Jackson Free Press

When I was in college, I was a music festival fanatic. Even though I'm older now, when I see the lineups for all the jam-packed music festivals in Mississippi, I still get giddy.

If you feel like you just have to get out of town, head up to Greenwood for the 8th Annual River to the Rails Festival May 4 and 5. Not only will they have art and barbecue, their lineup this year is stellar. On Friday, Delta favorites The Krackerjacks, Blue Mountain, The Plantation Allstars, and Howard Street perform. The music starts up at 5 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.rivertotherails.org.

Also May 4 and 5, Byram hosts the Swinging Bridge Festival at Southpoint Centre. Friday's lineup includes the Jason Turner Band, Bad Influence and The Hairicanes, starting at 6 p.m. After a full day of family fun, Saturday's music lineup includes local favorites Shadz of Grey, and the Bluz Boys. The lineup also begins at 6 p.m. Friday night is free; $10 admission Saturday night. Visit http://www.byramswingingbridgefestival.com for more information.

On May 5, Duling Green (corner of Old Canton Road and Duling Avenue) is home to the first ever Babalooza, featuring activities for kids, as well as Mingo Fishtrap, Asleep at the Wheel, Buddy and the Squids, Patrick Harkins Band, Dave's Highway, and The Revelations with Tre Williams. The event starts at noon and will end around 9 p.m. Tickets are $10. Find out more at http://www.finditinfondren.com.

Also May 5, the annual Pickin' and Paddlin' Outdoor Festival is at Mayes Lake at Lefleur's Bluff State Park. In addition to fishing demos, face painting and storytelling for the kids, this benefit for the Neighborhood Christian Center features music from The Delta Mountain Boys, Irish Ramblers, Back\Slash and the Neighborhood Center Children's Choir. The event starts at 10 a.m. The $10 admission fee includes a barbecue lunch. Visit http://www.nccjackson.com for updates.

If jazz is your thing, "mosey" on over to The Township in Ridgeland for the Township Jazz Festival May 5, featuring singer, pianist and songwriter Mose Allison, who has worked with greats such as Van Morrison, Elvis Costello and Diana Krall. Allison received the Governor's Lifetime Achievement Award in February, and the Mississippi Blues Commission issued a marker on the Mississippi Blues Trail in his honor. Also performing at this event will be the Capital City Stage Band, Latinismo, The Vamps, The Andy Hardwick Trio with Lisa Palmer, Southern Komfort Brass Band, Madison Central Jazz Band and Ridgeland High School's Jazz Band. The free event kicks off at noon on the lawn in front of The Township. Visit http://www.townshipjazzfestival.com for more information.

If you know of other festivals happening nearby, email {encode="[email protected]" title="[email protected]"}.