Jackson Free Press

All the glitz and glamour of the '70s New York nightclub scene is coming to Jackson. The 8th Annual Storytellers Ball, with a Studio 54 theme, will be Thursday, August 8, at 6:30 p.m. The Arts Center of Mississippi will be transformed into a "Boogie Wonderland" with food, dancing, art, a silent auction and retro music by DJ Young Venom--and yes, Studio 54-chic attire is a must.

The event, hosted by the Greater Jackson Arts Council, directly funds approximately 100 arts and cultural projects each year. Nearly 400 people attended last year's soiree with the proceeds benefiting the Grants for the Arts Program.

"Ninety-two cents of every dollar raised goes directly back into the community," says GJAC executive director, Janet Scott. The organization's website says that over the last 25 years, they have distributed more than $3.5 million in community grants. Grants funded range from broad-scale ideas for the city, afterschool programs for at-risk children and developing long-term cultural tourism projects.

A new addition to this year's ball will be the Studio 54 Disco dance contest. The GJAC has partnered with Salsa Mississippi Studio to provide cash prizes to the top three dancers competing.

A juried art exhibit with 90 to 100 pieces will also be on display the night of the ball. Artists may request an official entry form and schedule of deadlines from GJAC curator Samantha Ledbetter, [email protected]. The deadline for entries is June 5 and all media are welcome. The pieces must reflect the theme of "I Love the Nightlife."

The 8th Annual Storytellers Ball is August 8 at the Arts Center of Mississippi (255 E. Pascagoula St., 601-960-1500). Tickets are $60 in advance and $75 at the door. For more information, call 601-960-1557 or go to jacksonartscouncil.org.