Jackson Free Press

Disregarding any gloom and doom on this Friday the 13th, go start the weekend right at the Eudora Welta Commons with gumbo and tunes at 7 p.m. For a mere five bucks, The Dixie Nationals and the Scramblers will play for your auditory pleasure, while chef Phil Harris is sure to tickle your taste buds. For something a bit more cerebral, head to Millsaps College at 7:30 p.m. for "Music and Martial Arts" featuring music from Japan and a martial arts demo from the Japan-America Society. Need more options? Start your search on the JFP Best Bets page.

For early risers, Saturday is shaping up to be a great day for Christmas shopping and all 'round bargain hunting. At the crack of dawn—6 a.m.—head to the Hope House Hospitality Garage Sale on Northside Drive. Hope House provides housing for seriously ill outpatients coming to Jackson for treatment, and all proceeds benefit the house. At 8 a.m., the Good Samaritan Center hosts a flea market and chili cook-off, and at 9 a.m., Clinton's Holiday Market gets started with an array of vendors selling their wares, including local favorite, artist Wyatt Waters. Don't forget about the area farmer's markets: The Greater Belhaven Market and the Mississippi Farmer's Market have combined forces on High Street, and you're sure to find some unique local goodies and handcrafted items. Find more stuff to do on the JFP Events Calendar, including "Freedom Play" at the historic Alamo Theatre on Farish Street.

Start your Saturday night with something completely different at Huntington's Grill with live calypso music and a four-course tropical dinner at 6 p.m.. It's $60, and reservations are required, but with Cucho and Los Papis to accompany the Luis Bruno-inspired menu, it's sure to be worth it. While you're out at that end of town, head to Shucker's or Pelican Grove on the res for more live music. And if none of those lineups get your dancin' feet in motion, go directly to the JFP Music Listings to find (or discover) your favorite singer, band or DJ.

Have you made your plans for food, yet? Even if you have, the JFP Restaurant Listings and the Menu Guide probably has something to change your mind. You'll find all of the best Jackson-area dining choices for dinner, lunch and Sunday brunch.

Keep Sunday night open for the Magnolia Roller Vixens Burlesque Show Revue fundraiser with the Pretty Things Peepshow. The fun begins at 8 p.m. in The Auditorium. It's $15 at the door, $10 in advance. Or, head to the Black Rose Community Theatre for the mysterious comedy, "Bull in a China Shop," where $12 can get you the best seat in the house.

Wherever the weekend takes you, we highly recommend an "I Get It Once A Week" T-shirt for your fashion statement. What? You say you don't have one? Go now to the JFP Swag Store to make sure you're ready for next weekend.

Still need more choices for the weekend? The JFP has got you covered. Make sure to check the JFP Movie Finder and/or the Gallery Listings to see who and what is where and when.

Is something missing? To make sure your event is listed on the JFP calendars, send the information to [e-mail missing] or [e-mail missing], or add your event yourself. It's easy!