Gallery • 5 Photos

Photo by Jarred Watkins

Oliver Bisson hugs his father Uriah Bisson as the family waits for the music to begin.

Oxford’s 36th Annual Uptown Music Concert Series opened Thursday as scores of Oxford families gathered in Memorial Park for high-energy entertainment from The Klaberheads, a Hamilton band that has been performing German-inspired music since 1930.

“The uptown park is one of the only spaces the community gathers together as friends and family,” Enjoy Oxford executive director Kim Daggy said. “Each concert is a highlight!”

The free outdoor concerts continue every Thursday night  from 7 to 9:30 p.m. until Aug. 25. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. A full schedule of musicians is available on the Enjoy Oxford Website.

Founded by German immigrant Franz Klaber as the Franz Klaber Orchestra in 1930, The Klaberheads now claim to be the oldest in Hamilton County. Although they say they are known for Oktoberfest performances, the Thursday show included show tunes and a number from Queen.

“These concerts are good community events,” said Oxford resident Uriah Bisson. “It is simple and fun.”

Added resident Janice Bisson, “We have come to just about every one of these performances. It is a good way to spend time with friends and family. Great for kids too.”

The Uptown Music Concert Series is funded by local businesses and private donors. Thursday’s show was funded by Butler Rural Electric Cooperative.

Next week, Enjoy Oxford hosts Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Brass Institute, a band made of high-performing brass high school students under the instruction of Miami University and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra faculty.

The music series takes requests. “Musical act submissions can be made by bands, sponsors and the general public through a form on our website,” Daggy said.