Jackson Free Press

Today, David Amram speaks during the Millsaps Friday Forum at 12:30 p.m. at Millsaps College, Ford Academic Complex (1701 N. State St.). Free; call 601-974-1089. Wayne Packer and Vidal Blankenstein's art show is from 5-7 p.m. at Fischer Galleries (3100 N. State St., Suite 101). Free; call 601-291-9115. The Detectives Mystery Dinner Theatre presents "A Decent Proposal" from 6-9 p.m. at Roca Restaurant and Bar (127 Country Club Drive, Vicksburg). $45; RSVP at 601-937-1752; more dates at thedetectives.biz. ... Freedom Cafe is at 5:30 p.m. tonight and tomorrow at Koinonia Coffee House (136 S. Adams St., Suite C); includes dinner and performances. $18 per person; RSVP at 601-960-3008. See the film "David Amram: The First 80 Years" at 7:30 p.m. at Millsaps College, Ford Academic Complex (1701 N. State St.). $10, $5 students with ID; call 601-974-1089. Black Jacket Symphony performs at 8 p.m. at Thalia Mara Hall. $23-$28; call 800-745-3000. Need more options? See our Best Bets.

On Saturday, the Dixie National Parade is at 10:30 a.m. at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds (1207 Mississippi St.). Free; call 601-359-1163. The basketball game between the Harlem Wizards and the Community All-Stars is at 6 p.m. at Northwest Jackson Middle School (7020 Highway 49 N.). Benefits several charities. $10; harlemwizards.com. The Mississippi HeARTS Against AIDS Benefit is at 6 p.m. at Hal & Mal's. $40; call 601-259-0092. Ignite the Night: Saddle Up, Southern Style is at 6:30 p.m. at the Mississippi Children's Museum (2145 Highland Drive). Cowboy attire is welcome at the adults-only party. The JFP sponsors. $75; call 601-981-5469. The LAFFGASM Comedy Explosion is at 7 p.m. at Alamo Theater. $15; laffgasm.eventbrite.com. David Amram's Mardi Gras Jazzy Jam is at 7:30 p.m. at Millsaps College, Ford Academic Complex (1701 N. State St.) $10, $5 students; call 601-974-1422. The Magnolia Ballroom Dancers' Association's Mardi Gras Dance is at 8 p.m. at Madison Square Center for the Arts (2103 Main St., Madison). $15, $10 members; call 601-506-4591. For more events, check out the JFP Events Calendar.

On Sunday, Choklate, Cheryl "Ms. Songbird" and the Smooth Funk Band performs at the Gospel Poetry Jam at 8 p.m. at Soul Wired Cafe. For ages 17 and up. $7, $5 ages 17-21. Also, be sure to take some time to support a local restaurant such as Bon Ami, Two Sisters Kitchen, Julep, Cool Al's, or Cerami's. If you want more dining options, see JFP Restaurant Listings and the Menu Guide.

Is something missing? To make sure your event is listed on the JFP calendars, send the information to [email protected] or [email protected], or add your event yourself. It's easy!