Jackson Free Press

Arena Study Rollout
Supporters of a proposed downtown sports and entertainment arena will host a fundraiser and information session this evening at the Jackson Convention Complex. In 2009, a steering committee of business leaders contracted consulting firm Populous Sports to conduct an arena feasibility study for downtown Jackson.

Tonight's event seeks to raise funds to pay for the $152,000 study and build community support for an arena. The information session focuses on the example of the Verizon Arena in Little Rock, Ark., and features presentations by Little Rock Mayor Patrick Hays and Verizon Arena General Manager Michael Marion. A representative from Populous will also introduce the firm.

The free event is open to the public and runs from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. A detailed agenda is available on Downtown Jackson Partners' blog.

New Downtown Blues Joint
The Blind Pig Saloon, a blues bar and dance club, celebrated its grand opening Friday. Located at 206 W. Capitol St., across from the King Edward Hotel, the Blind Pig is the latest project of Jackson native Clay Bolls Edwards. Edwards closed a previous Capitol Street venture, Touch Night Club and Taste Lounge, in August.

The Blind Pig Saloon is open Thursday through Saturday nights, from 8 p.m. on. The bar serves beer; patrons can also bring their own alcohol for a $5 bottle fee. Call 601-944-0123 or e-mail [e-mail missing] for more information.

Art Gallery Expands
After three years at the Jackson Medical Mall, gallery and frame shop owner Harold Hart is expanding. Hart opened a second location of his shop, Elim's Art Concepts, on Ellis Avenue last month. On Thursday, Nov. 18, he celebrates with a grand opening at 6:30 p.m. The celebration features live entertainment, Hart said.

Elim's Art Concepts is located at 1434 Ellis Ave. and open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Local Business Advocate Speaking Friday
Jeff Milchen, co-founder of the American Independent Business Alliance, speaks at Koinonia Coffee House's Friday Forum Nov. 19, at 9 a.m. AMIBA calls itself the only "uncompromised" national group supporting locally owned, independent businesses, and works with communities to create independent business alliances, organize "buy local" campaigns and advocate for local businesses. Milchen will discuss the benefits of IBAs and give organizing and advocacy tips.

The free event is open to the public. Koinonia is located at 136 Adams Street. 601-960-3008. JFP and BOOM Jackson Publisher Todd Stauffer arranged Milchen's visit to Jackson.

Airport Master Plan
The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority hosts an information session about the 20-year master plan for Jackson-Evers International Airport on Thursday, Nov. 18. Representatives from the Airport Authority and other engineering firms and consultants will be on hand to explain data and proposals from the master planning process. The free event runs from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Masonic Hall at the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum. The meeting includes food and live music by Sherman Lee Dillon.

The Agriculture Museum is located at 1150 Lakeland Drive. Call 601-948-3071 or e-mail [e-mail missing] for more information.