ONGOING WEEKLY CLASSES  

Mondays, 1-2:30pm; Yoga with Suzie Hurley, Advanced beginners, $20/class, 10 classes $150
Mondays, 6pm; Jam Session, bring an instrument and play along. Free
Saturdays, 9:30-11am; Yoga w Suzie Hurley, Intermediate, $20/class, 10 classes/ $150
Tuesdays-Thursdays, 10am; Steady & Strong w/ Janet Pfeffer, $10/class 10/$80

DECEMBER 2025

December 3, 2025, 5:30pm – Financial Wellness Series: Understanding the SECURE Act and SECURE Act 2.0 
Guest Presenter: Capt. Brett M. Sause, LUTCF®, LTCP, CLTC®, RFC®, LACP®, FSCP®  Certified Financial Fiduciary® Wealth Advisor*
The OCC presents our Financial Wellness Series about understanding the SECURE Act, which was signed into law on December 20, 2019, during the Trump administration. This legislation significantly changed the rules regarding the inheritance of retirement accounts-particularly IRAs-by non-spouse beneficiaries, creating unique challenges that require careful planning.

December 5, 2025, 7:30 – 9:30pm – Christmas on the Creek – Jazz on the Stage @ OCC– Dominic Farinacci & Aaron Diehl – $150 VIP (includes Meet and Greet and desserts and bubble by Chef Mark Salter) $65 General Admission
Dominick Farinacci
Trumpeter Dominick Farinacci served as ambassador to Jazz at Lincoln from 2013-2015 in Doha, Qatar, working to further integrate music into communities around the world in culturally collaborative ways. He is a 2022 recipient of the Cleveland Arts Prize, an honor previously awarded to author Toni Morrison, and Cleveland Orchestra conductors George Szell and Franz Welser-Möst. Dominick graduated from The Juilliard School in 2005 launching his career in Japan with a prolific run of eight albums, later releasing four more globally. He has performed around the world and has been recognized by The New York Times as “a trumpeter of abundant poise.” He was a featured guest on ABC’s Good Morning America and is a TED Speaker. Dominick has been profiled in Vanity Fair, and music icon Quincy Jones says of Dominick’s accomplishments in performance, recording, education & advocacy, “This kid is 360 degrees!”

December 12 – 14, Holiday Market 
Friday December 12, 4:00 – 8:00pm
Saturday December 13, 12:00pm – 5:00pm
Sunday December 14, 12:00pm – 4:00pm

Now in its second year, the Oxford Holiday Market blends small-town hospitality with boutique holiday shopping, showcasing local makers, seasonal treats, and unique gift finds just in time for the holidays. Oxford shines brightest during the holidays.  This event celebrates our community’s creativity, welcoming neighbors and travelers alike to shop small and share the season’s joy.
Merchant list available at www.doehrntea.com

December 17, 2025, 5:30-8:30pm – OCC Holiday Potluck Dinner
This is a good old fashioned Potluck Dinner to celebrate the holidays! Join your friends and neighbors at the Oxford Community Center Holiday Potluck Celebration 2025! RSVP online at oxfordcc.org and let us know what you’re bringing!

The Oxford Community Center (OCC) is delighted to present an unforgettable evening of live jazz featuring internationally acclaimed trumpeter Dominick Farinacci and celebrated pianist Aaron Diehl on Friday, December 5, at 7:30 p.m. on The Stage at the Oxford Community Center.

This special concert reunites two friends and artistic collaborators whose musical journey began in the first jazz class at The Juilliard School. Since those early days, both have achieved top-tier international recognition, performing on celebrated stages such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center (including performances in the famed Dizzy’s Club Coca‑Cola at the home of Jazz at Lincoln Center) and touring festivals from Japan to Europe.

Dominick Farinacci, a familiar name on the Eastern Shore, is praised by The New York Times for his “abundant poise” and “expressive control.” His accolades include the International New Star Award and Disney’s New Star Award, and he has topped the charts as one of Japan’s leading jazz artists. Farinacci made major appearances early in his career at venues such as Carnegie Hall and at the Tri-C JazzFest, and continues to perform internationally.

Aaron Diehl first gained national attention when he was named “Outstanding Soloist” in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington competition in 2002. The following year he toured Europe with Wynton Marsalis. The New York Times praises him for his “melodic precision, harmonic erudition, and elegant restraint.” Diehl has performed on distinguished stages including Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, and at major jazz festivals around the world.

“To experience artists of this caliber in such an intimate setting is truly special,” said Liza Ledford, Executive Director of the Oxford Community Center. “Dominick and Aaron bring not only virtuosity, but a deep musical chemistry that makes every note feel alive.”

Tickets for Dominick Farinacci and Aaron Diehl: In Concert are available now. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 5, at the Oxford Community Center, 200 Oxford Road, Oxford, MD. Two experiences are available for purchase, the VIP $150 ticket includes reserved front three row seating and two drink tickets, a post show meet and greet with the musicians, and bubbly and sweets made by Chef Salter. The $65 ticket is general admission.
To purchase tickets, visit www.oxfordcc.org.

About the Oxford Community Center

The Oxford Community Center (OCC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the cultural life of the Eastern Shore through diverse arts, education, and social programs. For more information, visit www.oxfordcc.org.

A Musical Tribute to Veterans and the Spirit of Paris in the 1920s

Oxford, MD – November 20, 2025 – The Oxford Community Center invites the public to a captivating evening of chamber music with a twist. On Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 7:00 PM, acclaimed pianist Rachel Franklin, DMA, and her ensemble SONOS will present,  “Paris: The Crazy Years,” an immersive program blending timeless classical works, jazz improvisation, and riveting storytelling.

Held at the Oxford Community Center (200 Oxford Road, Oxford, MD 21654), this special performance honors veterans around the world while transporting audiences to Paris in the wake of World War I—an era known as Les Années Folles (The Crazy Years). With music by Debussy, Gershwin, Ravel, Thelonious Monk, Cole Porter, and more, SONOS brings to life the electric cultural crossroads of the 1920s.

Led by Rachel Franklin, with Christian Tremblay (violin) and Jonathan Miles Brown (fretless bass), SONOS is renowned for pushing the boundaries of traditional chamber music. Their performances blur genres and spotlight the vibrant connections between history, culture, and sound.

“We had the pleasure of hosting Rachel previously, so I can tell you firsthand – her talent for connecting the music to the storytelling is second to none!” said Liza Ledford, Executive Director of the Oxford Community Center, “I’m really looking forward to experiencing this subject matter and time period the way only she can make you feel it.”

This year the connection to the veterans is the primary focus of the event. The Oxford Museum’s current exhibit celebrates veterans, and they have a raffle for a patriotic quilt that will travel to the OCC for the Rachel Franklin show. All proceeds of the raffle will be donated to The National Children’s Home.

The National Children’s Home which became the VFW National Home, includes 43 homes representing each of the fifty states on 80 acres. Your raffle ticket will directly support the Maryland house. www.vfwnationalhome.org

The Oxford Museum created a Veteran’s Exhibit that opened October 3 and runs through Nov. 11 and the quilt raffle continues at the OCC until Nov. 20 when the winner will be announced. The quilt was created by Kay Butler of Fiber Arts Center in Denton, MD and purchased by a Museum board member to ensure all proceeds going to the Maryland House.

” What better way to support Maryland veterans and their families than to contribute to the raffle. Not only might you end up with a beautiful quilt, but you will be directly supporting Maryland veterans.” says The Oxford Museum Executive Director, Julie Wells.  “Thank you for this partnership so that our community can support veterans’ needs.” says Oxford Community Center’s Board Member Margaret Andersen. “Don’t miss this inspiring musical event.”

Tickets are $40 and can be purchased online at oxfordcc.org/events.

For more information, please visit rachelfranklin.com or speakingofmusic.org.

ONGOING WEEKLY CLASSES

Mondays, 1-2:30pm; Yoga with Suzie Hurley, Advanced beginners, $20/class, 10 classes $150
Mondays, 6pm; Jam Session, bring an instrument and play along. Free
Saturdays, 9:30-11am; Yoga w Suzie Hurley, Intermediate, $20/class, 10 classes/ $150
Tuesdays-Thursdays, 10am; Steady & Strong w/ Janet Pfeffer, $10/class 10/$80

OCTOBER 2025

October 1, 2025, 1:00 pm Build a Scarecrow Workshop
Join us on October 1st at 1 pm for Oxford’s 1st Annual Scarecrow Workshop. To encourage participation, OCC will provide straw and guidance at the Workshop to help get residents started. Please RSVP online at oxfordcc.org.

October 4, 2025, 8:30-10:30am – Cars & Coffee, FREE
Free, Sponsored by Prestige Auto Vault, Eat Sprout & Doc’s Sunset Grille. Come enjoy the incredible array of automobiles! Weather dependent.

October 4, 2025, 5:30pm – The OCC’s Fall Gala Fundraiser ‘Come Sail with Us on the U.S.S. Oxford!’- TICKETED FUNDRAISER EVENT
The OCC’s Board of Trustees cordially invite you to join them for an exquisite three-course dinner by Chef Mark Salter’s Chesapeake Gourmet. Enjoy vibrant music featuring the Bachelor Boys Band. Tickets are $150 each and can be purchased online at oxfordcc.org.

October 8, 2025, 5:30pm – Financial Wellness Series, Sponsored by AFG Wealth,
The OCC presents the first of a 3-part Financial Wellness Series, sponsored by AFG Wealth, about charitable planning and charitable giving strategies with guest speaker Mr. Glenn Garbutt, Vice President, Charitable Planning Consultant for Fidelity Charitable. FREE, please RSVP online at oxfordcc.org.

October 15, 2025, 5:00 pm – Circle of Hope ‘Stronger When We Stand Together’ Breast Cancer Awareness Event with Dr. Gupta from Lotus Oncology and Hematology.
Join us for an overview discussion with Dr. Roopa Gupta on breast cancer risk factors, screening, symptoms and more. Talk will center around awareness, latest in the field and positivity, there will be an open mic to share and a ‘Community Art Wall /Hope Board’ where you can write your message of hope, remembrance and support. Light refreshments provided. FREE, RSVP online at oxfordcc.org.

October 18, 2025, 8:30am – 5K/10K Run/Walk for Mental Health, REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Come join us at the Oxford Community Center as we partner with the Christopher Foundation for Life to put on our 5th Annual 5k/10K Run/Walk for Mental Health. The Run/Walk helps raise money for the Eastern Shore’s mental health programs.  Come out to support Mental Health awareness and get some exercise and fresh air at the same time! Register online at oxfordcc.org.

October 18, 2025, 9am-2pm – CommUNITY Fall Fest at the OCC
Community Day has been expanded to a Community Fall Fest! Enjoy lunch from the grill, LIVE music, bouncy house, pumpkin decorating and the 1st Annual Scarecrow Contest! Enjoy this festive day with fun for the whole family! Food and Beverages for sale.

October 23-Nov. 2nd, 2025 – Tred Avon Players Presents “Hot ‘n’ Cole” A Cole Porter Celebration musical.
The spotlight is on the timelessness of Cole Porter classics, presented here with wonderfully fresh arrangements and a contemporary twist. Showtimes: Thursday-Saturday 7:30pm, Sundays at 2:00pm For tickets and more information visit tredavonplayers.org.

NOVEMBER 2025

SAVE THE DATE!
Thursday, November 20, 2025, 7-9 PM – Rachel Franklin’s SONOS’s “Paris: The Crazy Years” program to celebrate Veterans Day
SONOS is Chamber Music with a Twist. Led by acclaimed pianist Rachel Franklin and featuring the consummate talents of violinist Christian Tremblay and fretless bass player Jonathan Miles Brown, their programs explore the cross-pollination between different musical art forms, with compelling stories of how these musical cultures intersect. Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased online at oxfordcc.org.

For more info contact: [email protected] or [email protected]
For tickets to classes and shows visit oxfordcc.org
To volunteer at our events, visit oxfordcc.org/volunteer

Celebrating art, community, and culture at the Oxford Community Center

The Oxford Community Center Board of Trustees is proud to present the 42nd Oxford Fine Arts Fair, returning May 15–17, 2026, at the Oxford Community Center (200 Oxford Rd., Oxford, MD). This beloved three-day exhibition and sales event highlights outstanding local and regional artists while supporting the year-round cultural programming of the Community Center.

This year’s Fair welcomes Erika Long as the new Chair of the signature event, bringing fresh leadership and vision to the long-standing tradition.

“The Oxford Fine Arts Fair is more than an art show—it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and connection,” said Erika Long, Chair of the 2026 Fine Arts Fair. “We’re excited to welcome both new and returning artists, and to provide visitors with a chance to experience exceptional art in such a vibrant setting.”

In addition, the 2026 juror will be renowned artist Gavin Glakas (gavinglakas.com), whose expertise and artistic eye will help shape a premier exhibition of fine art.

 Glakas’ paintings hang in the permanent collections of the United States Capitol, the Virginia State Capitol, the CIA, universities, museums and numerous other collections both public and private.  He has won numerous honors for his artwork, including awards from the Portrait Society of America, the Art Renewal Center, the Plein Air Salon and the Butler Institute of American Art. His paintings have been featured on NBC News and in The Washington Post, as well as Fine Art Connoisseur, American Art Collector, Plein Air, International Artist, The American Scholar, Art Business News, The Strand and Elan magazines, and exhibited at museums and galleries throughout the country. Glakas teaches painting and drawing at Georgetown University Medical School and the Yellow Barn Studio.

“I’m always drawn to work that shows strong technical ability, but when judging the Oxford Fine Arts Fair it will be more important for me to see an artist pushing themself – trying to exceed their reach in terms of execution and idea,” said juror Gavin Glakas. “And, of course, idea beats execution every time, so I’ll also be looking for an artist to communicate something interesting visually or psychologically that goes beyond mere subject matter.”

The Fine Arts Fair kicks off on Friday, May 15th, 6:00–8:00 PM, with an elegant Preview Party Gala, offering patrons an exclusive first look at the artwork while enjoying live entertainment, hors d’oeuvres, and wine. The elegant atmosphere will be enhanced by live music from Julie Parson’s Band. Gala tickets are $90 and available by reservation at oxfordcc.org.

The exhibition continues on Saturday, May 16 (10 AM–5 PM) and Sunday, May 17 (10 AM–4 PM) with a vibrant weekend of art, music, and community. Visitors can browse and purchase works from juried artists, enjoy live demonstrations, and take part in raffles. Delicious local fare available for purchase—including the Oxford Community Center’s famous Strawberry Shortcake.

With 30% of art sales directly benefiting the Oxford Community Center’s year-round programs, every purchase supports arts, education, and cultural activities that enrich the local community.

Admission: $5 at the door. Gala reservations are $90 per guest. Open to the public—families, art lovers, students, and collectors are all welcome.

CALL TO ARTISTS: Submissions are now open for the juried show. Artists may apply between October 1 and December 31, 2025, via oxfordcc.org.

The Oxford Community Center is a non-profit 501(C-3) with a mission to provide the region with a year-round schedule of free or reduced educational, cultural and recreational programs and events.

For more information, visit oxfordcc.org or contact the Oxford Community Center at 410-226-5904 or [email protected].

Identical twins Peter and Will Anderson, Juilliard-trained jazz  virtuosos known for their fresh interpretations of swing-era greats, return to the Eastern Shore  on Friday, August 1 for a 7:30 PM performance at the Oxford Community Center. Their show, A Tribute to Duke Ellington, is part of the ongoing Jazz on the Stage at OCC series.

Praised by The New York Times as “virtuosos on clarinet and saxophone,” the Andersons don’t  just perform jazz—they bring its story to life. “We love to incorporate an educational element  into the shows themselves,” said Peter Anderson. “Audiences love learning about the  composer while absorbing the music.”

Their Ellington tribute will feature classic arrangements, live storytelling, and the wit and charm  that have made them favorites at venues like Blue Note, Birdland, and the Kennedy Center.  “Ellington’s music is just beautifully written,” Peter said. “It’s hard to screw up Duke.”

Executive Director Liza Ledford says, “We’re thrilled to welcome the Anderson Twins back to  Oxford. Their connection to this music is deep, their artistry is world-class, and their  performances are always unforgettable.”

Ticket options include:

General Admission Seating: $65

VIP Experience: $150, includes front cabaret seating, two complimentary drinks, a meet-and greet with the artists, and an elegant post-show dessert and bubbly reception created by Chef Mark Salter.

The Andersons last appeared on the Shore at the Monty Alexander Jazz Festival and previously  performed at OCC. “We love the area—we’re from Maryland originally,” said Will Anderson. “It feels like coming home.”

Tickets for the August 1st performance are available now at(http://www.oxfordcc.org/jazz or by  calling 410-226-5404. Doors open at 7:00 PM; a cash bar will be available.

The Oxford Community Center is proud to present world-renowned jazz vocalist Allan Harris on Friday, May 2, for a one-night-only performance honoring the legendary Nat King Cole. Part of the acclaimed Jazz Series On Stage at OCC, the concert invites audiences to experience the rich, velvety tones of Cole’s songbook through the singular voice of one of today’s most celebrated interpreters.

Described by The New York Times as a “velvet-voiced baritone with an earthy edge,” Allan Harris has captivated audiences around the globe with his masterful storytelling, elegant phrasing, and genre-defying performances. His tribute to Nat King Cole is more than a concert—it’s a deeply personal homage to an artist who helped define American music and break racial barriers along the way.

“He was for everybody,” said Harris. “He sang for the world, and he delivered the exact songs that the composers wrote. When you heard a Nat King Cole song, you heard every word, every syllable, and it made sense. It was just wonderful.”

Backed by a stellar jazz trio, Harris will perform some of Cole’s most beloved songs, from the buoyant charm of “Rambling Rose” to the silken romance of “Unforgettable,” delivered with the diction, warmth, and storytelling that make Harris a standout on any stage.

“We’re honored to bring Allan Harris to our stage,” said Liza Ledford, Executive Director of the Oxford Community Center. “His connection to this music is palpable, and it will be a night of beauty, nostalgia, and extraordinary talent in an intimate setting.”

Event Details:
Allan Harris: The Music of Nat King Cole
Friday, May 2, 2025 | 7:30 PM
Oxford Community Center | 200 Oxford Rd, Oxford, MD
Tickets and more information: oxfordcc.org

This event is expected to sell out. Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended.