This April 13^th through 15^th, the 9^th annual Juke Joint Festival will be held in Clarksdale, MS. What is the Juke Joint Festival? It’s a positive event for everyone in Clarksdale. It’s good for families, businesses, musicians and tourists alike. The festival itself combines an international “blues festival” with a community-minded “small-town fair,” creating a strong and memorable event like no other in the universe. It’s organized by the Clarksdale Downtown Development Association (CDDA) and staffed by enthusiastic volunteers. This “half small-town fair, half blues festival” does more than simply entertain attendees -- though it definitely does that, too! It aims to educate and enlighten native Deltans and blues tourists alike through a series of performances, exhibits, and presentations involving music, art, storytelling, film, and children’s events. The event mixes visitors with locals and showcases the economic power of cultural tourism, turning average Deltans into ambassadors for the region. 

Clarksdale is just 90 minutes south of the Memphis International Airport and was once home to such blues greats as: Son House, John Lee Hooker, Junior Parker, Ike Turner, Muddy Waters, Pinetop Perkins, Earl Hooker, Lil Green, Big Jack Johnson and many many others.  This year’s festival is dedicated to Delta blues legend David "Honeyboy" Edwards was a regular performer at Juke Joint Festival.  He passed away on August 29, 2011 at 96 years old.

A family-friendly event, the festival also provides a bus service at night to discourage drinking and driving between music venues. All daytime Saturday events are all FREE while nighttime Saturday events all come for the price of a cheap, $15 wristband (which gets you unlimited rides on the blues shuttle bus and entry to almost 20 nighttime 'juke joint' venues). For more information, event listing and pictures from past festivals go to www.jukejointfestival.com

Or go to http://visitclarksdale.com/ for more information on Clarksdale itself.

A friend and I went to Natchez, MS last weekend and it was such a wonderful trip. We stayed at The Devereaux Shields House in the Gallery Suite, it was just beautiful. The hospitality was wonderful and the breakfast was outstanding. The Gallery Suite has a balcony you can go out on and sit for hours. This area is so quiet, with a wonderful breeze blowing that kept it quite comfortable. The room we stayed in was beautiful and the private bath had plenty of hot water and a very comfortable bath tub.
The back yard had lovely flowers as well as the front yard along with a comfortable sitting area both in the back yard area and on the porch in the front yard area. I did not realize that at night we would have the house to ourselves, it was so quite and just a fantastic place to stay.
Ron and Eleanor were such wonderful hosts, they made sure we had everything we needed and helped us with where to go to eat and even made our reservations for us. We ate at the Magnolia Grill down on the river bank close to the Mississippi River Bridge, I am attaching a picture of the Mississippi River Bridge that I took right there on the bank of the Mississippi with my IPhone. I hope you enjoy it.

When we left there we had a lovely carriage ride around Natchez with a very knowledgable drive and a dancing horse. It was late evening so it was dark except for the street light that made it very pretty and romantic, couples you really need to go on this ride at night.
The next morning we went to breakfast at the Aunt Clara's Cottage where we sat with others visiting Natchez for the first time, but will not the last. All of which has such wonderful things to say about our beautiful state. It made me very proud of Mississippi listening to them.
When we left there we decided to visit some of the places that the driver told us about on the carriage ride. We went to the St. Mary's Cathedral, the only church built at a cathedral in Mississippi. This is a very beautiful cathedral and well worth stopping and touring. We left St. Mary's and started walking downtown, decided we were hungry and so we stopped at a quaint little restaurant by the name of Breaud's Seafood and Steak; wonderful food a must eat there.
When we left there we went back to the room and got ready to go on the Green Tour of houses. We toured "The Burn" (1832), "The Elm" (1804) and "Hope Farm" (1775-1789). These tours were very informative and interesting, along with being beautifully furnished in Greek, Spanish and the Elm being built in 3 different distinct stages.  That is all I am going to tell you, you have to go on the tour yourself. Believe me it is worth taking the time to go. After we left the Green Tour, we went to tour "Longwood" (1860-1861) and learned all about the owner and his visions that were way ahead of his time as you will see when you go ont the tour and why the house was never completed. This is a very interesting story, you do not want to miss it. This home is octagonal in shape and in the a National Historic Landmark.
This was an amazing trip and we cannot wait to go back to Natchez.

Mississippi is proud to announce the 34^th Biloxi Street St. Patrick’s Day Parade!  The parade will take place on March 17^th downtown Biloxi, Mississippi. The 34^th Biloxi Street St. Patrick's Day Parade brings thousands together in one of the most celebrated St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Mississippi history.

The Parade will feature bands, military units, flag bearers, bagpipers, leprechauns, a horse-drawn carriage with the parade’s Grand Marshal and Colleen, and colorful outrageous floats tossing Irish trinkets, green beads and doubloons.

Parade goers can also enjoy an Irish Derby which is a 5k run. This is a great way to start off the big Mississippi celebration! For more information you can go to http://hiberniamarchingsociety.com/

Backed by Mississippi cultural leaders, the Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival is teaming up with The Infinite Theatre to bring their popular production of “Orpheus Descending” to Tennessee Williams’ home state of Mississippi this month. A total of nine performances are planned in three cities: Columbus, Oxford and Jackson from February 23-March 3.

For the past two years, this powerful rendition of “Orpheus” has been called “thrilling” with “outstanding performances.” It was a runaway success at the annual fall Festival, held in September in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Arts, culture and political leaders from Mississippi were so impressed with the production that a coalition of supporters has been formed and funds were raised for the New York-based Infinite Theatre’s production to come to Mississippi. It is co-produced by the Festival with over 20 people involved.

Here are some scenes from previous performances around the country. Photos courtesy of Josh Andrus and Provincetown Tennessee Williams Theater Festival:

The production is conceived as a morality play – to be performed in a house of worship. The imagery in the text comes not only from the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus, but from Williams’ own Episcopal upbringing in small-town Mississippi. “Orpheus Descending” takes place in the Mississippi Delta, where Williams spent his boyhood until the age of 7. The play follows the handsome, guitar-playing Val Xavier (Thomas Beaudoin) as he tries valiantly to turn his back on corruption. He appears in a metaphorical purgatory, arriving mysteriously in a small-town dry goods store run by an Italian immigrant named Lady Torrance (Irene Glezos). She’s married to an old, dying man, but Lady takes in the alluring drifter, giving him a bed in the store and thereby unlocking her long-repressed desire. Val’s arrival stirs up the insular, suspicious townspeople, leading to his inevitable expulsion, while the free-wheeling misfit, Carol Cutrere (Beth Bartley), haunts Lady’s store in a tangle of innocence and vice. Broken, brazen and defiant, these three tragic heroes are the ultimate outsiders. Yet their ordinary weaknesses reveal extraordinary zeal.

PERFORMANCES

Columbus – Feb. 23-25
First United Methodist Church, Artz Fellowship Hall, 602 College St.
662.328.ARTS (2787)

Oxford – Feb. 26-28
Paris-Yates Chapel, University of Mississippi
662.236.6429

Jackson – Mar. 1-3
St Luke’s United Methodist Church, 621 Duling Ave.
www.orpheusinfondren.com  

On Saturday, January 28, 2012, “Appetite for Jackson” kicks off from 2-9 p.m., in The Art Garden at the Mississippi Museum of Art. The inaugural food festival celebrates the City of Jackson and its cultural and culinary excellence.

The event will feature live music and showcase an array of local restaurants and their culinary delights, including Parlor Market, Underground 119, Peaches, Lumpkins Barbeque, the King Edward Grill, The Palette Café by Viking and many more. Live music from local bands will rock out The Art Garden throughout the day. Admission is free; food plates from participating restaurants are available for $5. Craft beer will be available for sale from Capital City Beverages.

The Travel Channel’s show, “Appetite For Life,” will feature the festival on an upcoming episode. The show’s host, Andrew Zimmern, will be appearing at the festival and at various VIP events.

Event sponsors include: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi, Mississippi Museum of Art, Downtown Jackson Partners, WLBT, Underground 119, Metro Jackson Chamber of Commerce, Jackson Convention & Visitors Bureau and Cathead Vodka.

For more information on this event, visit the official website, become a fan on Facebook or follow the event on Twitter.

The Mississippi Trade Mart in Jackson will host the 35^th Annual Chimneyville Crafts Festival this weekend, December 2-4, 2011.  More than 190 specialized craftsmen from throughout the Southeast will have their one-of-a-kind crafts for sale this weekend.  This is the perfect place to find crafts made from wood, pottery, glass, fiber, metal, basketry, jewelry, and more.   Some craftsmen will even have onsite demonstrations. 

On Friday at 6pm there will be a party preview for all of the eager shoppers from 7pm-10pm.  A $50 donation per person is requested and includes admission to the festival both days.  Get your tickets here!   Festival hours are Saturday from 10am- 6pm and Sunday 12 noon- 5pm and admission is $10 per person.

For those traveling from out of town or those who tire easily after a day of shopping, hotel reservations can be made at the nearby Old Capitol Inn or Best Western Executive Inn.  The Chimneyville Crafts Festival usually draws around 10,000 visitors, so this is an event you won’t want to miss out on!

Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, could be the most popular shopping day of the year among bargain shoppers.  Stores are opening their doors earlier than ever this year, some even as early as Thanksgiving night. If you are looking to get a good deal and jump start your holiday shopping, follow our guide and get the best bargains in Mississippi.

The Outlets at Vicksburg are opening their doors at 11pm on Thanksgiving night and will be running specials throughout Black Friday until 9pm.  Show up early and you have a chance to win a 42” 3D TV, $250 shopping spree, and an iPad2. See a full list of exclusive store specials and offers here.  This is the perfect shopping venue for anyone who will be traveling to Central Mississippi.

Northpark Mall in Richland will open its doors at 4am on Black Friday, which leaves just enough time to get in few hours of sleep before you start your shopping.  Deals and discounts are offered at many participating stores.

If you are spending your Thanksgiving near the coast, head over to the Gulfport Premium Outlets to start your Black Friday shopping.  Stores will open at 10pm on Thanksgiving night for the Moonlight Madness Sale.  Be one of the first 200 shoppers in line at Shoppers Services and you will receive a free $10 Tanger Gift Card.  The first 100 shoppers in line at 2am will receive a $20 Tanger Gift Card.  Check out the full list of Black Friday specials here.

The Bonita Lakes Mall in Meridian is celebrating Black Friday again this year.  The doors open at 4am and anyone that arrives between 4am-12 noon will receive a free gift.  Some stores such as JCPenny will open as early as 3:30am.  

Wherever you decide to venture for your Black Friday shopping, make sure that you get plenty of rest, pack some snacks, and wear comfortable shoes!  Take a load off your feet at the end of your long shopping day and book your hotel room before it’s too late!

Fall festivities are happening in full force and Halloween is right around the corner.  This spooky season gives anyone a chance to cut loose and be something different for a day.  Zombie, nurse, witch?  What you choose to dress up as this year could really pay off.

Come dressed in your best costume for a chance to take home the grand prize of $1,500 at Push Nightblub’s 3^rd Annual Monster Ball this Saturday, October, 29^th. Push is located inside Horseshoe Tunica and welcomes anyone age 21 and up, making this the perfect Halloween getaway for those who want an escape from nearby Arkansas or Tennessee.  Other prizes include $1,000, $500 and dinner for two at Jack Binion’s Steak House.  Submit and register your costume entry with the three judges between 10 p.m. and 12 a.m. and include a description of your costume and Total Rewards Card number.  If you do not have a Total Rewards Card, swing by the Total Rewards counter in the casino to pick one up for free. Winners will be determined from a panel of celebrity guest judges, crowd participation and emcee.   Push is located inside Horseshoe Tunica and welcomes anyone age 21 and up.   The party starts at 10 p.m. and there is a $20 cover fee.  Hotel rooms are still available and reservations can be made online, so book your room now and get here quick! 

If dressing up in a costume doesn’t peak your interest this Halloween, then head to the central part of Mississippi and join the Capital Club in Jackson for an unforgettable Masquerade Ball.  Tickets to the ball are $50 and benefit the Center for Violence Prevention.  Come dressed in cocktail attire and your best mask.  Masks are required, so feel free to get creative and make your own or purchase one at the door.  Enjoy the gourmet cuisine, cash bar, live music and silent auction at the ball this Saturday, October 29^th from 8 p.m. to 11:55 p.m.  Tickets are limited, so get yours before it’s too late!

Make the quick trip from southern Arkansas or Louisiana and join the Westside Theatre Foundation for a show stopping performance of the “Rocky Horror Show” on Friday, October 28^th in Vicksburg.  The show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Coral Room Theatre and tickets are $15.  Attendees are encouraged to wear their most creative Rocky costume and a prize will be awarded for best costume!

Make your way to Natchez this weekend for the annual Great Mississippi River Balloon Race, October 14-16! Known as Mississippi’s most exciting hot air balloon race weekend, this year’s event features two balloon flights each day, weather permitting and kicks off with a Balloon Glow and fireworks on Friday night! Pilots compete as they fly over the cities of Natchez, Vidalia, and the mighty Mississippi River. The festivities continue all weekend long with a stage full of chart topping musicians including Tonic, Randy Houser, Ingram Hill, Guitar Shorty, Brint Anderson's The Cosimo Effect, The Last Waltz Ensemble, Honey Island Swamp Band and Mark Adam Miller!

The festival itself takes place on the grounds of Rosalie Bicentennial Gardens, On Broadway Street in historic downtown Natchez. Here’s what to expect: (All times are approximate.)

Friday, October 14, 2011
 - 7:00 a.m. - Media Balloon Flight* sponsored by American Medical Response and Community Coffee
 - 6:00 p.m. - Gates open for the Bicentennial Gardens Balloon Glow 
 - 7:00 p.m. - Fireworks sponsored by The City of Natchez and The City of Vidalia
 - 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. - Live Music by The Cosimo Effect

Saturday, October 15, 2011
 - 7:00 a.m. - Morning Balloon flight* sponsored by American Medical Response and Community Coffee
 - 11:00 a.m. - Gates Open
 - 12:00 - Missippi Roots (yes, that's how they spell it!) 
 - 1:45pm - Honey Island Swamp Band 
 - 3:30 - Guitar Shorty - Afternoon Balloon Flight* 
 - 5:30 - The Last Waltz Ensemble 
 - 7:30 -Ingram Hill
 - 9:30 - Tonic

Sunday, October 16, 2011
 - 7:00 a.m. - Morning Balloon flight* sponsored by American Medical Response and Community Coffee
 - 12:00 -  Noon Gates Open
 - 1:00 p.m. - The Concordia Parish Talented Music Program
 - 2:45 - Mark Adam Miller
 - 4:00 - Afternoon Balloon Flight*
 - 4:30 - Randy Houser

Get Your Tickets Now! See you there!