6 on the Square in downtown Oxford during a recent performance. (Submitted photo)

By Sophia Root,

Commerce Chenango

OXFORD – This week, Commerce Chenango would like to highlight 6 On the Square, an intimate acoustic music listening venue in the center of Oxford.

Located in an historic building, 6 On the Square was organized as a non-profit organization in 2007, presenting music and art with regional, national, and international artists.

The organization is volunteer based and is overseen by a Board of Directors. Executive Director Nancy Morey is the only paid staff member. Morey said, 6 On the Square features “up close and personal seating, no more than 20 feet from the performers.”

Each year between September and June 6 on The Square presents between 25 and 30 shows on the weekends. Each of these shows are broadcast live for those who are not able to travel to attend in person.

Morey appreciates the unique nature of her venue and tries to broaden the services it offers. “One of the reasons we appreciate being in our location is that it is a crossroads for our region of New York State. Our patrons frequently journey for at least 45 minutes, and sometimes more than an hour, to experience our shows in an alcohol-free environment, serving coffees, teas, cold beverages, and desserts. For those traveling from outside our region to hear their favorite performers, we offer information on places to stay in the area and the many restaurants in the area.”

On Sunday afternoons in July, the organization presents four free concerts right outside the venue in Lafayette Park. This concert series recently concluded and featured artists: House of Hamill, Porch Party Mamas, Big Sky Quartet, and Sara Milonovich & Daisycutter.

6 on The Square’s Fall Season starts on Friday, September 13.

Morey said, “As part of the Fall Season we are including a Songwriting Women series, recognizing the contributions and prevalence of women in the genre. We have 6 women songwriters scheduled as part of our Fall series, with more being booked for our Winter/Spring series in 2025.”

As a non-profit organization, funding for 6OTS comes from ticket sales and local agencies such as: NYS Council on the Arts; Earlville Opera House’s Arts in the Communities; Chenango County Tourism; R. C. Smith; and several others.

“We also rely on Memberships in our Organization, Sponsorships of performances, and donations,” Morey said.

Morey claims that volunteers are one of the most important resources and provide most of the staffing for 6 On the Square: from pre-show set-up, sound technicians, camera operators for live broadcasting of shows, kitchen staffing, etc.

She said, “We are always looking for more volunteers and will gladly train them!” Anyone interested can email info@6onthesquare.org or leave a message at 607-843-6876.

Information about the upcoming season will be posted on www.6onthesquare.org soon, and a Season Postcard will be mailed in late August. Additionally, an e-mail newsletter will go out with more information. To sign up for either, contact the info@6onthesquare.org e-dress. Follow 6 On The Square on Facebook for up-to-date and behind-the-scenes info about shows and more.