LITTLE ROCK, ARK. JUNE 16, 2015: — One of Georgia’s greatest assets is undoubtedly its contribution to the American songbook. In partnership with the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Tourism Division, the award-winning Oxford American magazine will celebrate the state’s musical tradition in its next annual Southern Music issue. The Georgia Music issue and compilation CD will be released on newsstands nationwide on December 1, 2015.

The OA’s 17th Southern Music issue will explore the immense musical legacy, both past and present, of Georgia, the home state of the Father of Gospel (Thomas A. Dorsey), the Mother of the Blues (Ma Rainey), the Godfather of Soul (James Brown), the Kings of Southern Rap (OutKast), and “the only true genius in show business” (Ray Charles). Not to mention Fletcher Henderson, Blind Willie McTell, The Allman Brothers Band, and Gram Parsons, and contemporary greats like Cat Power, Killer Mike, and Deerhunter. The issue will be packed with the trademark timeless music writing that Oxford American readers have come to expect and will be packaged with a compilation CD of excellent Georgia tunes.

“The music of Georgia is endlessly rich and varied,” said OA publisher Ray Wittenberg, “from Sharon Jones to the Indigo Girls, from R.E.M. to Otis Redding. We couldn’t be more excited about celebrating this amazing tradition in story and song.”

“As a longtime fan of Oxford American’s annual Southern Music issue, I am ecstatic about Georgia’s turn in the spotlight,” said Lisa Love, the director of music marketing for the Georgia Department of Economic Development. “We know that the stories of Georgia’s influential musical landscape will resonate with readers, encouraging them to engage with our artists, music-focused businesses, festivals, and attractions.”

The New West Records AthFest Kickoff Party includes live music by Velveteen Pink, Ruby the Rabbitfoot, Tall Tall Trees and Washed Out (DJ sets). The party kicks off a three-day weekend of music and arts in downtown Athens showcasing local, regional, and national musical talent. AthFest includes three outdoor stages, an artist market, a two-night Club Crawl in more than ten venues, and a three-day KidsFest celebration. All proceeds directly benefit AthFest Educates. Admission is $5 for the public (or free with AthFest wristband).

P.O. Box 3235 | Little Rock, Arkansas 72203-3235 | 501.374.0000 | oxfordamerican.org

ABOUT THE OXFORD AMERICAN

The Oxford American is a national magazine dedicated to featuring the best in Southern writing, while documenting the complexity and vitality of the American South. Billed as “The Southern Magazine of Good Writing,” the OA has won three National Magazine Awards and other high honors since it began publication in 1992. The magazine has published the original work of such acclaimed writers as Charles Portis, Roy Blount, Jr., ZZ Packer, Donald Harington, Donna Tartt, and many others, while also discovering and launching the most promising writers in the region. For more information, visit oxfordamerican.org.

Contact: Ray Wittenberg, Publisher rwittenberg@oxfordamerican.org | 501-733-4164

Greg Spradlin, Marketing & Development gspradlin@oxfordamerican.org | 501-960-2300

PRESS EVENT:Thursday, June 25, at 9 P.M.The 40 Watt Club285 W Washington St.Athens, GA

Oxford American Magazine Announces 2015 Georgia Music Issue

From Hip-Hop to Southern Rock, Georgia’s Rich Musical Heritage Takes Center Stage in Oxford American’s 2015 Southern Music Issue

Literary magazine and Georgia Tourism to announce forthcoming issue during New West Records AthFest Kickoff Party on June 25