Jackson Free Press

As a former roller-derby queen, I admire those who've picked up the hobby and talent of skating, whether as an eight-wheeled mafia (aka roller-derby team), by inline skating or executing moves such as the kick flip on skateboards. A group of skateboard enthusiasts have come up with an idea to promote skating in Mississippi, as well as do something charitable for kids. The SkateMS Foundation is a grassroots non-profit group dedicated to building safe, public concrete skate parks in communities throughout central Mississippi, according to its website (http://www.skatems.com).

SkateMS has an active list of contributors who are spreading the word of skateboarding in Mississippi. Two of its members, Frank Henn (I still have your skate pads from my derby days and wear them to my trips to Fun Time Skateland. Thanks, Frank!) and Austin Cannon have joined forces with the Community Foundation of Greater Jackson to build more skate parks in the Capital City.

SkateMS is concerned about children who don't get enough exercise or don't have a safe place to skateboard. Members believe skateboarding gets kids off couches and outside to become involved in a sport they can do their whole life.

The organization has united several Jackson musicians to create the SkateMS "Kids Need Fresh Air" CD compilation. The double-disc CD consists of 40-plus Jackson bands who donated time and art to this worthy cause. Support them by attending the SkateMS "Kids Need Fresh Air" CD release party from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, May 28 at Sneaky Beans (2914 N. State St., 601-487-6349). The event is free, and SkateMS T-shirts and the CD will be for sale. Tax-deductible donations will be accepted. For details, visit http://www.skatems.com.

I know some of you may be going out of town for the Memorial Day holiday, but for those who are staying here, we have a great lineup of music. On Wednesday, Jason Turner plays at Char, Olga's has Ladies Night with Hunter Gibson and Jason Bailey plays the blues lunch at F. Jones Corner. Thursday night, Hal and Mal's hosts Liver Mousse, Cory Taylor Cox (not to be confused with Jackson musician Cody Cox who is part of Liver Mousse) and Dubb Nubb. The Beggar No Mo Blues Band starts at 7 p.m. at Burgers and Blues, and George Jones, aka The Possum, plays at MSU's Riley Center in Meridian at 7 p.m.

If you see a gaggle of wild educators Friday night, don't worry. That's the students' last day of school in the metro area. Please take care of these worn-out teachers by twirling them around the dance floor at Reed Pierce's when Faze 4 plays at 9 p.m. River City Tanlines and Danny Choctaw and the Deathmarch melt some faces at Ole Tavern at 10 p.m. Give those teachers a two-step at Pop's Saloon when Ghost Town performs at 9 p.m. Also Friday, Philip's on the Rez has Al Underwood and Hound Dog Lucy at 6 p.m.
    
Saturday hit the Midtown Arts Center for the 4 The Record swap sale. The event starts at 10 a.m. and it's $4 to attend (kids under 4 get in free). Then, head over to Suite 106 for the 4 The Record After Party, with Jackson's best DJs spinning all night. Enjoy some crawfish at Mudbugs when Lazy Jane starts at 7 p.m. Julep hosts Jacob Lipking Saturday.

On Sunday evening you do not want to miss the Generation X concert series at Dreamz. Enjoy the musical stylings of Tricky, Da A$tronautZ, Workhorse, Shayla T., Evan I Tribe, Bob Street, Killa B, Thoroughbred and Mr. Fluid. The show starts at 6 p.m.

Have a great weekend, and if you see me out, please stop by, and say hello!