Summer festival season may be over but the show goes on in the city. Tim Hughes talks to organiser Osprey about next week’s 30-gig extravaganza of top local music

Osprey is not a man to have his feathers ruffled or take flight in the face of a challenge.

The musician, promoter and familiar Oxford face, has been a champion of the city’s music scene for more than two decades.

But his decision, last year, to set up the city’s first dedicated week-long music festival of local talent was brave to say the least.

It was, of course, a huge success.

Now Osprey – real name Mark O’Brien – is back with the second Oxford City Festival. It runs from Monday to next Saturday, and features well over 100 bands, singer-songwriters and DJs – almost all of them local – in 30 shows at 10 venues.

Osprey, whose avian nickname comes from the CB radio handle he adopted while working as a fish farmer in the Lake District, says it is the perfect showcase of Oxford’s diverse musical talent.

“I simply want people to celebrate music in Oxford,” he says in his distinctively broad Teesside accent. “For the past 20 years the city has been home to some of the country’s best bands, and has been been at the heart of the music history. This is a way of recognising that, and showcasing the bands of today – and tomorrow.”

A significant figure in the local music scene, Osprey – who made his name as a soloist, club DJ and as part of ‘90s band Tracksuit Karate (one of John Peel’s favourites) – was the obvious person to organise the festival, which covers everything from jazz and techno to hip-hop and hard rock.

“There are so many great bands in our city, so it’s brilliant to be able to bring them together on one festival bill. Some of them are very different in style, but they are nearly all from Oxfordshire and are among the best at what they do. I’m really grateful to them all for joining in – and hope they have as much fun as I intend to have!”

Music takes place at the O2 Academy Oxford, The Wheatsheaf, The Bullingdon, The Bear, The Cellar, Jericho Tavern, The James Street Tavern, The Marsh Harrier, The Corridor and The Lighthouse (formerly The Duke’s Cut).

Highlights include sets by husband and wife duo The August List, angular indie-pop act Balloon Ascents, Witney hip-hop crew Death of HiFi, voodoo sci-fi bluesact Vienna Ditto, Afro-pop bands Duchess and Brightworks, Gypsy-ska-punk band Balkan Wanderers, hotly-tipped Oxford University band Northeast Corridor, and feelgood rock & roll band The Shapes.

Even Osprey himself appears on the line-up, playing with his OX4 Allstars alongside Peter ‘Shanks’ Powell, ‘Big’ Jim Woods, Ian ‘Sticks’ Campbell, Marcus ‘Shakin’ lips’ Butler and sound engineer Tim Turan.

Oxford Mail:
Osprey

But there’s one name in particular that Osprey admits he is very excited about putting on. “We’ve got Tom Hingley from Inspiral Carpets coming along again – which is great! ”he says. “The man’s a legend and is responsible for some fantastic songs – both with the band and especially on his own.

“Inspiral Carpets may have been a big Manchester band, but Tom is an Abingdon lad – and just one more local musician we should be proud to celebrate.

“I can’t wait for his set – but it’s one of about 116 shows, all of which are set to be pretty amazing.”

Oxford Mail:
Tom Hingley

This year’s festival is dedicated to the memory of local music personality Dave Norland – a respected sound engineer and producer, and a friend of Osprey’s.

“We miss Dave dearly,” he says. “He was a towering presence on the local scene and many of those playing knew him and were helped by him and his incredible knowledge and dedication. This will be a chance for us to remember him while doing what he most loved – making music!”

CHECK IT OUT
Oxford City Festival runs from Monday to next Saturday.
Tickets from wegottickets.com

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