OXFORD – In honor of the Village of Oxford Bicentennial Celebration, 6 On The Square (6OTS) is proud to present two free concerts of historic songs with regional themes to be held in LaFayette Park. On Saturday, will be The Dady Brothers at 7 p.m. On Sunday, Joe Crookston and the Red Roosters will perform at 3 p.m.

On Saturday evening, starting off the Bicentennial Week, John and Joe Dady, “The Dady Brothers,” will be performing, “Songs From the Canals.”  

Not everyone is aware of the presence of the historic Chenango Canal (1837-1878), but it was an engineering marvel for its time and our area’s earliest mass transportation artery. It was actually back in 1824, during the construction of the Erie Canal, that the Chenango Canal was proposed. The backbreaking task of excavation was largely done by Irish immigrant laborers, using picks and shovels. Looking right out from LaFayette Park, where the Dady Brothers will perform, onto Route 12, you will be looking at the filled in space where the Canal once flowed and where packet boats and barges were drawn by horse and mule teams on the towpath. It is this imagery of labor and love that John and Joe will recall in songs which are an expression of the American music landscape. The Dady Brothers' unique style and instrumental versatility captures the essence of the traditional Irish tunes that were adapted by the canalers. Of course, this duo will intersperse their favorite originals, and songs from a long ago era updated for our times, throughout the evening. Accompanied by an array of instruments this will be a fun night the whole family will enjoy.

On Sunday afternoon, Joe Crookston and the Red Roosters will perform at 3 p.m. Joe Crookston is joined by Doug Robinson and Molly MacMillan (AKA “the Red Roosters”) for their afternoon performance on the Square.