OXFORD – A local band is performing to raise money for the high school band program that helped start the musical careers of two of its members.

Panhandle, a local roots-rock band, will perform at 7 p.m. Friday at the Oxford Performing Arts Center at the high school. All proceeds from the benefit concert will be donated to the Oxford Band Boosters and will help send the school’s concert band on a trip to New York City.

Nate Gross, lead guitar and vocalist for Panhandle, offered to perform the benefit concert when he heard that the school band needed to raise money for the trip. The high school’s band director, Kate Stopper, jumped at the offer.

“My brother Ben and I were both active members in the Oxford Marching Band when we were in high school and it’s always great to do something to keep it going,” said Gross. “The band is much smaller these days and hopefully events like this can raise a little money and remind people how important band is in the community and the school.”

In addition to Gross, band members include his brother Ben Gross on bass and keys, Jeff Landry on drums and Craig Rogers on guitar and vocals. All of Panhandle’s members, with the exception of Landry, are natives of Oxford.

Opening for Panhandle will be Third Row, a band made up of Oxford High School students Zach Hamilton, Jake Carr, Nick Wakefield, Caden Izard and Dylan Cole.