Jackson Free Press

Despite Mercury being in retrograde (with its attendant communication, transportation and technical hijinks), you'll find plenty to do in and around Jacktown this weekend. If you're lucky enough to have the day off, head to Jackson State (1400 John R. Lynch St.) for the free Creative Arts Festival that begins at 1 p.m. The festival continues tomorrow, with featured luminaries like Sonia Sanchez and Amiri Baraka. Call 601-979-3935 for information. If you can't make the festival, Sanchez and Baraka read their poems and sign books at Afrika Book Cafe (404 Mitchell Ave.) at 6 p.m. Email [e-mail missing] for info. If you're in the mood for drama, we've been hearing good things about the New Stage Theatre production of "A Soldier's Play." Call 601-948-3531, or visit newstagetheatre.com for times and ticket information. Where's the best place to start when you're looking for things to do and places to go? The JFP Best Bets page, of course.

For family and musical fun Saturday, head to Rolling Fork for the Deep Delta Festival. The festival kicks off at 8 a.m. with a 5K and features barbecue, arts and crafts, and music from Smiley & the Young Guns, King Edward, Big Joe Shelton and more. Closer to home, the Township Jazz Festival starts at noon at The Township at Colony Park in Ridgeland. The lineup includes the Jason Marsalis Quartet, Raphael Semmes, Latinismo, the Capitol City Stage Band, the Fusion All-Stars with Lisa Palmer, the Vamps, "Tiger" Rogers and student groups from schools. At 3:30 p.m., join the Fondren Park Neighborhood Association for the Grand Opening of Fondren Park. Stick around for the free movie at dark. You can find the details on these events and a whole lot more on the JFP Events Calendar.

Saturday's musical options continue into the evening with the Soldier's Salute Festival at Martin's beginning at 5 p.m. with Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Boom Box, Lyrics Born, Flow Tribe, Good Enough for Good Times and more. Tickets available through Ticketmaster. If you like your music in a classical vein, the Mississippi Opera presents "The Barber of Seville" at 7:30 p.m. at Thalia Mara Hall downtown. Find where your favorite musicians are playing on the JFP Music Listings page.

Sunday brunch is one of those traditions I look forward to. If you feel the same way, check out the JFP Restaurant Listings and the Menu Guide before heading out. At 2 p.m., head to Fenian's Pub for the Blasta Wine Tasting hosted by Wine & Spirits in the Quarter. Proceeds benefit the annual CelticFest Mississippi, and you'll walk away with the free Schott Zwiesel titanium crystal glass as a keepsake. And, to top off a musical weekend, at 3 p.m., head to Millsaps College to revel in Handel's "Messiah" with the Chamber Singers Concert.

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