Jackson Free Press

The old WJMI slogan "It's the weekeeeeeeend, baby!" fits in well with all there is to do in Jackson in the next few days. First, get away from your personal three-ring circus and see a real circus tonight. The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus presents its "Illuscination Tour," and it is back in town at the Mississippi Coliseum. The show starts at 7 p.m., or you can go tomorrow at 2 p.m. or Sunday at 6 p.m. Tickets are $14-$45 and tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

If you're not in the mood for cannons and clowns, take in some Bach and Handel as the Missisippi Symphony Orchestra presents "Chamber I: Best of the Baroque" at St. Andrews Episcopal Church at 7:30 p.m. The concert is $15. Afterward, kick back and unwind with your buddies during BlackOut Friday at Dreamz Jxn. Wear your stylish attire, and enjoy jazz and neo-soul music. The mixer starts at 9 p.m., and the first 50 ladies get in free. Otherwise, admission is $10. Want more? The JFP Best Bets page has all you need.

Saturday, get some fresh air and help people with cancer at the same time by participating in the Cyclists Curing Cancer Century Ride, which starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Baptist Healthplex in Clinton. The bike ride will be along the Natchez Trace, and your $45 registration fee benefits Baptist Cancer Services' Serenity Garden. Call 601-968-1248 for details.

Next, go to the opening ceremony for the new "Transforming the Human Spirit" exhibit at the Smith Robertson Museum at 1 p.m. Entertainment and refreshments are included, and admission is free. After that, head to the Jackson Medical Mall for the Gospel Explosion at 6 p.m. and enjoy music from artists such as Brittany Dear of BET's Sunday Best and Marva McKinley of the Mississippi Mass Choir. The $10 admission benefits the University of Mississippi Medical Center's Renal Dialysis Program.

If you have a preference for bumps and bruises, watch the Magnolia Roller Vixens take on the Cajun Rollergirls during the "September to Dismember" roller derby at the Jackson Convention Complex at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 the day of the bout and $5 for children 12 and under. Visit the JFP Events Calendar for more options.

Sunday, watch David and Emily Wortman in action during their pottery demonstration at the Mississippi Craft Center from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. It's fun, and it's free. At 4 p.m., sommelier Kelly Boutwell gives her last wine tasting at BRAVO! Admission is $55. Go to the JFP Restaurant Listings and the Menu Guide for more dining options. Later on, drill teams strut their stuff at the Just 4 the Kids Drill Team Showcase at Hughes Field. Young performers Noo Noo and Skull Boi will also perform. Admission is $8 in advance, $10 at the gate and free for children three and under. Call 601-968-8131 for more information.

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!