Jackson Free Press

The future of downtown Jackson looks promising with all the talk of out-of-town consultants, the convention center, Farish Street and the King Edward. Friday night is the next great night to be downtown. All ye party people eighteen and up can vibe to the sensation of hip-hop master of 601, Kamikaze at 105 Capitol. But not yet, Friday night's show has been rescheduled to next Friday, Nov. 5.

Nightlife on Farish is beginning to return with the reopening of the Field's Café, and the legendary "Blue Mondays." Long term Farish supporter and Bluesman, Jesse Robinson is back, and he's bringing his friends to perform each Monday evening, beginning at 5 p.m. Free.

Travel a few blocks past the downtown main post office on South Street, and you'll see that Santiago's has reopened. You'll find an eclectic blend of the best local R&B, Blues, and NeoSoul at Santiago's. The Queen of the genre, Patrice Moncell sonorously imbibes you with the depths of her soul, each and every Friday and Saturday night. Show her your support.

Santiago's hosts the areas finest poets for an all-new Sunday night Open-Mic of "Hypnotic Solitude" Spoken Word, hosted by Cyrus Webb and Nickel G, music by Motown Brown. In case you haven't perused the literary section of the lounge list lately, Spoken Word is hotter than ever in town. Ken Stiggers and Regal host The Lyric Lounge each Thursday at Daiquiri World (Ellis at Raymond Rd), with music by DJ Lecta. Whether you have something to say or need to commune with the soul, you'll find peace and guest poets coming in from all over to perform for the Lyric Lounge. Tonight, civil rights activist Ser Boxley will enlighten, among others. This Friday at the Best Western Inn on High Street, being the 4th Friday of the month, you'll be able to join in the only open-mic poetry in town to make Russell Simmons blush. Ms. Renee Shakespeare, talk show host of The Drinking Gourd will present the uncensored sultry open-mic of Poexotica. DJ Motown Brown is back at Daiquiri World each Tuesday, spinning the best in NeoSoul and Jazz. Check the lyric lounge online at thelyriclounge.com, or call 502-9151 to find out more on the local poetry scene.

This Saturday the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra will present a Bravo Series concert at Thalia Mara Hall (That means its dress-up night, with tickets starting at $25, unless you're a student). They will be performing Beethoven's classic Fifth Symphony (Da, Da, Da, Dum!) at 7:30 p.m. 960-1565.

Dr. John Paul, music director for St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral and recipient of the 2002 Governor's Excellence in the Arts Award for Artist's Achievement, and the renowned mezzo-soprano Lester Senter will perform a fundraiser concert for the Mississippi Academy of Ancient Music on Sunday, Oct. 31, 6 p.m. at 2426 Eastover Dr. An original composition, "Chansons D' amour" will be performed by Drs. Senter (voice) and John Paul (piano). Halloween dress is optional, with a minimum suggested donation of $25. RSVP with Dr. Paul at 354-1585, ext. 136.

There are way too many Saturday night Halloween costume contests and concerts to mention here. Check out the music calendar and lounge list for the complete list. You may want to start at Headliner's for Downpour and their Hearse giveaway, then to the Subway Lounge/Houserockers' Halloween Bash at Schimmel's. It'll be festive basically anywhere you go Saturday or Sunday night. Make sure to check out The Pix/Capri renovation Halloween Bash and Haunted House fundraiser in Fondren. If you've been wanting to get a glimpse in the old Capri Theatre, you can support its transformation into a dinner theatre and community center with your tax-deductible donation and have a spooktacular good time.

If good-time eclectic jazz-fusion rock is your bag, try on Circus of the Seed. They will be part of Fenian's Halloween party Saturday, or you can catch them Monday at George St. Both nights are free.

You can catch the Southern Rock Jukers of DayBreakDown at George Street on Saturday night and go back on Sunday at 7 p.m. for their encore performance with the Minivan Blues Band and George Street's Halloween Costume Contest.

Plan ahead for next Thursday, when the Japanese indie shoegaze rock of Asobi Seksu is at Martin's. In case your rusty, that's Japanese for "playful sex." And just like Smucker's jelly, …."with a name like that, its got to be good!"

Herman Snell