Oxford Saloon; Snohomish, WA – Sing at historical Oxford Saloon
By Karen Knapp
On First Street in the quaint town of Snohomish, towering above antique stores and specialty shops, stands the Oxford Saloon and Eatery. Famous for its ghostly inhabitants, according to ghost hunters who regularly stake out the upstairs searching for Henry or Katherine, it is also one of the town’s preeminent entertainment hot spots.
In the early 1900s it had its humble beginnings as Blackman’s Dry Goods, but approximately a decade later, it became one of nearly 45 drinking establishments in the area. History suggests that Henry, a local policemen, was moonlighting as a bouncer one night and in an attempt to break up a fight, lost his life. Word has it, he didn’t leave the Oxford and still makes his home there. Many profess to have witnessed Henry’s pranks, myself included, as well as catching glimpses of Katherine who purportedly ran a high-class bordello upstairs. Ghost hunting tours and local television stations have highlighted the Oxford Saloon & Eatery several times, with its rich history of ghost sightings. You can read more about the Oxford’s ghostly history in the publication “Weird Washington.”
Today, however, owner Andrea Fletcher, her son Ross, and eight other staff members pay less attention to ghosts and more attention to providing nonstop entertainment for the patrons that come from miles around. Their very well-equipped and beautiful bar harkens back to the early 1900s, and a very large moose head sits high above the bar, often the object of interesting decorations and not-so-serious discussion. If you look up, you will also see a very large decked out knight complete with sword suspended from the high ceiling. Historic photos cover the walls, and the seating is comfortably shabby chic with lots of oak.
One of the few venues in the area with both an upstairs and downstairs, it is possible to wander downstairs and find pool tables and darts as well as another fully-equipped bar with comfortable seating for those who wish to entertain themselves or just do some quiet socializing.
Famous as a blues venue for years, the top blues bands from all over Washington State can be found playing to overflowing crowds every weekend. On Sundays, the stage is taken over by “Swingtime Express” for all ages dining and dancing. Monday nights an all-ages open jam is the featured activity. Tuesday nights you can find more of an acoustic open mic, very popular with songwriters, and many talented acoustic musicians.
Thursday nights the infamous Oxford Blues Jam rocks the place. Hosted by C. D. Woodbury, guitarist and music director, Steve Ater, who emcees and plays bass with Patrick McDaniel also providing bass skills, backed up by drummer Tommy Cook, the blues jam is one of the most popular weeknight events at the Oxford. This event is very well attended and rumor has it that the earlier you arrive the better. The blues jam begins at 8pm.
For a long time, the Oxford has been one of the few venues offering kids’ karaoke. On the first Wednesday of the month, the kids take the stage beginning at 6pm. Recently, Karen and Joe have returned to the Oxford to take over the reins of the kids’ show. The Oxford was the first venue in Snohomish County, back in 1997, to dedicate a night specifically for the children after attendees became too numerous to sing at the adult show. Back then, every Wednesday night found the Oxford overflowing with families who brought their children from as far away as Seattle to sing. We are grateful that the Oxford still offers their stage for children to sing, and Karen and Joe provide the perfect atmosphere for those children who are new to public performance. Remember, the first Wednesday of the month (next opportunity February 3, then again March 3, 2010) is dedicated to kids’ karaoke. This is a family friendly event and a kids’ menu makes this an affordable family evening.
Karaoke at the Oxford is an institution and again, on Wednesday nights beginning at 8pm. For singers, it is a fabulous place to sing – the lighted stage makes the singer the focus, and the acoustics are great. Local hosts Karen and Joe have returned home to the Oxford after a rather long hiatus to provide their hosting services. Singers often comment on their excellent singing experience, most notably the great sound and song selection. Bartender and server, Randi, does a fabulous job keeping everyone supplied with food and drink, and is known for her singing ability as well, and will jump on and sing a song when prompted by her regulars. The caliber of singer is, as usual, fantastic and we look forward to singers joining us from all over on Wednesday nights.
The Oxford Saloon & Eatery is located at 913 First Street in Snohomish. They are open Sundays from 11am to 9pm, Mondays and Tuesdays noon to midnight, and Wednesday through Saturday from 11am to 1am. There is plenty of parking on First Street. Set aside some time to investigate the Oxford – you may or may not be one of many who catches a glimpse of Katherine or Henry, but rest assured, you will enjoy your time at this historic location.
