Jackson Free Press

Thoughts of spring conjure up all sorts of images: girls frolicking, and making dandelion necklaces under rainbows ; afternoon mists that force teens to sit on the front porch with their grandparents who tell stories about the "good 'ole days"; lovers picnicking in the park while jazz serenades them.

But here, in Mississippi, spring is merely a precursor to hot, sweltering summers. What's better to help cope than hot entertainment? Spring in central Mississippi promises to fill your days and evenings with cultural experiences sure to skyrocket your societal sophistication. The weekly newspaper you depend on for news, arts and culture has compiled all these events into one efficient guide—the Spring Arts Preview.

There's Alvin Ailey dancers, a Hank Williams tribute, an independent film festival, exhibits by local artists and those who have reached national acclaim, and Broadway-caliber stage productions ... just to name a few. All of this happens before the dog days of summer. It simply does not get any better in the world of the arts than Jackson and its surrounding cities this spring. Here's to warm days, cool nights and hot entertainment.

Exhibits & Openings
Mississippi Museum of Art Mississippi Invitational through April 1. Fifteen artists selected by Ohio-based curator Sue Spaid after she spent five days conducting statewide studio visits, which she completed in August 2006. 601-960-1515.

International Museum of Muslim Cultures (Mississippi Arts Pavillion) The Legacy of Timbuktu Exhibition featuring 25 rare African manuscripts. The exhibit explores life in the rise and decline of the empires in West Africa and their leaders, manuscript preservation and production, French colonialism in Mali and the slave trade, and the Muslim roots of Mississippi blues, among other things. Open through Dec. 2007. 601-960-0440.

Mississippi Museum of Natural Science presents Jewels of the Sea: Walter Anderson's Aquatica. This exhibit features more than 70 watercolor and prints as well as live aquarium displays and information on the artist's life. A colorful celebration of a soulful artist and the wildlife that inspired him. Open through May 13. 601-354-7303.

"If It Ain't Seasoned, It Ain't Much of Anything," the exhibit, at Historic Jefferson College in Washington (near Natchez) through March 11. Ninety-six photographs documenting ethnic communities around the state. For more info call 601-442-2901

"DiFatta, Under the Influence"by Anthony DiFatta at Nunnery's Gallery. The show pays tribute to the artists that have inspired DiFatta, including: Wayne Theibaud, Van Gogh, Edward Hopper, Lucien Freud, Willem DeKooning. Hangs until March 31. Call 601-981-4426 for more info.

Jackson Street Gallery during the month of March offers a new experience: Artist Archway. The most recent addition to the gallery features new works by: Lyn Isonhood, Yvette Sturgis, Beth Dean, Susan Russell, Pryor Graeber and Cliff Speaks. 500 North Hwy 51, Suite E, Trace Station Shopping Center in Ridgeland. 601-853-1880.

The Mississippi State University Dept. of Art Gallery presents "Brian Ulrich: Not If But When" through March 30. Exhibit of large-scale photographic prints on the subject of consumer refuse and related economic, social, cultural and moral issues. Starkville, 662-325-2970.

Experimental Watermedia Group Exhibit at the Mississippi Library Commission (3881 Eastwood Drive), March 1- April 30. Artist's reception April 5, 4-6 p.m. Free. 601-432-4056 or 800-647-7542.

The Mississippi Museum of Art presents "10! A Decade of Cartoons by Marshall Ramsey" until April 15. This exhibition presents original drawings by the artist from the past 10 years. $5, adults; $4, seniors; $3, students (age 6 – college); children under 5, free. Admission is free for Museum Members. 601-960-1515

Attic Gallery hosts SIGNS with art by 48 artists through April 6. Then, opening April 13, "Drawings" by Jane Ferris of Vicksburg. 1101 Washington Street, Vicksburg. 601-628-9321.

"When We Walked Tall: Images of African Americans in Mississippi from 1920-1950" Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center houses photographs taken from the museum's collection. The exhibition is on dislay until May 2007. 601-960-1457.

"Bull In A China Shop" directed by John Landress, March 9-11 and 16-18 at the Brookhaven Little Theatre (126 W. Cherokee St., Brookhaven). Tickets $10 each, Friday and Saturday performances at 7 p.m., Sunday matiness at 2 pm. 601-833-6299.

Southern Breeze Gallery presents "New works by Alice Hammell" Artist Reception, Fri. March 9, 5-8 p.m. Alice's dramatic abstracts are rich in color and texture and inspired by her extensive travels. 601-982-4222.

ICON Gallery hosts two exhibits. Fri.., March 9, 6 p.m., an opening reception for Gardener Mounce, Greg Gandy, John Blackwell, Josh Hailey, Spence Townsend, Rebecca Mils, Rebekah Potter, Casey McGraw and Cate Furlow. Fri., April 12, 6 p.m., Daniel Drinkard, Kate Freeman, Jonathan Shull, Vacancy Design, Charles Edwin Ostander III. Music will be provided that night by Op Hop Detination, along with sidewalk lining and a cinema feature. 601-981-FLIP.

Smith Robertson Museum and Cultural Center Trapped Flower Traveling Exhibition, a multi-dimensional literary and artistic gathering, opens March 10 with two receptions, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. The exhibit presents visual art that reflects the struggle and courage of women who have survived abusive relationships. Featured artists are George Miles, Jr., Tony Davenport, Jennifer Davis, Latoriya Phillips, Thabi Moyo, Brother Shambe` Jones, Ravin Hill, Jennifer Campbell, Marcus Phillips, Nathan Bruce, and Juliette Johnston. Performing artists for the receptions are Natalie A. Collier, Inf, Jerriod Avant and several other talented artists. Tre' Alee, author of "The First Blow," will speak at the 2 p.m. engagement. Following its March 10 debut, the show travels to ARTichoke Gallery where other performing artists will be featured and a live auction benefiting the Stewpot Ministries Matt's House, Sim's House and Virginia's Playhouse. Smith Robertson is located at 528 Bloom St. 601-960-1457. city.jackson.ms.us and ARTichoke Gallery is located at 1012 E. Fortification St., 601-949-4000.

Ole Miss Artist Series March 15: Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, March 27: Bulgarian State Opera "Aida," May 6: Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Season tickets: $48, $96 or $108. Tickets $12, $24 or $27. Dayton dance company performance $10 with season tickets, $15 without. 662-915-7411.

The Ink Spot, a tattoo parlor and art gallery, hosts an Art Showing March 16. The exhibit features artists Erin Heath, Aaron Phillips, Renee Reedy and Spencer Townsend. The event is sponsored by Sam's Lounge and Hooters. 601-352-4700.

Bryant Galleries holds an opening reception featuring new paintings by Alan Flattmann and other local artists. The reception is March 22, 6-8 p.m., and will be on display until April 21. 601-932-5099.

H.C. Porter Gallery Acclaimed journalist and Mississippi native Kevin Sessums, author of "Mississippi Sissy," arrives from NYC to share an intimate evening in Vicksburg with his sister, Karole Sessums, and Mississippi artist, H.C. Porter at their gallery and loft. Fri., March 23, 7 p.m. Enjoy a relaxed "Living Room" reading (bring a small pillow if you have one). Copies of the book will be available in the gallery, or pre-order a copy of the book ($24.95 + tax). Call the gallery for pre-order requests. 1216 Washington St. Vicksburg. 601-661-9444.

The Color of Blues Photography Exhibit by Marianne Todd. Sat., March 23-Sat., April 7. Meridian Museum of Art.

Cuttin' Loose with Deuce charity event at the Mississippi TelCom Center (105 Pascagoula Street, Downtown Jackson). The event will benefit McAllister's Catch 22 Foundation, with all proceeds to assist programs for children in Mississippi. The Catch 22 Foundation is dedicated to "enhancing the lives of underprivileged youths in the Gulf South Region." March 31, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Catering by Jackson restaurants, drinks, and live and silent auctions of varied items (including autographed sports memorabilia). Tickets are $50 each; 12 tickets may be purchased for $500 (this package is reserved for corporations and businesses). 21+ only. Tickets may be purchased by calling 601-918-7010.
Art for the Park Thurs., April 12, 7-10 p.m. at the Fairview Inn. This bi-annual fundraiser for Laurel Street Park features an unbeatable silent auction of art, decorative items, gift certificates and more. Ticket sales start in March.

Lynch Street Heritage Festival April 27-28. 601-352-6993.

Hattiesburg Historic Mobile Street Renaissance Festival June 30, 2007. Day-long festival is designed to celebrate the rich musical and cultural heritage of Mobile Street, the historic black business and entertainment district of Hattiesburg; 3 music stages: blues, gospel and children's, boxing, Sho 'Nuff Good Barbecue Cook-Off and arts/crafts [e-mail unavailable].

Stage & Screen
The Crossroads Film Society presents "Factory Girl" Hal & Mal's Big Room, Thurs., March 8, 7 p.m. The year is 1965, and Edie Sedgwick is living every young girl's dream. Rich, ambitious and breathtakingly beautiful, Edie's life changes forever when she meets Andy Warhol, New York's most famous artist, and the man who will transform this trust fund baby into the Big Apple's most dazzling Superstar. Drama/Biopic. Rated R. $7, $5 for members. 35mm. 18+ to enter, 21+ to drink. 601-510-9148.

"Southern Exposure," a satirical comedy on the Pilgrimage, will be March 10-April 14, Tues., Thurs., Sat., and Sun., 8 p.m. at the Natchez Little Theater Playhouse. $15. 601-446-6631, 800-647-6742. "Mark Twain Tonight!" The man who has been portraying Mark Twain on stage longer than Twain himself—Hal Holbrook—will bring America's beloved author and raconteur to Thalia Mara Hall in Jackson on Tuesday March 13 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at $57.50, $47.50, and $37.50. Group discounts for 15 or more are available at $5 off the ticket price. 601-355-5252. ticketmaster.com

New Stage is seeking interns for the Professional Acting Internship 2007 Local auditions for the internship, March 24 at New Stage Theater, call to reserve an audition time. 601-948-3533 ext. 232 or email [e-mail unavailable].

21st Annual Puppetry Jam performing Arts Festival for Children March 29-30, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Puppet Arts Theatre in Magical Musical Miniatures, listen to our storytellers Rosia Crisler, Ben Woods and Doris Jones visit with Inky the Clown, dance with the Center Stage Kids, make puppets at our Puppet Factory with Hilda Faye Hill, and tour the Museum. Miss. Ag Museum. $6. 601-977-9840.

Kessler Broadway presents "Wonderful Town" March 26-27; "Man of La Mancha" May 4-5. 7:30 p.m. Thalia Mara Hall, Pascagoula St. $15-$57. 601-981-1847.

8th Annual Crossroads Film Festival March 29 - April 1, 50+ films, Parkway Place Theatre, Lakeland Dr. Filmmakers from Mississippi and around the world present and compete in the categories of Feature Film, Short, Doc, Experimental, Foreign, Student, Music Video and Animation. Q&A filmmakers, panel discussion, After Parties each night at Hal & Mal's, World Cinema Showcase, Sat. filmmaker/acting workshops, Sat. night Awards Party, and more. Music at After Parties by regional and national recording artists and much more. All-access festival passes at Be-Bop $75, $55 for Crossroads members gets you into everything. 601-510-9148.

Belhaven College Theatre presents "Antigone" April 19-21 and 25-28. 7:30 p.m. Flexible Theatre, Center for the Arts. $10, $5 students/children/seniors. 601-965-7026.

Black Rose Theatre presents "Trial of the Big Bad Wolf," A Children's Show by Joseph Robinette: April 19-22 and April 26-29, 2007; "Seeing Stars in Dixie" by Ron Osborne: Auditions April 30 and May 1, 2007, Show June 7-10 and 14-17, 2007; A Night of One Acts: Auditions June 18-19, 2007, Show July 19-22, 2007. 103 Black St. Brandon, 601-981-2456.

Millsaps Southern Circuit Film: "Interkosmos" by Jim Finn April 16, 7:30 p.m. '70s style documentary that's part communist love story and funeral dirge for a 75-year-old experiment in social and economic engineering. Millsaps Academic Complex Room 215. Free. 601-974-1299.

New Stage presents "Moonlight & Magnolias" April 17-29. Hollywood, 1939: Producer David O. Selznick has shut down production on his new epic, "Gone With the Wind." The screenplay just doesn't work. So what's an all-powerful movie mogul to do? This comedy takes us behind-the-scenes for a look at how entertainment, power and politics came together to create one of America's legendary films.

Center Players presents "Harvey" at Ann Smith Elementary School, Pear Orchard Rd. Ridgeland. April 26-29 and May 4-6.

New Stage "Lost Highway: The Music and Life of Hank Williams" Musical biography depicting the rise and fall of the brash, forever young, always legendary singer-songwriter who stands among the greatest innovators of American popular music. Show May 29-June 10. 601-948-3533.

Dance
Free Beginner Waltz & Rumba Dance Class Fri. March 9, 7-8 p.m. Then stick around for our Ballroom, Latin & Swing Dance Party 8-10 p.m., $10 per person. Applause Dance Factory (242 Stephens Street, Ridgeland) 601-856-6168.

Magnolia Ballroom Dancer's Host Dance Sat., March 17, April 14, May 19, June 16, July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 22, Oct. 20, Nov. 17, Dec. 8, in the Forestry Building at the Ag Museum. 8-11 p.m. Ballroom dancing, Swing, Hustle and more. $15. BYOB. Dress "elegantly casual." Lakeland Dr. at I-55. 601-278-5889.

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater when it comes to Thalia Mara Hall, March 20-21, 7:30 p.m. This internationally renowned dance company is famous for its virtuoso artistry and powerful performances. Tickets available at All ticketmaster outlets, Mississippi Coliseum, Be-Bop Records, ticketmaster.com or by phone at 601-355-5252 or 800-488-5252, Tickets $15-$59. For info call Thalia Mara at 601-960-1537.

Roger and Tena's Beginner Choreorobics Dance Off! An energetic modern-style dance workout from husband/wife duo; choreographer-Roger L. Long and performer-Tena Long. Beginners and those 50 and older wanting to get active are welcomed. $20 per month/$5 per class. Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Old Trace Park on the Reservoir. 601-856-6876. [e-mail unavailable].

$10 Dance Class at Dance Connection A different Ballroom Dance each month, for beginners and above: February is cha-cha month. 7-8 p.m. cha-cha class, 8-9:30 p.m. Practice Party. $10 for both. No partner needed. 306 N. Bierdeman Rd., Pearl. 601-932-2374.

Salsa Dance Lessons in Jackson and Madison. $10, $16 per couple. No partner needed. 601-213-6355.

Jackson Irish Dancers Traditional Irish dance for kids (ages 6 and up) and adults: solo dance classes for kids & adults. 601-592-9914.

Ballet Magnificat! brings to the stage the unforgettable ballet "Deliver Us." The riveting ballet, set to the music of Dreamworks' "The Prince of Egypt" portrays an enslaved people led to hope, making the story jump off the page into your life. The performance opens with "Freedom," a classical piece with an Irish flare composed by Michael W. Smith. Sat., March 24, 7 p.m. and Sun., March 25, 2 p.m. Tickets are $10-$30 and group rates are available. 601-977-1001.

Ballet Mississippi presents "Let the Music Dance" April 29, 2 p.m. at Thalia Mara Hall. Opening the performance are dancers from the USA/IBC CityDance program. The performance is a premiere for CityDance. Following CityDance is the ballet Les Petite Riens, set to the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart featuring 20 young dancers from the Ballet Mississippi School. Tribute is set to the music of Frederic Chopin. The ballet honors seven dancers who are graduating in the spring and have been in the ballet school for the past 6 to 13 years. The show ends with Django, set to the extraordinary music of the gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt. $6-12. 601-960-1560.

Ballet Magnificat! Children's Summer Camp An introduction to the world of ballet hosted by a Christian professional ballet company. Classes include ballet foundations and movements, exercises to enhance flexibility, coordination strength, muscle tone and auditory and visual memory. Those ages 3-7, camp is June 18-22; ages 8 and up, June 11-15.

Music
Belhaven College Chamber Music presents Senior Dance Concert March 8, 7:30 p.m. Concert Hall. Dr. Shelt Faculty Recital March 24, 7:30 p.m. Concert Hall. Composers Forum Concert March 27, 7:30 p.m. Recital Room, Free. Dance Ensemble Spring Concert March 29-31, 7:30 p.m. 2 p.m. Sat. Flexible Theatre, $5. Guitar Ensemble Concert April 4, 7:30 p.m. concert hall. Free. Best of Belhaven student showcase April 14, 7:30 p.m. Concert Hall. Free. Belhaven Chamber Orchestra April 21, 7:30 p.m. Concert Hall, Free. Doxa Spring Concert April 26-27, 7:30 p.m. Irby Theatre. Choral Arts concert April 28, 7:30 p.m. Concert Hall, Free. 601-974-6494.

5th Annual Langerado Music Festival March 9-10. Widespread Panic, Trey Anastasio, O.A.R., Spearhead, Disco Biscuits, Stephen Malkmus, Los Lobos, Blackalicious, Explosions in the Sky+. Markham Park, Sunrise, Fla. 800-594-8499.

Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Intimate Classics Chamber III: Strings and Schubert Fri., March 9, 7:30 p.m. Millsaps College Ford Academic Center. Franz Schubert's fantastic Octet and more. 601-960-1565.

"Southern Road to Freedom" a stirring musical tribute by the Holy Family Gospel Choir, to the struggle of the African American experience in Natchez from the colonial period to the present day. March 10-April 14, Tues., Thurs., Sat., at Holy Family Church (16 Orange Ave), 8 p.m. – no performance April 3, 5, 7. Ticket $15. 601-446-6631, 800-647-6742.

Bach-to-Blues Singer-songwriter Laurel Isbister plays folk music at Trinity Lutheran Church, Jackson, on Sunday, March 18, at 6 p.m. The free performance is smoke free. Isbister serinades with acoustic guitar singing originals, Americana and blues covers. She says some of her haunting melodies are influences from living in Bulgaria. Loye Aston will join Isbister with percussion. Born in the Conch Republic, Aston teaches religious studies and philosopy at Tougaloo. He has been a percussionist for more than 30 years, performing and writing about rhythm and spirituality. Aston's sounds are both West African and Mediterranean but influenced by jazz and indie rock. 601-371-2332 or 601-372-8851.

Millsaps Singers Spring Concert March 23, 7:30 p.m. Ford Academic Complex Recital Hall. Free, donations accepted. 601-974-1422.

National Kick Off of Smithsonian Exhibit "New Harmonies: Celebrating American Roots Music" to be hosted at the MSU Riley Center, March 24. The festivities begin with roots music at the Dumont Plaza all day (9 a.m.-5 p.m.). The evening program begins at 7 p.m. in the MSU Riley Center's Grand Opera House, featuring Senator Thad Cochran, and many roots musicians including gospel by Rust College A'cappella Choir, bluegrass by The Vernon Brothers, blues by Cadillac John and Bill Abel, fiddling by Bill Rodgers and Chris Goertzen and country music by Britt Gulley. Free and open to the public. 601-696-2203 or 601-480-7557, Other Events at the Riley Center: Grand Opening of MSU Riley Center's Studio Theatre featuring music by Spencer Bohren. Enjoy New Orleans folk-rock, blues musician with critical acclaim in Europe & growing popularity in U.S. Sat., March 31, 8 p.m. & Sunday, April 1, 4 p.m. MSU Riley Center Studio Theatre, $20 per person.

Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Family Concert: Orchestra Olympics Sun., March 25, 2:30 p.m. St. Andrew's Upper School. Highest music, the Lowest music, the Fastest, Slowest, Longest, Shortest, Softest, Loudest! Join the Champions of the MSO for a riveting musical competition. Fun for the whole family. 601-960-1565.

Tougaloo's Two Rivers Gala, a fundraiser for the institution, will be held at the Medical Mall, Sat., April 7, 7 p.m.-midnight. The "Salute to the Sevnties" features The Stylistics, The Delphonics, Harold Melvin's Blue Notes, and The Main Ingredient featuring Cuba Gooding Sr. Tickets are $100. 601-977-7871.

Fifth Annual Crawdad Hole Music Festival is April 7 at beside the Smith-Wills Stadium (1150 Lakeland Drive). Gates open at 2 p.m., music at 3 p.m. Featured bands include Taylor Grocery Band with special guests Duff Durrough & Jeff Callaway, Jimbo Mathus Knockdown South, Colour Revolt, Afrissippi, Mayhem String Band, L.C. Ulmer, Cary Hudson. For more info contact Lee Morgan, 662-816-4009.

Pickin and Paddlin Outdoor Festival, Sat, April 7, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Mayes Lake, LeFleurs Bluff State Park, Lakeland Entrance. 5K, Canoe Races, Bluegrass Performances by The Mayhem String Band, The Vernon Brothers, Hired Man's Horse, and The Delta Mountain Boys. BBQ lunch, free kids activities. $10 general admission, $20 activity fee. Fundraiser for the Neighborhood Christian Center. 601-354-8855 or 601-952-9049

"Songs of the South" Stephen Foster, Traditional Spirituals, Gershwin, Showboat tunes and more presented by the Natchez Festival of Music. April 9-10, 12-14, 8 p.m. at New Covenant Presbyterian Church, $15, 601-446-6631, 800-647-6742.

"The Brakeman's Blues: Jimmie Rodgers' Influence on the Blues Tradition" Lecture by Scott Barretta, past editor of Living Blues magazine and host of MPB's Highway 61. Thurs., April 12, 7 p.m. at MSU Riley Center (room location TBA). Jimmie Rodgers is best known as the "father of country music," but as the "blue yodeler" he had a major influence on many important early blues artists. The presentation will address Rodgers' own early influences, his collaborations with African American artists, and how his innovations are reflected in the repertoires of blues artists.

Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Bravo V: A Star-Studded Closing Fri., April 13, 7:30 p.m. Thalia Mara Hall. Adolphus Hailstork, George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein, and Aaron Copland with guest pianist Jeffrey Biegel and choirs from Delta State, Miss. College, Univ. of Miss., and Univ. of Southern Miss. 601-960-1565.

Mississippi Opry features South Mississippi's New River Boys and Central Mississippi's Harmony & Grits April 14 at the Pearl Community Room (2418 Old Brandon Rd., Pearl) at 6 p.m. Admission, $10; children all ages enter free. For information, call Sharon Fiveash (601-331-6672), Mickey Anderson (601-939-1094) or John Traweek (601-331-9911). Food and soft drinks will be available.

Mississippi Academy of Ancient Music presents The Ensemble Rebel New York quartet performs Baroque music. Fri., April 27, 7:30 p.m., St. Philip's Cathedral. $15; $5, students. 601-852-4848, 601-977-7782.

Jackson Tougaloo Alumni Third Annual Gospel Explosion Sat. April 28, 5 p.m., Greater Fairview Missionary Baptist Church (2545 Newport Street, Jackson). Featuring many ensemble and solo performers. Free to the public. Call for more details, 601-668-9646 or 601-982-5243.

Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Intimate Classics, Chamber IV: Handel and Hayden Sat., April 28, 7:30 p.m. Galloway United Methodist Church. The music of Handel and Haydn in an intimate setting, combined with a performance by the talented winner of the MSO's annual Young Artist Competition. 601-960-1565.

Symphony of Gardens Tour in Natchez May 4-5. A rare opportunity to view the finest gardens in historic Natchez. Tickets range from $8 (one day, child) to $30 (both days, adult). The event includes garden tours, plant sales, musical concerts and a flower show. 601-445-6103 or 800-647-6742, or buy tickets online at natchezpilgrimage.com

Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Pops III: Pepsi Pops "Latin Summer Sizzle Under the Stars" Fri., May 11, 7:30 p.m. Old Trace Park, Ross Barnett Reservoir. A Latin theme will have you dancing the night away at the annual outdoor concert on the Reservoir, right up to the fireworks finale. 601-960-1565. msorchestra.com

Literary & Sightings
Waldenbooks at Metrocenter Mall: Keith Lee Johnson, author of "Sugar & Spice," "The Little Black Girl Lost" Series and "The Honeymoon is Over" reads from and signs his work March 9, 4-6 p.m.; Reshonda Tate Billingsley "I Know I've been Changed," her latest work, March 16, 4-6 p.m.; K. Elliot, "The Ski Mask Way," March 31, 4-6 p.m.; and Mary B. Morrison "Somebody's Gotta Be on Top," April 21, 1-3 p.m. 601-969-6949

Author Ellen Douglas honored March 11, as part of the Millsaps College Arts and Lecture Series. The Jackson afternoon with the Jackson native features stories, readings and conversation honoring this great writer, who will be present. 3 p.m. in the Ford Academic Complex Recital Hall at Millsaps and is free and open to the public. 601-974-1034

Cover to Cover Books & More (410 Main Street, Natchez) Events March 17, noon-2 p.m. Amy Sadle signs "Hunter Hall" a historical narrative of the Hunter family, which arrived in the colonies from Scotland in the 1600s. April 5, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Mary Ann Evans signs "Effigies" the latest installment of the Faye Longchamp archeological mystery series set in Neshoba County. 601-445-5752

The official MurderDog/Down Magazine/Legion of Doom Networking Party March 22, 8 p.m. Hal & Mal's. To register for the Artist's Showcase call 601-817-6005.

2007 Bumpers Drive-In/Western Sizzlin Essay Contest winners announced April 16. One $1,000 scholarship will be awarded to a senior at each school from which a minimum of 10 essays are received. 888-840-6601.

Yellow Dog Books 100 Depot Drive, Madison. Story Time every Sat. and Wed. 10 a.m. 601-605-8955.

Conversations Book Club at the Medgar Evers Library. Visiting authors: March 9, Mary B. Morrison April 20-21, Clarence Nero June 8-9. 601-982-2867. Ages 18 and up only, please. Each Tuesday and Friday, 6 p.m. 773-344-7220.

Upcoming events at Pass Christian Books, 6340 Kiln-Delisle Road, Pass Christian, Miss.: Fri., April 6 Mary Anna Evans signs her latest mystery featuring archaeologist, Faye Longchamp "Effigies"; Thurs., April 12, 6-8 p.m. Gayden Metcalfe, author of "Being Dead is No Excuse: The Official Southern Ladies' Guide to Hosting the Perfect Funeral" is back with more hilarious Southern etiquette advice "Somebody is Going to Die if Lilly Beth Doesn't Catch that Bouquet: The Official Southern Ladies' Guide to Hosting the Perfect Wedding"; Fri., April 13, 6-8 p.m., Robin Roberts signs "From the Heart:Seven Rules to Live By"; Sat., April 21, noon-2 p.m. Jere Nash and Andy Taggart will talk about and sign "Mississippi Politics: The Struggle for Power, 1976-2006" and William F. Winter and Andrew P. Mullins, Jr. will talk about and sign "The Measure of Our Days: The Writings of William F. Winter" For more info call 228-255-5847.

Celebrating Richard Wright in Natchez. A year-long celebration of the life and work of Richard Wright through book readings and discussions leading to the 100th anniversary of his birth in 2008. All events are free and open to the public; participants are strongly encouraged to read the books prior to the discussion section. Discussion dates and books are April 21 "Black Boy," May 5 "12 Million Black Voices," June 9 "Eight Men." 601-445-8862. E-mail [e-mail unavailable] for times and locations.

Spoken Word / Poetry
Seven*Studioz Sundays: Renaissance Underground Open Mic Poetry featuring DJ Venom, 10 p.m. Thursdays: Jazzoetry, 9 p.m.

Reggae Café Wednesdays, Undaground Xpressions Open Mic Poetry, 9 p.m. featuring deejays, spoken word artists and soloists. 601-566-4541.

Send events you'd like listed in future Previews, the LoungeList or EightDays to [e-mail unavailable]. Visit http://www.loungelist.com for daily updates.