of quarterback and snack bar attendant. A halftime treat of turkey dogs is a highlight of the game for the canine athletes, as is a refreshing dip in the ice bath to rest tired muscles and stay cool during the intense competition.
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their teammates work up an appetite. Charest remembers a time when Tucker and Maverick were so hungry from their intense game play, they knocked down a Pampered Paws worker holding a tray of turkey dogs in her hand. The meat treats were gone in a flash. “The dogs get to make relationships with other dogs when they interact and play together,” Charest said. “They love to get nice and muddy, but of course they always return to their owners squeaky clean.” Beckett, a golden retriever and a regular at Pampered Paws, loves playing with his canine friends and wearing his Ole Miss jersey. Pampered Paws staff members take pictures of the dogs in action and post to their Facebook page so the owners can check in on their pets. “Beckett is a huge Ole Miss fan, and when he is at Rebel Paws day care, he looks so happy in the pictures with his friends,” said client Mary Katherine Phillips. This year, Pampered Paws is offering the Rebel Paws day care with an overnight slumberparty package option. Parents who purchase a season pass are awarded a personalized jersey for their dog at the last home game. For rates and availability, visit pampered pawsoxfordmississippi.com or call 662-2369500. September 2017 | INVITATION OXFORD
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BATESVILLE 120 INVITATION OXFORD | September 2017
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PHOTOGRAPHED BY ERIC SUDDEATH
fall fitness series This is the first in a three-part series of health-inspired articles on staving off football-season bloat. Kim Suddeath is a nutritional food blogger and registered dietitian nutritionist at the Oxford Counseling Center.
Follow these tailgating food swaps to stay fit and fabulous in the Grove. written by Kim Suddeath
Tailgating season has arrived, along with its spread of delicious dips and fried foods. Forget the holidays; this is the time of year when overindulgence is the name of the game. But most tailgating food is high in calories and low in nutrients the body actually needs. And with football season lasting several months out of the year, it’s easy to see where those extra pounds come from and why fans start to feel a little sluggish around game time. Let’s face it: Parties are meant to impress, and food is a huge factor. But it is possible to throw a great party with healthier food options. Your guests won’t even know what they’re missing when they dig into these delicious tailgate treats. They’ll even thank you when they leave full of energy and ready for the big game.
Instead of chips, eat nuts If you’re looking to satisfy that crunchy, savory craving, go for nuts instead of chips. Nuts are high in healthy fats as well as vitamins, minerals and fiber. Chips, on the other hand, are full of empty calories.
Instead of a hamburger slider, eat a grilled chicken sandwich Grilled chicken breast is a leaner protein option than hamburger meat. This means it contains a lower amount of animal fat. In excess, animal fat can lead to inflammation and increased risk for heart disease. As a rule of thumb, always go for leaner animal proteins, such as chicken, turkey and fish.
Instead of a hot dog, eat a taco Hot dogs contain unhealthy amounts of animal fat, sodium and preservatives, none of which are helpful for the body. On top of that, they’re usually served with white bread and condiments high in sodium or sugar. Instead, go for a taco
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that includes a corn or whole-wheat tortilla, a lean protein and vegetable toppings.
Instead of French fries, eat lightly buttered popcorn Popcorn is a wonderful whole-grain option and a much lighter snack compared to french fries. One cup of popcorn contains only 35 calories. French fries, on the other hand, contain approximately 180 calories per cup. That’s a difference of 150 calories!
Instead of cheese-based dips, eat bean dips A few examples of bean dips include hummus, black bean dip or seven-layer dip. Beans are high in antioxidants and fiber and low in fat. Overall, they provide more nutrients for fewer calories than cheese-based dips.
Instead of buffalo wings, eat smoked chicken Buffalo wings are concerning for two reasons: They’re generally deep-fried, and they contain a thick layer of chicken fat around the meat and bone. This means they are very high in unhealthy fats. Instead, choose a leaner chicken cut and smoke it. Glaze with barbecue sauce for added flavor.
Instead of cake, eat a cookie Yes, I said it! Eat a cookie. When comparing the number of calories in a slice of cake with those in a cookie, the cookie will always have fewer calories. And when it comes to desserts, the fewer calories, the better.
for more of Suddeath’s healthy tips, along with recipes, visit her blog at unrefinedrd.com and follow her on Instagram.
eat nuts
not chips
eat a taco
not a hot dog
eat popcorn
not french fries
eat a cookie
not cake September 2017 | INVITATION OXFORD
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Ventress Spritz
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Mississippi native Ivy McLellan is shaking things up with his signature drinks at Snackbar. His Invitation-exclusive cocktails will fill your Grove guests with Ole Miss spirit. interviewd by Lena Anderson
photographed by Joe Worthem
Invitation Oxford: What’s your favorite part about living in Mississippi? Ivy McLellan: I’ve lived in this state all my life, came to Oxford in 1999.
Ventress Spritz Serves 25 1 (750-ml) bottle Bristow dry gin 1 (750-ml) bottle Aperol 2 cans grapefruit La Croix sparkling water 1 bottle La Marca prosecco (add right before serving) Mix together in a large container or bowl. Serve over ice. Garnish with fresh assorted berries.
This is home. There’s just something about [this town] that’s really hard to replicate anywhere else. It’s an easy place to stay. The “Velvet Ditch” moniker comes for a reason.
IO: What do you enjoy most about your job as bar manager? IM: Snackbar is really the first place where I’ve been able to try new things and get creative. There’s just something about putting a drink down in front of someone and bringing them joy. You can’t fake that. I also work with a great team. There are a lot of moving parts behind that bar, and everyone knows their role. My motto is “Fast is not fast; smooth is fast.” Fluidity is extremely important.
IO: How often do you change up your drink menu? IM: I try to keep up with Chef (Vishwesh Bhatt) and update every 8-10 weeks. The fun is in not doing the same thing all the time. We really take a seasonality approach. He’s always using nice spice blends and techniques that are new to me, so I try to incorporate that into the drink. I always keep the food menu in the back of my mind, so what I’m making will fare well with what he’s putting on the plate.
IO: Tell us about the Ventress Spritz. IM: I wanted to make these drinks nice and approachable, not put something out there that is hard to replicate. The Ventress Spritz is nice and not too boozy. It’s lighter and will go off well at those early season games when it’s still warm weather. You can swap out different flavors of La Croix and play with different tastes. I love when people sit down and say “I hate gin,” and then converting them. They just haven’t had it the right way. The spritz is very versatile, easy to mix and match. It’s foolproof.
IO: How did you come up with the name? IM: I’ve just always loved Ventress Hall. It’s the most beautiful building on campus – the towers, the steeples, generations of Ole Miss graduates signing their names under the stairs. It’s a nice cornerstone of the Grove. September 2017 | INVITATION OXFORD
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Never Lost A Party
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McLellan uses a small blowtorch to caramelize lemon wheels for a crunchy, sugared garnish.
IO: And Never Lost A Party? IM: It has a little more heft and will play nicely as a more traditional fall drink. It’s the South – everyone loves their sweet tea. And as a lifetime Ole Miss fan, the one thing I know is we’re not lacking in optimism. We’re not always prepared to walk away winners, but we’re always going to enjoy the time, win or lose. I love how crazy people go in the Grove. It’s fun to be out there, surrounded by thousands of your extended family. There’s nothing like it in the world.
Never Lost A Party Serves 25 1 (750-ml) bottle Maker’s Mark bourbon 1 (750-ml) bottle Lillet Blanc 21/3 cups tea reduction (recipe below) 1½ cups fresh lemon juice 3 Tablespoons Angostura bitters ¼ cup water for dilution (if serving neat) Mix ingredients together in a large container or bowl. Serve neat or over ice. Add cinnamon or allspice/clove for a more fall-friendly flavor. Garnish with a lemon wheel or peel.
Tea Reduction 3 cups unsweetened iced tea 1½ cups brown sugar On a stovetop, heat tea to a simmer. Add brown sugar, and stir until it’s dissolved. Simmer for 10 minutes to reduce. September 2017 | INVITATION OXFORD
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The SEC’s new clear-bag policy has prompted a trend in fashionable handbags for football fans. written by Lanie Anderson
THE SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE rolled out a new security policy this football season that regulates the sizes and types of bags permitted in all SEC stadiums. The policy affects fans’ fashion choices in the Grove, but handbag designers are retooling the game-day accessory to tailor it to the SEC’s standards. More commonly known as the clear-bag policy, the security measure permits only clear, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches; one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags; and small clutch bags that do not exceed 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches. Exceptions are made for medical necessities. Kelly Wynne White Ferguson is a 2009 alumna of the University of Mississippi and designer of Kelly Wynne handbags in Austin, Texas. When she heard about the SEC’s new policy, she knew she needed to design some options for fashionable football fans. “Once the SEC came out with its new stadium rule, I knew it would be a game changer for my business and the way women dress for sporting events,” Ferguson said. “Let’s be honest. It’s difficult to find a nice-looking clear cross-body bag, as there aren’t too many great options on the market, but I was bound and determined to make it happen, to actually design and produce a clear bag that my customers loved.” From the Kelly Wynne handbag collection, (above) the Mingle Mingle Mini in Clear/Black and Clear/Moon and (opposite page, clockwise from top left) the Game Changer Mini in Blue Moon, Dragonfly, Sandstone and Hematite.
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PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF KELLY WYNNE
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PHOTOGRAPHED BY JOE WORTHEM
Ferguson came up with two designs: the Mingle Mingle Mini made of clear PVC material and embellished with leather, and a hand-sized “Game Changer Mini” made of leather materials. The bags are available at Cicada in Oxford, and Ferguson even collaborated with the store to design a custom Red Haute Game Changer Mini for Ole Miss fans. Ferguson said designing the Mingle Mingle Mini was a challenge she embraced, although sourcing the PVC was difficult. “The PVC we used is not going to bend or look flimsy while you wear it,” she said. “I didn’t want our bag to look like a clear makeup case, so I chose to combine the PVC with genuine leather and a jewelry-grade chain in our best-selling style, the Mingle Mingle Mini. Despite the hesitation to embrace clear bags, clear is very on trend, so customers can wear these bags beyond football games and still feel fashionable.” The SEC is not the first to implement a clear-bag policy. The NFL also instated the policy to increase security at large sporting events. “I think the clear-bag policy is about to really take off,” said Summer McPheron, a sales representative in Oxford for LVcr8, a Dallas-based company that sells clear game-day bags. “We’re probably going to have to start carrying them for concerts and high school sporting events. [The trend] is about to go everywhere.” Valerie Steel, founder and designer behind LVcr8 (the name stands for “Love Valerie Create”), started her line of bags in 2014 and added a line of clear acrylic clutches with sports logos on them in 2015. In Oxford, LVcr8 designs are available directly from McPheron and in Sugar Magnolia. Each game-day clutch is complete with a “floating” agate and rhinestone logo. The agate stones complement the natural beauty of the Grove, and no two stones are the same. “I especially love the look of the Ole Miss bag,” Steel said. “Agates only come in a few colors because they are naturally created from the earth. The blue agate looks amazing with the red-and-blue color scheme of Ole Miss.” The clear game-day clutches can also offer peace of mind to gamegoers, knowing they are walking into the stadium carrying a bag that meets the SEC’s standards. Ferguson even visited various universities and professional stadiums to double-check her designs. “I have seen security guards at NFL games judge [a bag] based on their hand. I wanted to make sure it was the perfect size for the woman who doesn’t want everyone to know what’s in her bag,” Ferguson said about the Game Changer Mini. During the creative process for the gold-and-clear Mingle Mingle Mini, Ferguson also kept her game-day experience in the Grove at the forefront of her mind. “When designing, I was thinking that most Ole Miss fans would want the clear/gold combination,” Ferguson said. “It’s a little bit jazzier. After attending Ole Miss and everyone dressing up for the Grove, I knew women would want that extra flair.” For details on the new policy, go to olemissfb.com/clear-bag-policy.
The clear acrylic clutch from LVcr8 features a “floating” agate stone that naturally highlights the blue-and-red color scheme of Ole Miss.
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GOODNIGHT MARKET Yoknapatawpha Arts Council and Leadership Lafayette hosted an evening market July 21 at the Armory Pavilion. The event featured a pop-up choir led by Damein Wash. A portion of the funds raised will go toward upgrades to the pavilion. photographed by Jessica Richardson
Ashley Vaughn, Shá Simpson and Xyland Tyson
Emma Humphreys, Anna Bruno, Olivia Lopez and Jessica Quella
Madeline and Kristie Swain
Hunter Johnson and Anna Yates
Declan Basile and Jordan Dollenger
Michelle Sherman, Danielle Maack and Mallory Sherman
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IRON BARTENDER The third annual Iron Bartender contest was held Aug. 3 at the Powerhouse in conjunction with the Art-er Limits: Oxford Fringe Festival. Joe Bittick of McEwan’s created the winning signature cocktail. photographed by Megan Wolfe
Chase Gladden and Joe Bittick
Jillian McCleur with Justin Rogers
Brooke Wages and Wayne Andrews with Steve and Gay Case
Brennan Ferdig and Ally Cartwright
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Jayla Hubbard, Jenny Garrett, Mark Johnson, Brett Murdock and Joe Pegram
Yesenia Garcia, Chloe Lloyd, Jason Peeples and Scott Mathews
Callie Gear and Angie Rankin with Mario Martinez, Paul Gandy and Rob Cornelius
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FOOD TRUCK FIGHT Local food trucks and charities teamed up for the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council’s annual Food Truck Fight Aug. 6 at the Armory Pavilion. The event included live music from El Bebop Kid and raised funds for local community organizations. photographed by Megan Wolfe
Julia Aubrey and John Kohne
Nona and Dash Tew
Jenna Jefferson with Karrian and Zuri Brown
Sakisha Dovey and Maddie McHugh
Duncan and Debra Anderson with Victor and Henry Smith
Ken Rutherford, Donald Cole and Walt Davis
Hayes Allen, Peyton Burnette, Parker Maloney and Danielle Hollowell
Sandra and Tracy McLellan
Autumn and Hunter Johnson
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UNIQUE OXFORD & OLE MISS T-SHIRTS, APPAREL, & MORE! 142 INVITATION OXFORD | September 2017
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BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH Community Church hosted a back-to-school bash Aug. 4 at the Armory Pavilion. The free community event included inflatable jumps and slides, games, candy and Sno Biz shaved ice. photographed by Joe Worthem
Stacy and Anna Barnes
K.K. Holmes, Nia McNeal and Caden Holmes
Herschell and Amy Burnett with Stacy and Mollie McRoberts
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Regan and Lauren Hill
Isaiah Taylor, Maggie Johns, Camryn Dennis and Caleb Robinson
Jalon and Tonya Young with Phillip Harris
Caleb, Lillie, Callie and Samuel Smith
Charley Tynes with Marla and Jeremy Sartain
Terria Wortham with Laketia and Venya Young
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OXFORD SQUARE ALLIANCE SUMMERFEST The Oxford Square Alliance Summerfest was held July 29 at various locations downtown. The event included a sidewalk sale and children’s activities. photographed by Jessica Richardson
David Dixon and Brett Hobson
Miley, Drew and Jack Stevens
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Grey and Jeannie Zieren
Jen, Myles and Andrew Nowlin
Nathan Haley with Anette, Elizabeth and Dodger Hosevar
Webb, Jack and Tiffany Lewis
Matt, Cade, Emmett, Kara and Aaron Shaner
Sofia and Alex Cortes
Jessica, Adam, Avery and Hailey Baskerville
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PROJECT PAT CONCERT Memphis native, rapper and actor Patrick Houston, better known as Project Pat, performed July 27 at Proud Larry’s. The show featured special guests Statik G with Monster City and MC Viruz. photographed by Joe Worthem
Libby McCloud and Becca Arant
Tyler Knight and Jay James
Stephanie and Jeremy Wigington
DJ Yours Truly and Jonathan Orange
Chassidy Haddley and Selena Standifer
Everett Spence and Robert Arant
Statik G with Monster City and MC Viruz
Margot Pefanis and Caitlin O’Conner
Tasha Johnson and Crystal Western
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COMMUNITY WATER DAY A community water day was held July 22 at Avent Park. The free, family-friendly event was sponsored by LOU Excel by 5, Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi and Good Food for Oxford Schools. Guests enjoyed water activities, art and snacks. photographed by Jessica Richardson
Ramya Parthasarathi and Anirubhan Barathvaj
Kristaney Reed and Chanyria Robertson
Josh, Astella, Skylar and Zoey Little
Ben, Erica and Evelyn Jones
Candace Willingham and Tyrani Shipp
Katie Downing, Jay Dukes, Leslie Kendrick, Joshua Newsom and Gabrielle Kendrick
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Acyn, Graham and Nash Harrell
Elias and Melvin Brock
Peggie, Alexandria and Gabriella Wilson with Susie Pitts
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21 UNITED CAMP A summer camp for families of children with Down syndrome was held at Camp Hopewell July 7-8. Sponsored by 21 United of Mississippi, the camp included children’s activities, networking, fellowship and educational opportunities. photographed by Joey Brent
Mary Thompson and Will McCalley
Jamie Negrete and Sydney Melton
Brynn Ashmore, Caleb Warren and Mamie Clark
Kaitlyn Wright and Sam Russell
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Ali Walker with Jeff and Abby Rose King
Brooklyn Whitehead, Frances McCalley and Allyson Ashmore
James and Bradley Rayner
Lucy Thompson and Shalom Wallace
Scott Thompson and Darren Ashmore
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OUT AND ABOUT REGIONS RIDING FORWARD SCHOLARSHIP RECEPTION
Chris Steiner, Shannon Ferguson, Trip Dabney and Justin Childress
Darlene Lominick with Alison, Sally Kate and Wren Dabney and Theresa Gruber
THEATRE OXFORD MEMBERSHIP PARTY
Richard and Marilyn Frey
Jane Plunket with Matthew and Wini King
Aaron Harris and Emmy Parkes
Ken McGraw and Wanda Ikeda
RECEPTION FOR ED CROOM AND DEBORAH FREELAND
Billy and Carlisle Wood with Ed Croom
Janey Ginn, Deborah Freeland, Jo Stark, Tony Ammeter and Kriss Zediker
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Ron Dale with Joe Ann and Jere Allen
Nancy and Taylor Moore with Tom Lombardo and Karen Christoff
HOTTY TODDY TAN AND BEAUTY BAR GRAND OPENING
Courtney Crigger and Keely Williams
Jessica Ledbetter and Brittney Hughes
Blair Worthsmith and Charley Ann Nix
MICKEY AND FRIENDS AT TREEHOUSE TOYS
Karen Onsby and Isabella Long
Jeremy and Reagan Jefcoat
Matthew and Rachel Robinson
Jamie and Adalyn Petty with Elijah Faulkner
Brooklyn, Anna, Brodie and Carlyn Burns
J. OLIVE COOKING DEMONSTRATION WITH JOHN STOKES OF TARASQUE CUCINA
Jan Cauthen, Kim Phillips, Deanna Mackie and Kari Hanley
Virginia Smith and Harper Young
Louise and Kate Cunningham with Cindy Powell
John Stokes, Bess Bruton and Ryan Breeland
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DENT MAY
interviewed by Lena Anderson photographed by Ian Tilghman
Dent May, who spent 10 years making music in Oxford, returns from Los Angeles Sept. 14 for a show at Proud Larry’s featuring songs from his new album, Across the Multiverse.
Q: What is Across the Multiverse about? A: I think this album is the purest distillation of who I am so far. I’m always trying to absorb new inspirations and stretch myself as a songwriter. There’s a heavy deep-space, sciencefiction theme running throughout the album, hence the title Across the Multiverse, a reference to the theory of parallel or alternative universes.
Q: What are your favorite tracks? A: The last song on the album, Distance to the Moon, might be my favorite. It’s based on a short story by Italo Calvino, and it’s about being in love with someone who lives on the moon. A lot of my songs are about unrequited love and longings that are impossible to appease.
Q: Are you excited to get back to Oxford? A: Proud Larry’s feels like home. It’s probably the most comfortable stage in the world for me, and I have so much nostalgia for all the amazing shows I’ve seen there. Otherwise, I’m probably most excited to eat at Ajax.
Q: What do you think of the local music scene? A: I’m in awe of Oxford’s record store The End of All Music, and [owner] David has done a great job of inspiring folks to start record collections, buy music and support artists. The store will be the exclusive retailer of the cassette version of my album, and I’ll be stopping through for a release party before my Larry’s show. I’m also a huge fan of Muscle Beach Records, a local Oxford label.
Q: So the future is bright? A: As we get older, people tend to romanticize specific eras in Oxford’s history, but I’m optimistic for the future; there will always be interesting, creative, countercultural people doing exciting things in Oxford.
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