Jackson Free Press

On the cusp of a new era for the arts in Jackson, the Greater Jackson Arts Council, with support from the Jackson Free Press, is hosting a free community forum 6 p.m. Tuesday at St. Andrews Cathedral (305 Capitol St., downtown). The forum will take stock of where we are: what individual artists and art groups are accomplishing; our dreams for Jackson; and how we can realize this dream together. The forum will look at the many opportunities and events currently happening and in the works in our area. This discussion will explore pertinent issues to our community and the progress being made. This discussion is about making the arts more accessible to both the artist and the audience. This forum engages the emerging arts community into the
ongoing story of the Jackson arts scene. Our panelists for the evening mirror the diversity of our arts community:

Kamikaze- President M.A.P. Coalition, nationally recognized rapper, journalist/social commentator, columnist for the Jackson Free Press

Roy Adkins and Jerri Sherer- photographer and glass artist, respectively, active in a range of art markets, new studio owners in the Capital Green Area, organized Congress Street Arts Festival, Roy photographs regularly for Jackson Free Press, and Jerri was recently accepted into the Mississippi Craftsmen Guild

Ezra Brown- night spot owner promoting all arts, MS musician of the year
2006, jazz artist saxophonist, tireless promoter of Mississippi artists, co-host Midtown Arts Festival

Elli Williams- organized Midtown Arts Festival by cooperating with neighbors and utilizing grant money from the Greater Jackson Arts Council, dancer and photographer who fully uses gallery and consignment opportunities in the MetroJackson Area, voted Best Chef 2006 in Jackson Free Press readers poll

Ron Chane- local screenprint/skateboard/fashion mogul, new gallery and music venue owner

Nina Parikh- local filmmaker, Associate Manager of the Mississippi Film Office, Associate Director of the Crossroads Film Society

Daniel Guaqueta- local improv art promoter, radio host on WLEZ, drummer

Chaney Nichols- founder and President of local record label Esperanza Plantation, sits on committees for Jubilee JAM and Crossroads Film Festival, local concert promoter especially in regards to fundraising for the Pix Capri Theater

Moderating the forum is Daniel Johnson - Outreach Coordinator for Rainbow Natural Grocery, Volunteer Market host, Mississippi Happening creator, local musician, dj and painter