Ellington

"Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure" Sept. 9-21, 7:30 p.m., at New Stage Theatre. The world's greatest detective has seemingly reached the end of his career when a case presents itself that is too tempting to ignore: The King of Bohemia is about to be blackmailed by a famous female opera singer. With Dr. Watson by his side, Sherlock Holmes pursues the case and marches right into the lair of his longtime adversary, that malevolent genius of crime, Professor Moriarty. Holmes also pursues the affections of the famous female opera singer. Sunday shows start at 2 p.m. $22, $18 for seniors and students; call 601-948-3533 for more information.

Southern Circuit Film Festival 7 p.m., at Millsaps College's Ford Academic Complex. This film series showcases independent films and filmmakers, and enables filmmakers to travel throughout the Southeast with their works, and screen and discuss them with new audiences. The series provides the opportunity for audience members to see and discuss innovative, independent films that are rarely available in Mississippi. Free; call 601-974-1755 for more information.

• Sept. 12, "Shame" tells the story of Mukhtaran Mai, a Pakistani woman who stood up to a tribal council and began an international human rights movement. Mohammed Naqvi, producer/director, will be present.

• Oct. 15, "Beyond The Call" follows three American men as they travel the world delivering humanitarian aid. They go directly to people in areas that are too dangerous for conventional aid organizations. Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Adrian Belic describes his film as "Mother Theresa meets Indiana Jones." Belic will be present.

• Nov. 12, "Tjúba Tén (The Wet Season)" and other short films. "Tjúba Tén" is an experimental ethnography recorded in the jungle village of Bendekondre, Suriname at the start of 2007. This film is composed of community-generated performances, re-enactments and extemporaneous recordings, and functions doubly as an examination of a rapidly changing material culture in the present and as a historical document for the future. The filmmaker will also present other short ethnographic films made at different times and with different techniques as points of comparison and historical perspective. Ben Russell, producer/director, will be present.

Global Lens 2008 6:30 p.m., at Mississippi Museum of Art. The Crossroads Film Society presents this series of films promoting cross-cultural understanding through the medium of cinema. Admission is for both or either films shown per night. $3 for members (Crossroads and Museum), $5 for non-members; call 601-572-8949 for more information.

• Sept. 12, "The Bet Collector" (Phillipines, 2006) at 6:30 p.m. and "The Custodian" (Argentina, 2006) at 8:20 p.m.

• Sept. 19, "The Custodian" (Argentina, 2006) at 6:30 p.m. and "Let the Wind Blow" (India, 2004) at 8:20 p.m.

• Sept. 26, "Let the Wind Blow" (India, 2004) at 6:30 p.m. and "The Fish Fall in Love" (Iran, 2006) at 8:20 p.m.

• Oct. 10, "The Fish Fall in Love" (Iran, 2006) at 6:30 p.m. and "The Kite" (Lebanon, 2004) at 8:20 p.m.

• Oct. 17, "The Kite" (Lebanon, 2004) at 6:30 p.m. and "Luxury Car" (China, 2006) at 8:20 p.m.

• Nov. 7, "Luxury Car" (China, 2006) at 6:30 p.m. and "Opera Jawa" (Indonesia, 2006) at 8:20 p.m.

• Nov. 14, "All for Free" (Croatia, 2006) at 6:30 p.m. and "Opera Jawa" (Indonesia, 2006) at 8:20 p.m.

Mississippi Murder Mysteries Productions Call 601-331-4045 for more info.

• Sept. 15, "Good Grape Hunting" at 6 p.m., at Sway's Bistro (1139 Old Fannin Rd., Suite M, Brandon). The Frudee Family has
been in the wine-making business for years. Their winery has managed to stay afloat despite the criticism of a local wine critic, Dr. William Beabore. The Frudee brothers, Doodie and Rudy, and their distant cousin, Judy, have discovered how to grow grapes that have already fermented inside the skin! Doodie's wife, Trudy, will do anything to help her husband, even if it leaves an unpleasant aftertaste, while Rudy's wife, Prudy, doesn't want to stain her reputation with a secret she'd rather keep to herself. Learn a little bit about wine, but be careful; someone will soon be two sheets under. $39 includes dinner, tax and tip.

• Sept. 27, "Love Letters" at 7 p.m., at LemuriaBooks.com Building. "Love Letters," written by A.R. Gurney, is the story of Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner. Both born to wealth and position, they are childhood friends whose lifelong correspondence begins with birthday party thank-you notes and summer camp postcards. Romantically attached, they continue to exchange letters. The piece is comprised of letters exchanged over a lifetime between two people who grew up together, went their separate ways, but continued to share confidences. As the actors read the letters aloud, what is created is evocative, touching and frequently funny. What Andy and Melissa imply in their letters is as revealing and meaningful as what is actually written down. This is a dramatic "readers theatre" production, not a murder mystery. $12.

• Oct. 9, "On Stage for Murder" at 6:30 p.m., at the Mississippi Craft Center. When a director re-writes a few lines, it could be "curtains" for a certain Prima Donna. The Death by Diedre murder mystery troupe is all ready to perform "A Plateful of Death." But, their micro-managing, obsessive-compulsive, control-freak director, Diedre, has a few last-minute problems with the show. An actor's worst nightmare, this director mouths everyone's lines, gets a kick out of watching them struggle with ill-fitting costumes and gleefully fires the troupe and holds open auditions during the performance. $45 includes dinner, tax and tip.

• Oct. 27, "Red Rum" at 6 p.m., at Sway's Bistro (1139 Old Fannin Rd., Suite M, Brandon). Scarlet and Red Rumgardner are hosting their annual Red Rum Runner's Toys Masquerade Ball. Things quickly go down the cellar steps in this backward murder mystery. Scarlet tries to keep things running smoothly even though there is a dead body and an unexpected and nosey Inspector Merlock Bones to mess up her seating chart. $39 includes dinner, tax and tip.

• Dec. 8, "Murder Under the Mistletoe" at 6 p.m., at Sway's Bistro (1139 Old Fannin Rd., Suite M, Brandon). The CEO of a struggling accounting firm decides to throw a holiday party to boost moral. He also decides to bring in a consultant to streamline and straighten out the company. What he doesn't realize is that those two independent decisions will result in bedlam, havoc and chaos in the middle of wildly performed holiday songs, door prizes and a visit from someone very special in a red Santa suit. $39 includes dinner, tax and tip.

"Wait Until Dark" Sept. 18-28, at Black Rose Community Theatre. A con man, Roat, and two ex-convicts, Mike and Carlino, have traced the location of a mysterious doll to the Greenwich Village apartment of Sam Hendrix and his blind wife, Susy. Sam had apparently been persuaded by a strange woman to transport the doll across the Canadian border, not knowing that several grams of heroin were sewn inside. When the woman is murdered, the situation becomes more urgent. The con man and his ex-convicts, through a cleverly constructed deception, convince Susy that the police have implicated Sam in the woman's murder, and the doll, which she believes is the key to his innocence, is evidence. She refuses to reveal its location, and with the help of a young neighbor, figures out she is the victim of a bizarre charade. But when Roat kills his associates, a deadly game of cat and mouse ensues between the two. Susy knows the only way to play fair is by her rules, so when darkness falls, she turns off all the lights leaving both of them to maneuver in the dark until the game ends. Please note: Due to the intense nature of this show, it may not be suitable for small children. $12, $10 seniors and students; call 601-825-1293 for details.

Fourth Friday Films: "Call It Democracy" Sept. 26, 7 p.m., at UU Church of Jackson (4866 N. State St.). Directed by Matt Kohn, this documentary opens a bi-partisan discussion about America's electoral process. Employing both man-on-the-street testimony and commentary from legal, political and journalistic experts from both sides of the political spectrum, the film examines controversial elections of the past, the role of the Supreme Court in deciding the 2000 election, manipulation of the Electoral College, disenfranchised voters and incidents from the 2004 election that raise disturbing questions about the dangers of electronic voting. Director Kohn's approach is both passionate and intellectually perceptive, urging us to look at the hypocrisies inherent in the system and to undertake the reform needed to ensure that every vote truly counts. Popcorn, soda and coffee provided (additional snacks welcomed but not required). Free; call 601-982-5919 for more information.

Events at the Mississippi State University Riley Center

• John Hiatt and Joan Osborne 8 p.m. Get ready for a night of non-stop entertainment with two incredibly talented singer/songwriters. Hiatt returns to MSU Riley Center stage, this time with his full band, The Ageless Beauties, after performing two sold-out shows with Lyle Lovett in spring 2007. Expect full sets by both Osborne and Hiatt, and songs performed by the duo together. Hiatt began playing and writing music as a teenager in Indiana. His work has since been performed by such luminaries as Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Willie Nelson, B. B. King, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Buffett and Jewel, among others. Like Hiatt, much of Osborne's work is steeped in country, blues and folk music. She has spent time here in the Deep South to uncover the roots of the blues and traveled to concert halls in every corner of the world to perform with artists whose names would never otherwise be uttered in the same sentence: Taj Mahal, Luciano Pavarotti, Spearhead, Bob Dylan, The Grateful Dead, The Dixie Chicks. Most widely recognized for her runaway hit "(What If God Was) One of Us," Osborne's voice is sure to fill the theater with authentic and unforgettably soulful sounds. $55-$61.

• WAR Oct. 3, 8 p.m. An American original, WAR was the first and most successful musical crossover phenomenon that forever fused rock, jazz, Latin, and R&B, while transcending racial and cultural barriers with a multi- ethnic line-up. Hits include "Low Rider," "Spill the Wine," "The Cisco Kid," "Why Can't We Be Friends" and "Slippin' Into Darkness." A musical melting pot and an enduring influence that has sold over 50 million records to date, WAR is a permanent part of America's pop cultural landscape, a touring act that performs 150 shows a year and whose catalog of timeless hits permeates our everyday lives. $39 and $33 pre-show social.

• "All the Way from Magnolia Springs" Oct. 10, 8 p.m. Presented by Springer Theatricals, this play is based on the best-selling novel "Daisy Fay and the Miracle Man" by Fannie Flagg who officially entered the pantheon of Southern writers with the publication of her novel, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café. $14-$20.

• Shawn Colvin Oct. 18, 8 p.m. After garnering both Song of the Year and Record of the Year Grammys in 1998 for "Sunny Came Home," Colvin put her recording life briefly on hold to start a family. What she temporarily lost in marketplace visibility, she gained in life lessons, both bitter and sweet, gathering up insights and emotions that have found their way into her latest songs. $41 and $35 pre-show social.

• Robert Cray Band Oct. 23, 8 p.m. For 30-plus years, Robert Cray has laid down track after track of good-time, uptown, low-down blues. He's won five Grammys and been nominated for 11 more, inspired critics to praise his soulful vocal and instrumental artistry, earned respect from his peers, and sent young guitarists running back to the woodshed. From classic titles "Phone Booth," to highlights from his more recent releases, such as "Poor Johnny," to addressing timeless themes of heartache and romance in "The Things You Do To Me" or this morning's headlines in "Twenty," Cray's virtuosity has led to collaborations with luminaries such as Eric Clapton, the Rolling Stones, B. B. King, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Chuck Berry and Bonnie Raitt. $35-$41.

• Garrison Keillor Oct. 29, 8 p.m. The charming, witty, and always-entertaining writer and humorist Garrison Keillor is probably best known for his widely popular radio show "A Prairie Home Companion." Keillor is also a best-selling author of 12 books, including "Lake Wobegon Days," "Love Me" and "Homegrown Democrat." Most recently, Keillor can be seen in the film adaptation of "A Prairie Home Companion," in 2006. The film, directed by Robert Altman and with a cast including Meryl Streep, Lily Tomlin, Lindsay Lohan, Kevin Kline and Keillor himself, received critical acclaim. The film has renewed interest in the radio show, and Keillor remains one of the most popular American storytellers of all time. $55-$61.

• Boyz II Men Nov. 6, 8 p.m. Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman and Wanya Morris started out as boys from Philadelphia with a dream to become professional singers. They became the best-selling R&B group ever, best-selling artist ever on Motown Records and the No. 1 Billboard Singles artists in more than 40 years. $48-54, pre-show social.

• "The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley" Nov. 21, 7 p.m. Presented by Intramusic Theatricals and based on the book by Jeff Brown, Flat Stanley is the story of an average boy who is squashed flat by a falling bulletin board. Rather than mope about his problem, Flat Stanley decides to mail himself around the world in a big envelope—as a human letter. In a whirlwind musical travelogue, he's stamped, posted and cancelled from South Africa to Mexico, from Russia to England to China and beyond. And wherever Stanley goes, he meets new friends, learns about different cultures and closes in on his goal of being a three-dimensional boy once more. Best for ages 5-11. $12-$22.

• "Tillis Family Christmas" Dec. 7, 4 p.m. Tillis Family Christmas is a lifetime of Christmas memories set to music. The Tillises have been celebrating Christmas on stage as individuals and as a family for more than 20 years. Former entertainer of the year, award-winning comedian, Hall of Fame songwriter and sometimes movie star, Mel Tillis and two-time Grammy Award-winning daughter Pam Tillis welcome you to a night of fun and poignancy, from silly to the sacred. Mel will be releasing his first ever Christmas album, called "Snowflake," and Pam will be showcasing songs from her 2007 Christmas release "Just in Time for Christmas" along with many of their chart-topping country hits. Joining them on stage will be Pam's brother Mel Tillis Jr. and baby sister Carrie April Tillis. Mel Tillis Jr. has written songs for Ricky Scaggs, Reba McEntire and many others, including a No. 1 hit by Jamie O'Neal. $43 and $37; call for more information.

"Stomp" Oct. 14-15, at Thalia Mara Hall. Presented by W. Kessler Ltd., "Stomp," the international percussion sensation, has garnered an armful of awards and rave reviews, and has appeared on numerous national television shows. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments–matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps–to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms. $15-$55; call 601-981-1847 for more information.

"To Kill a Mockingbird" Oct. 21-Nov. 2, at New Stage Theatre. Based on Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning book, the story is told through the eyes of Scout, the spunky and curious daughter of lawyer Atticus Finch. When her father agrees to defend a young black man, Scout meddles in the mysteries of her small, racially divided town, and finds that justice and truth aren't necessarily one and the same. $22, $18 for seniors and students; call 601-948-3533 for more information.

"Rocky Horror Show" Oct. 24-26, at The Pix Capri. Fondren Theatre Workshop presents the original Broadway musical version of Richard O'Brien's "The Rocky Horror Show." Showtimes and ticket prices TBA. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Mississippi HeARTS Against AIDS. Special bonus double feature: Crossroads Film Society will host a midnight screening of the film version of the musical on Halloween weekend. Call 601-982-2217 for more information.

"Unshelved" Nov. 6, 6 p.m., at Kathryn's (507 Springridge Rd., Suite F, Clinton). Does your identity depend on someone else's identity? When Alzheimer's disease begins to rob librarian Audrey Hollingsworth of her memory, her troubled son Rye and loyal husband Bill are forced to encounter secrets of the past and uncertainties of the future. Whether it is dependence on significant others, chemical substances, or carefully crafted stories, each character's fallback support turns on them, and each must find new ways of coping with their lives, their losses and their ongoing questions. Featuring the talents of Denise Halbach, Tommy Kobeck, Beth Kander and Danny Daughin. Directed by Alahna Stewart. $50 includes dinner, tax and tip; call 601-987-0020 for more information.

"Rain: The Beatles Experience" Nov. 17-18, at Thalia Mara Hall. A multi-media, multi-dimensional experience, a fusion of historical footage and hilarious television commercials from the 1960s, "Rain" covers the Fab Four from the earliest beginnings through the psychedelic late'60s and their long-haired hippie, hard-rocking rooftop days. $15-$55; call 601-981-1847 for more information.

[Exhibits & Openings]

Events at the Mississippi Museum of Art 380 S. Lamar St. For more info, call 601-960-1515. $5, $4 seniors, $3 students.

• "The Mississippi Story" Jan. 1-Dec. 31. This first exhibition of works from the permanent collection of over 4000 pieces in the new museum space focuses on the state's rich artistic heritage. Patti Carr Black is the curator of this exhibition that features work by Walter Anderson, George Ohr, William Dunlap, Eudora Welty, William Eggleston and others. Free; call 601-960-1515 for more information.

• "John James Audubon: American Artist and Naturalist" Sept. 20-Jan. 4. John James Audubon's work stands as an unsurpassed contribution to the world of fine art, natural science, and American history and literature. This exhibition includes original paintings and letters, rare books, photographs, personal items and 60 of the original large hand-colored Double Elephant Folio engravings from The Birds of America, selected from the collection and archives of the John James Audubon Museum at Henderson, Ky. $5 MMA members, $7 non-members; call 601-960-1515 for more information.

• A Painter's Odyssey: The Art of Marshall Bouldin III" Sept. 20-Jan. 4. Artwork from across the career of the state's most prominent portrait artist is presented. A full-color publication accompanies the exhibition. $5 MMA members, $7 non-members; call 601-960-1515 for details.

• Mississippi Watercolor Society Grand National Watercolor Exhibitions Oct. 4-Jan. 4. This annual presentation includes works from across the country in various water-based mediums, organized in conjunction with the Mississippi Watercolor Society. $5 MMA members, $7 non-members; call 601-960-1515 for more information.

Events at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science 2148 Riverside Dr. Call 601-354-7303. $5 adults, $3 children, $4 seniors, free for children under 3 and members.

• Dinosaurs!" May 24-Jan. 4. From a Protoceratops with hatchlings to a Tyrannosaurus Rex, these robotic dinosaurs are fascinating to children and adults alike. Hear them roar and watch them care for their young.

• First Tuesday Lecture: "Resurrecting the Long Gone and Almost Forgotten Open Woodlands of North Mississippi: Challenges and Opportunities" Oct. 7, noon-1 p.m. The natural landscape of north Mississippi in the early 1800s would be scarcely recognizable to Mississippians today (including the old-timers). Upland areas were dominated by open-canopied oak and mixed oak-pine woodlands, with species-rich groundcover plant communities. Dr. Steve Brewer, Ph.D., from the University of Southern Mississippi's Biological Sciences Department will talk about his historical research as well as ongoing attempts at ecological restoration of these unique ecosystems. He will also review some of the challenges and opportunities associated with this research.

• Slither, Crawl and Fly Oct. 25. Join the Museum staff to learn about creatures like snakes, spiders and bats that slither, crawl and fly, but don't worry: They're not as scary as you might think. Discover the facts and myths about these mysterious and often misunderstood creatures. Touch a snake, examine a bat specimen, observe a spider and understand the beneficial role they play in the ecosystem.

• First Tuesday Lecture: "A Tale of Two Rivers: the Impacts of Recreational Boating on an Endangered Turtle of the Pascagoula River" Nov. 4. Will Selman, Ph.D. candidate at the University of Southern Mississippi, researches the basking behavior of turtles and life history/ecology of the Yellow-blotched Sawback, which is endemic to the Pascagoula River system. He will talk about his research pertaining to two populations of Yellow-blotched Sawback Turtles (one from the Leaf River and one from the Lower Pascagoula River) and their responses to Hurricane Katrina and to recreational boating.

Events at the Mississippi Arts Center 201 E. Pascagoula St. For information, call 601-960-1500. Free, but donations accepted.

• Experimental Watermedia Group Sept. 1-Oct. 31. This exhibit consists of 55 works of art by twelve artists–Nancy Butkus, Martha Andre, Hazel Bush, JoAnn Burnham, Peggy Edderington, Missy Goff, Donna Parris, Anne Perry, Rose Simmons, Mary Pat Smith, Ruthe Reese and Margo Thomas–created through experiments with media that are water based, such as watercolor, acrylics and inks. Often other mediums are incorporated, such as crayon, fabric and collage. The pieces are on paper and canvas. "No rules, no limits," is the group's mantra. All works are available for purchase.

• "ArtShare—Three Artists" Sept. 7-Oct. 3. This exhibit consists of 38 paintings by three young women who are members of the ArtShare program, started in September 2007 when two friends, Claire Myers of Ridgeland and Hannah Southerland of Monticello, got together on a Saturday and began painting. They were joined later by another friend, Katy Anderson of Greenville. The group took its name from the LifeShare Foundation. With the help of Bob Crisler, the foundation provided some of the initial funding for supplies and offered the LifeShare House on the campus of the Mississippi School for the Deaf and Blind for them to use as an art studio. They have met once a month to paint ever since. The technique they use was developed by Tim Lefens of Princeton, N.J., specifically for persons who cannot use their own hands. Myers' mother learned the technique at a workshop presented by Mr. Lefens at Mississippi State University's T.K. Martin Center for Technology and Disability. The process uses a person called a "tracker" to be an extension of the artist. The artist instructs the tracker in every step of producing the work, including cutting the canvas to the desired size, what colors to use and how to mix them, which brushes and tools to use to apply the paint and many other tasks to achieve the final painting. The trackers, primarily the girl's mothers, are volunteers. Most of their work to this point has been acrylic on canvas. Free, but donations welcome; call 601-960-1557 for more information.

Events at the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art 565 N. 5th Ave., Laurel. Call 601-649-6374. lrma.org.

• "Peoples of the Plateau: The Indian Photographs of Lee Moorhouse, 1898-1915" July 27-Sept. 24, at Lauren Rogers Museum of Art. The exhibition is part of a national tour that consists of approximately 50 black-and-white photographs reproduced from Moorhouse's original glass plates. Free.

• "American Masters of the Mississippi Gulf Coast" Aug. 8-Sept. 21. Works from George Ohr, Dusti Bonge, Walter Anderson and Richmon Barthe are traveling around the state as part of an exhibition organized by the Mississippi Arts Commission. Free.

"Mors Voluntaria and Other Misfortunes" Aug. 25-Sept. 30, at Lewis Art Gallery at Millsaps College. This collection of paintings by Alison Byrnes depicting famous suicides shows the biographical connections between the subjects through their demises as well as "an extension of the illuminations that accompanied various manuscripts of Boccacccio's 'De Casibus Virorum Illustrium' and the related 'De Mulieribus Claris' ('On the Fall of Illustrious Men' and 'On Famous Women.') The illustrations accompanying these texts depict the well-known men and women in their moments of death and downfall, in order to point out that everyone is equal in death." Free; call 601-212-9622 for details.

"Paintings and Pearls" Opening Reception Sept. 11, 5 p.m., at The Cedars Historic Home, 4145 Old Canton Rd. Showcasing paintings by Pryor Buford Graeber and pearls offered by Tana Graham, this show is part of The Four Seasons of The Cedars' performing and visual arts series and is made possible by The Fondren Renaissance Foundation. Free; call 601-981-9606 for more information.

"Paris Expo" Sept. 18, 5 p.m., at Highlands Fine Art Brokers, 119 S. President St., Artists reception for William Goodman and Ginger Williams, featuring art from and inspired by their time in Paris, France. Music provided by DJ Luminfire. Free; call 601-291-9115 or 601-969-4091 for details.
Events at the Mississippi Craft Center 950 Rice Rd., Ridgeland. Call 601-856-7546 for more information.

• Metal and Mixed Media Craft Exhibit Sept. 23, 5 p.m. The exhibit includes an art talk, plus wine and cheese. Free.

• Choctaw Day Sept. 28, noon. Celebrate Choctaw Day with demonstrations by Native Americans, dances, basket weaving, Native American foods, donations accepted.

• Craftsmen's Guild Fiber Exhibit and Wearable Art Fashion Show Nov. 18,5 p.m. Featuring an art talk and demonstrations by fiber artisans; wine and cheese served. Free.

"The Color Expresso" Oct. 1-31, at Cups in Brandon, 1450 W. Government St. An exhibit of vivid, expressive paintings from students at ArtWorks Studios. Call 601-622-5511 for more information.

"Indulge the Derivative: Layering Tunneling Terrain" Oct. 2, 6 p.m., at One to One Studio, 121 Millsaps Avenue. Clay Hardwick and daniel johnson use creative elements available to them to present a multi-media art installation exploring the individuals search to creatively connect perception and reality. Move through an exhibit viewing works inspired by self-imposed challenges and processes. Exhibit will be viewable by appointment through Oct. 10. Free; call 601-497-7454 for details.

Pearl River Glass Studios Annual Open House Nov. 21-22, at The Cedars Historic Home, 4145 Old Canton Rd. Exhibition of work by Pearl River Glass Studio and friends. Free; call 601-353-2497 for more information.

"The Legacy of Timbuktu: Wonders of the Written World" currently on display at the International Museum of Muslim Cultures (117 E. Pascagoula St.). Enjoy manuscripts, artifacts, videos and hands-on activities about African literary culture dating back to the 13th century. Call 601-960-0440.

"Alsace to America" is currently on display at the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience. Photos, Old World documents, artifacts and a recreation of the interior of a synagogue are components of this exploration of the multiple identities Alsatian Jews have to operate with in the American South. Museum visits are by appointment only. For details, call 601-362-6357 or visit the website.

[Galleries]

ARTichoke 1012 E. Fortification St. Featuring a mixture of local artists and craftspeople. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 601-949-4000.

• Sept. 9-21, ARTichoke is presenting an exhibit in the Hewes Room at New Stage Theatre, entitled "Holmes, Sweet Holmes."

• Sept. 25, 3-7 p.m., ARTichoke hosts the opening reception for "Let's Face It and Pane Free," on display through Oct. 25, a truly unique exhibit by Jo Patterson and Alissa DeAmonti. This art show is doing its part to help the environment, with art masks made from recycled paper and other materials, and Alissa DeAmonti displays glass items and art (window panes, panels, and glass containers) out of glass slated for recycling.

• Oct. 25, "Artists Demonstration Day." A wide variety of artists and artisans will demonstrate their craft, including some interactive demonstrations, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Oct. 30, "whatchamadoohickeythingamabob," an exhibit of "off the wall" art, featuring mixed-media works from new ARTichoke artists and many of the existing artists, such as Brenda Wolf and Carol Kerr.

• Nov. 7, "Holiday Open House," featuring Christmas decor, new art and gift items, and decorating items for the holidays.

The Attic Gallery 1101 Washington St., Vicksburg. Call 601-638-9221 or visit atticgallery.blogspot.com.
Blaylock Fine Art Photography Studio and Gallery 111 N. Wheatley, Ridgeland. Featuring the photography of Ron Blaylock. Third Friday of each month, drinks and live music, 7:30 p.m.-until. Visit blaylockphoto.com for a map to the gallery. Call 601-506-6624.

Brown's Fine Art 630 Fondren Pl. Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 601-982-4844 or visit brownsfineart.com. First Thursdays each month, happy hour 5-7 p.m.

Bryant Galleries 3010 Lakeland Cove, Suite A, Flowood. Call 601-932-5099, visit bryantgalleries.com or e-mail [e-mail unavailable].

Gaddis Group Gallery 2900 N. State St., Room 206. Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 601-368-9522. Features the work of 28 watercolorists, many of whom studied under John Gaddis, a renowned local artist and teacher.

H.C. Porter Gallery 1216 Washington St., Vicksburg. Call 601-661-9444. Signature gallery featuring environmental portraits.

• Through November, the Mississippi Gulf Coast debut exhibition of "Backyards & Beyond: Mississippians and Their Stories–the first year after Katrina," a nationally touring exhibition by H.C. Porter. The exhibit hangs in the Katrina Research Center on the Gulf Park campus of The University of Southern Mississippi in Long Beach; visit usm.edu/katrina.

• Sept. 11, "Hit the Bricks," six blocks of live music on Washington Street, in downtown Vicksburg. The gallery will have live music and refreshments as part of this event; 5:30-8 p.m.

• Nov. 15, H.C. Porter will sign her first fine art book, "Backyards & Beyond: Mississippians and Their Stories," 7 p.m.
Highlands Fine Art Brokers 119 S. President St., Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Call 601-969-4091.

• Sept. 18, "Paris Expo," featuring Paris-inspired pieces from William Goodman and Ginger Williams, reception from 5-8 p.m. with music by DJ Luminfire.

• Oct. 9, Bill Dunlap, Linda Burgess and Maggie Dunlap.

• Oct. 30, "From Bilbo to Obama," politicians through the eyes of Southern artists.

• Also on display: by Richard Kelso, Bill Dunlap, Charles Carraway, Wayne Packer, Pryor Graeber, Lynn Green Root, Valery Kosorukov, Baxter Knowlton, Jacques Soulas, Bewey Bowden and Italian artist Rita Pedulla.

Icon Gallery 2765 Old Canton Rd., Fondren, next to Studio Chane. Call 601-981-FLIP or visit myspace.com/icongallery. Featuring metropolitan art.

The Ink Spot Gallery 300 W. South St. Call 601-352-4700. Currently displaying art work by Shannon Valentine, J.J. Luther and Mike Richardson.
Jackson Street Gallery Trace Station Shopping Center, Suite E, Ridgeland. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 601-853-1880.

• Sept. 26-27, Jodi Arnold, an aspiring fashion designer, will hold a trunk show. Ten percent of proceeds under the name Tina Pepper Bradford will benefit the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease.

• Nov. 13, 5-8 p.m., Chase Quarterman's Art Show "Porch Light," will be on display, sponsored by Pinnacle Trust.

• Nov. 20, 5 p.m.-until, "Business After Hours."

Josh Hailey Studio and Gallery Third floor of the Fondren Corner building. For more info, call 601-214-2068, or visit joshhaileystudio.com. Featuring ceramic, enamels and photography by Josh Hailey.

Lewis Art Gallery at Millsaps College Third floor of the Academic Complex, open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 601-974-1431, e-mail [e-mail unavailable] or visit millsaps.edu/art/gallery.shtml.

Light and Glass Studio 523 Commerce St. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 3:30-6:30 p.m. and by appointment. Call 601-942-7285 or visit lightandglass.net. Featuring glassworks by Jerri Sherer and photography by Roy Adkins.

Lounge Interiors/Lounge Arts 1491 Old Canton Mart, Suites 10 and 10a. Call 601-206-1788 or e-mail [e-mail unavailable]. Currentlly showing works by Ginger Williams, Meredith Pardue, Libba Blue, Doug Kennedy, Loris Davis, Margaret Elliott and alternative process photographer Jeremy Blake. Oct. 9, "New Works" artist reception for Susan Carter Hall featuring new paintings by the Jackson native and Los Angeles painter.

MISHKA'S A.R.T. Studio & Gallery 2761 Old Canton Rd. Open Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, noon-5 p.m. Call 601-260-0876 or visit mishkasart.com. Now showcasing new paintings by local artist Darryl Anderson, Catron Williams, Tommy Reaves, Janice Brown Webb, Dennis Chesler and more. New artists are Harry Day, Lisa King Floore and Brad Gilbert.

Mississippi Craft Center 950 Rice Rd., Ridgeland. Call 601-856-7546 or visit mscraftsmensguild.org. Featuring works by members of the Craftsmen's Guild of Mississippi.

One Blu Wall Gallery First floor of Fondren Corner. Call 601-713-1224. Sept. 11, reception featuring a photography exhibit by Justin Rives, "Southern Scenes both East and West." Also on display new work from Viamelia, Lillie G. Lucius, Jill Hammes, Howard Barron, Carolyn Bogart DeLeo, Christina Cannon, Sarah McTaggart, Christy Henderson, Josh Hailey, Robin Jayne Henderson and Tere Castillo. Silent auction to benefit Mississippi Fire and Ice. Live music by Johnny Bertram.

One to One Studio 121 Millsaps Ave. Currently showing work by Gretchen Haine. Visit 121millsapsave.com.
Pearl River Glass Studio 142 Millsaps Ave. Featuring work by Pearl River Glass artists and friends. For more info, call 601-353-2497 or visit prgs.com.
Richard McKey Studio 3242 N. State St. Call 601-573-1060. Featuring the work of artist Richard McKey, whose work is also on display at Campbell's Bakery (3013 N State St.).

Sami Lott Designs and Gallery 1800 N. State St. Call 601-212-7707. Reception for represented artists every first Thursday of the month.

Sanaa Gallery 2906 N. State St. (Fondren Corner Building). Open Tuesday-Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 601-982-2370 or visit sanaagalleries.com. Exhibits currently planned for the fall include the quilt art of Gwendolyn Magee, the photography of Dr. Robert Walker (Jackson Chief Administrative Officer), sculptures of Harold Miller and paintings by Lonnie Robinson. In addition to displaying and selling fine art, the gallery also offers custom framing services.

Southern Breeze Gallery 1000 Highland Colony Pkwy., Suite 5005, Renaissance in Ridgeland. Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and by appt. Call 601-607-4147 or visit southernbreeze.net. Displaying works by Nancy Mauldin and Joel Knapp on Sept. 18, Charlie Busler on Oct. 16, and Virginia Shirley and Grace Buchanan on Nov. 13.

[Creative Classes]

Writing Classes with JFP editor Donna Ladd. Ongoing; limited spots. $100; e-mail [e-mail unavailable] or call 601-362-6121 ext. 5 to get on the mailing list.

ArtWorks Studios 160 W. Government St., Brandon. 601-622-5511. Draw, paint, and sculpt in ArtWorks Studios's fine art classes for kids, teens and adults. New "Preschool Picassos" class for ages 2-5. Home school, after-school and evening classes for students K-12th grade. Adult classes, private lessons and "Custom Creation Sessions" are also available. Call Lori for more info at 601-622-5511 or visit artworksstudios.com.

Classes at Butterfly Yoga 3025 N. State Street. Call 601-594-2313 or e-mail [e-mail unavailable] for more information.

• Beginners Bellydance Bootcamp Sept. 13,9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Lead by Kristina Kelly of MissiHIPPY. $50

• Bellydance Bootcamp II Nov. 2, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Lead by Kristina Kelly of MissiHIPPY. $50. First 10 people to register for the full workshop will receive a free Silk Veil.

Classes at Millsaps College Office of Continuing Education, 1701 N. State St. Call 601-974-1000 or visit millsaps.edu/conted for more information.

• How To Build a Web Site Sept. 13, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. $195.

• Beginning Crochet Mondays, Sept. 22-29 (and Sept. 25), 5:30-7:30 p.m. $65.

• Beginning Photography Mondays, Sept. 22-Oct. 13, 7-8:30 p.m. $155

• Beginning Belly Dance for Fitness Mondays, Sept. 22-Oct. 27, 6:30-7:20 p.m. $100.

• Ecology of the Mind Mondays, Sept. 22-Oct. 27, 6:30-8 p.m. $90.

• Everything You've Always Wanted to Know About Mississippi Writers But Were Afraid to Ask Mondays, Sept. 22-Nov. 3, 6-7:15 p.m. $120.

• Hands On Genealogy: A Course for Beginners Researching Their Roots Sept. 22-Oct. 4, 6-7:30 p.m. (Mondays) and 9-10:30 a.m. (Saturdays). $75.

• Introduction to Ballroom Dancing Mondays, Sept. 22-Oct. 13, 7-8 p.m. $100.

• Introduction to Playwriting Mondays, Sept. 22-Oct. 27, 7-9 p.m. $100.

• The Language and Culture of Japan-Level I Mondays, Sept. 22-Nov. 10, 6:30-8 p.m. $120 (plus $10 materials fee).

• Mississippi Art: Knowing and Collecting for a Lifetime of Pleasure Mondays, Sept. 22-Oct. 27, 6-7 p.m. $125.

• Self Defense for Women Mondays, Sept. 22-Oct. 27, 7:30-9 p.m. $100.

• Talking Your Way Through the Spanish-Speaking World Mondays, Sept. 22-Oct. 27, 6-7 p.m. $120.

• Why We Fail (and How to Succeed) at Anything Mondays, Sept. 22-Oct. 13, 7-8 p.m. $125.

• Writing and Selling Short Stories Mondays, Sept. 22-Nov. 13, 7-9 p.m. $100.

• Advanced Writing and Selling Short Stories Tuesdays, Sept. 23-Nov. 14, 7-9 p.m. $100.

• Backyard Astronomy Tuesdays, Sept. 23-Oct. 21, 7-9 p.m. $100.

• Basics of Portrait Drawing Tuesdays, Sept. 23-Oct. 28, 6-7:30 p.m. $85 (plus materials).

• Calligraphy-The Art of Beautiful Writing Tuesdays, Sept. 23-Oct. 28, 6-7:30 p.m. $100 (plus $25 materials fee payable to instructor).

• How to Sell What You Write Tuesdays, Sept. 23-Oct. 28, 7-8:30 p.m. $150.

• Kitchen Design Tuesdays, Sept. 23-Oct. 14, 6-8 p.m. $100 (plus $10 materials fee payable to instructor).

• Landscape Design Tuesdays, Sept. 23-Nov. 11, 7-8:30 p.m. $150.

• The Language and Culture of Japan-Level II Tuesdays, Sept. 23-Nov. 11, 6:30-8 p.m. $120 (plus $10 materials fee payable to instructor).

• Mississippi's Musical Legacy Tuesdays, Sept. 23-Nov. 4, 6-7:15 p.m. $120.

• Pottery/Sculpture Tuesdays, Sept. 23-Oct. 21, 6-8 p.m. $150 (plus $30 materials fee payable to instructor).

• Successful Russian Language Tuesdays, Sept. 23-Oct. 28, 6-9 p.m. $120 (plus textbooks).

• Talking Your Way Through the French-Speaking World Tuesdays, Sept. 23-Oct. 28, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $120.

• Watercolor Painting-Session I Tuesdays, Sept. 23-Oct. 28, 9-11:15 a.m. $95 (plus materials).

• Watercolor Painting-Session II Tuesdays, Sept. 23-Oct. 28, 6-8:15 p.m. $95 (plus materials).

• Yoga for Everyone Tuesdays, Sept. 23-Dec. 9, 6:15-7:30 p.m. $140. (Bring sticky mat and two blankets.)

• Dancing Around the World Wednesdays, Sept. 24-Oct. 29, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $100.

• Pottery/Sculpture-Session II Wednesdays,Sept. 24-Oct. 22, 6-8 p.m. $150 (plus $30 materials fee payable to instructor).

• Digital Photography Thursdays, Sept. 25-Oct. 9, 7-8:30 p.m. $120.

• Food Tales and Tastings Thursdays, Sept. 25-Nov. 6, 6-7:15 p.m. $120 (and $25 materials fee).

• Italian Language and Culture Thursdays,Sept. 25-Oct. 30, 6:15-7:15 p.m. $125 (plus $25 materials fee payable to instructor).

• Outside the Bathroom Box Thursdays,Sept. 25-Oct. 9, 6-7:30 p.m. $75 (plus $10 materials fee payable to instructor).

• T'ai Chi (Taiji) Introductory Level Thursdays, Sept. 25-Nov. 13, 6:30-8 p.m. $140.

• T'ai Chi (Taiji) Second Level Thursdays,Sept. 25-Nov. 13, 8-9 p.m. $140.

• Fine Silver Jewelry Making with Precious Metal Clay I Sept. 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $85.

• Healing Power of Dreams Sept. 27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $40.

• Looking Great on a Budget: Makeover Your Wardrobe Sept. 27, 10 a.m.-noon. $30 ($15 materials fee payable to instructor).

• Slow Gardening Mondays, Sept. 29-Oct. 27, 7-9 p.m. $100.

• Bella Italia: The Italian Tales of Elizabeth Spencer Sept. 30, 6-8:30 p.m. $45.

• Effective Grant Writing Tuesdays, Oct. 7-28,6-8:30 p.m. $100 (plus $25 materials fee payable to instructor).

• Floral Design Tuesdays, Sept. 16-Oct. 7, 6:30-8 p.m. $100 (plus $60 materials fee payable to instructor).

• Portrait Photography Mondays, Oct. 10-Nov. 24, 7-8:30 p.m. $190.

• Fine Silver Jewelry Making with Precious Metal Clay II Oct. 11, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and Oct. 12, 1-3 p.m. $90.

• Hot Topics: The New Atheism Oct. 18, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. $30.

• Beginning Guitar Mondays, Oct. 20-Nov.10, 7-8:30 p.m. $70 (plus guitar and $12 materials fee).

• Beginning Harmonica Tuesdays, Oct. 21-Nov. 11, 7-8 p.m. $65 (plus harmonica).

• Christmas Is Coming Oct. 28, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $25.

• Fine Silver Jewelry Making with Precious Metal Clay III Nov. 1, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $85.

• BodyForm Wednesdays,Nov. 5-Dec. 10, 6:15-7:30 p.m. $70.

• Basic Jewelry Design Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-noon. $30 (plus materials fee).

Acting Techniques Class with Rus Blackwell Sept. 14-Oct. 19, at New Stage Theatre. Rus Blackwell, one of the Southeast's most respected actors and sought-after acting coaches, is offering a six-week acting technique class. The focus of the class is an organic approach to the physical, mental and emotional aspects of the actor's process and it is designed to provide actors with a clear path to specific, honest and emotionally connected work. The class will provide more experienced actors with an excellent workout as well as a chance to stretch and improve their skills. Those newer to the game will be introduced to techniques that will help craft a solid process and provide a basic foundation. The class consists of technique work, scene study and monologues with some on-camera work. $230; call 601-948-3533 for more information.

Pinot Noir Tasting Sept. 21, 4 p.m., at BRAVO! Restaurant. Old World traditionalists beware: California and Oregon have proven that they, too, can produce world-class Pinot Noir. Join BRAVO! Sommelier Kelly Boutwell and Norm Rush as they taste through the good stuff all grown and bottled in the good ole' USA. $55; call 601-982-8111 for more information.

Acting Skills for Teens Sept. 22-Oct. 27, at New Stage Theatre. This class for teens interested in acting meets on Mondays for six weeks. $100; call 601-948-3533 for more information.

Creative Drama for Kids Sept. 20-Nov. 15, at New Stage Theatre. This drama class for children meets on Saturdays for eight weeks, with first through third graders meeting from 9-10:30 a.m. and fourth through sixth graders meeting from 10:30 a.m.-noon. $150; call 601-948-3533 for more information.

Classes at the Mississippi Crafts Center 950 Rice Rd., Ridgeland. Call 601-856-7546 for more information.

• Basics of Fused Glass Mondays 6-9 p.m. Learn the basics of fused glass as a great addition to previous glass skills, or as a new skill. Glass, kiln and instruction are provided with the class, but students are asked to bring their own glass cutter with oil reservoir. Session I: Sept. 22-Oct. 20; Session II: Oct. 27-Nov. 24. $250.

• Stained Glass Christmas Ornaments Oct. 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Make up to three stained glass Christmas ornaments by cutting, grinding, soldering and decorating. Add crystals to finish your piece. For beginner or intermediate. $120.
Classes at ARTichoke 1012 E. Fortification St. Call 601-948-4000 for information.

• Candle-making Sept. 27, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $30 includes supplies.

• Tar paper painting Oct. 11, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $25 includes supplies.

• Collage Nov. 8., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. $25 includes supplies.

[Literary & Signings]

September 10, 2008

MAC Poetry Anthology Call for Submissions Aug. 4-Oct. 15. The editors of The Southern Poetry Anthology are seeking submissions for the third in its series featuring Mississippi poets, and published by Texas Review Press. If you are a Mississippi native, or if you have lived in Mississippi for more than one year, please feel free to send up to five poems for consideration. This anthology is not limited to those who have published before; first-time submitters are welcome, as well as those who have had full-length works of poetry published with national presses. The only rules are: Poems must be original and of high quality; formal poems and free verse will be considered; poems about Mississippi are not necessarily championed over other motifs and themes, as editors wish for the "sense of place" to manifest in different ways, with different voices. Please note that the success of this anthology depends a great deal on word-of-mouth. Notify your poetry students, poetry-writing friends and gifted nemeses of this opportunity. Submission requirements: Submit your poems electronically (through e-mail) to both editors, Stephen Gardner ([e-mail unavailable]). Use "Mississippi Poetry Submission" as your subject heading, then include your first and last names in parentheses. For example: Mississippi Poetry Anthology (William Wright). Include a short cover letter within the text of the e-mail, as well as the names of the poems submitted. Submit a maximum of five poems in one attachment, and ensure that the poems are sent in .rtf (Rich Text Format) or .doc (Word) format (make sure that the Word format is 1997-2003). All submissions should include a recent bio (up to 150 words) after the poems, on a separate page. Italicize names of publications. We welcome both new and previously published work. However, if poems have been previously published, submitters must hold rights to them and provide full publication data (journal and/or book publisher, title of book, date of publication). Finally, please make sure that each submission includes a preferred e-mail address and street mailing address.

Events at Lemuria 202 Banner Hall, 4465 I-55 N. Call 601-366-7619 for information.

• Sept. 11, 5:30 p.m. Brock Clarke signs copies of his book "An Arsonist's Guide to Writers' Homes in New England." Book reading following signing. Free event, $13.95 book.

• Sept. 13, 1 p.m. Darryl Wheat signs copies of his book "The Genius of Great Achievers." Free event, $17 book.

• Sept. 13, 5 p.m. M.L. Rose (Myra McLary and Linda Weeks) sign copies of their book "The Road to Eden's Ridge." Free event, $13.99 book.

• Sept. 16, 1:30 p.m. Stephen Kirkpatrick will sign copies of his new book "Among the Animals: Mississippi." Free event, $19.95 book.

• Sept. 16, 5 p.m. Photographer Jane Rule Burdine will sign copies of her new collection of photos "Delta Deep Down." Free event, $40 book.

• Sept. 17, 5 p.m. Clyde Edgerton will sign copies of his book "The Bible Salesman" with a reading at 5:30 p.m. Free event, $23.99 book.

• Sept. 18, 5 p.m. Elizabeth Winthrop signs copies of her book "December." Reading follows at 5:30 p.m. Free event, $23.95 book.

• Sept. 22, 5 p.m. Authors Charline McCord and Judy Tucker sign copies of their book "Christmas Stories from the South's Best Writers." Free event, $15.95 book.

• Sept. 25, 5 p.m. Gary Walters signs copies of his book "Delta Dreamin'." Free event, $39.95.

• Sept. 26, 5 p.m. Brunonia Barry signs copies of her book "Lace Reader." Reading follows at 5:30. Free event, $24.95 book.

• Oct. 1, 5 p.m. Diane Wilson signs copies of her book "Holy Roller: Growing Up in the Church of Knock Down, Drag Out: Or How I Quit Loving a Blue Eyed Jesus." Free event, $24.95 book.

• Oct. 4, 6 p.m. Clay Williams signs copies of his book "Battle for the Southern Frontier: The Creek War and the War of 1812." Free event, $22.99 book.

• Oct. 6, 5 p.m. Jim Dees signs copies of "Lies and Other Truths" with a reading to follow at 5:30 p.m. Free event, $17.95 book.

• Oct. 8, 5 p.m. John M. Floyd signs copies of "Midnight" with a reading to follow at 5:30 p.m. Free event, $22.95 book.

• Oct. 15, 5 p.m. George Rodrigue will sign copies of his book "Blue Dog Speaks" with a reading at 5:30 p.m. Free event, $24.95 book.

• Oct. 14, 5 p.m. Author Dennis Lehane will sign copies of his book "The Given Day" with a reading at 5:30 p.m. Free event, $27.95.

• Oct. 16, 5 p.m. Doug Blackmon will sign copies of his book "Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II" with a reading at 5:30 p.m. Free event, $29.95 book.

• Oct. 21, 5 p.m. Helen DeFrance will sign copies of "At Home Cafe: Gatherings for Family and Friends." Free event, $32.50 book.

• Oct. 28, 4:30 p.m. Darden North will sign copies of "Fresh Frozen." Free event, $26.95 book.

• Oct. 29, 5 p.m. Michael Connelly will sign copies of his book "The Brass Verdict" with a reading at 5:30 p.m. Free event, $26.99 book.

• Nov. 4, 5 p.m. Tom Chaffin will sign copies of "The H.L. Hunley: The Secret Hope of the Confederacy" with a reading at 5:30 p.m. Free event, $26 book.

• Nov. 5, 5 p.m. Ron Rash will sign copies of "Serena" with a reading to follow at 5:30 p.m. Free event, $24.95 book.

• Nov. 13, 5 p.m. Artist H.C. Porter will sign copies of her collection "Backyards and Beyond: Mississippians and Their Stories." Free event, $45 book.

• Nov. 14, 5 p.m. Ted Gioia will sign copies of "Delta Blues: The Life and Times of the Mississippi Masters Who Revolutionized American Music" with a reading at 5:30 p.m. Free event, $27.95 book.

• Nov. 15, 11 a.m. Carolyn Falk Katz will sign copies of "The Peddler." Free event, $7.95 book.

• Nov. 18, 4:30 p.m. Frascogna will sign copies of "Ya'll vs. Us." Free event, $34.95 book.

• Nov. 19, 5 p.m. Roy Blount will sign copies of "Alphabet Juice" with a reading at 5:30 p.m. Free event, $25.

• Dec. 4, 5 p.m. Melissa Joseph will sign copies of "Moments with Baxter" with a reading at 5:30 p.m. Free event, $24.95 book.

• Dec. 4, 5 p.m. Jon Meacham will sign copies of his book "American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House" with a reading to follow at 5:30 p.m. Free event, $30 book.

Unburied Treasures Sept. 16, 5:30 p.m., at Mississippi Museum of Art, 380 S. Lamar St. Sarah Campbell reads from the memoirs of Crossroads Quilters. Free; call 601-960-1515 for more information.

"Poetry Out Loud" contests, Sept. 1-Jan. 31. The Mississippi Arts Commission is pleased to partner with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation to present "Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest." Poetry Out Loud is a program that encourages high-school students to learn about great poetry through memorization, performance and competition. From September 2008 through January 2009, high schools statewide are invited to participate in classroom and school-wide contests, advancing to the forth-annual state finals, to be held in Jackson on Friday, March 13, 2009. The state champion will advance to the National Finals held in Washington D.C., April 27-28, 2009. The program requires less than two or three weeks of class time and offers an outstanding educational experience for the students. In order to participate, a school must submit their registration form by Dec. 31, 2008. All registered schools will receive a newly developed training DVD to help them prepare for the competition. Call 601-359-6037 for more information.

Events at the Flowood Library 103 Winners Circle, Flowood. Call 601-919-1911 for information.

• After School Story Time Sept. 9, 3 p.m., at Flowood Library. Weekly afternoon events for children, K-6th grade, including stories, activities and monthly craft days. Free.

• Prime Time Seniors Tuesdays, 1 p.m., at Flowood Library. Weekly social time for seniors, includes cards, games, speakers, occasional travel and snacks. Free.

• Southern Writers Group Sept. 12, noon. Writers and aspiring writers gather to discuss writing and publishing. Open to all. Brown bag lunch with drinks provided. The group meets the second Friday of every month at noon and the fourth Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Free.

• Poets Anonymous Sept. 13, 9 a.m., at Flowood Library. Poets and poetry lovers meet to share and discuss the literary form. Free.

"The Art of the Cartoonist" Oct. 28, 7 p.m. Hear a lecture by Marshall Ramsey, editorial cartoonist for The Clarion Ledger, in the Southern Cultural Heritage Foundation Auditorium (1302 Adams St., Vicksburg). Admission is free with a food donation to the Storehouse Community Food Pantry. A book signing will follow the lecture. Call 601-631-2997 for information.

[Music]

Tuesdays at the Plaza 5 p.m., at Tye's Restaurant (120 N. Congress St.). Food and live music. Call 601-949-3434 for details.
Full Moon Party Night of the full moon every month, at Que Sera Sera 2801 N. State St. The event boasts a different theme each month, live music and drink specials. Free event; call 6010-981-2520 for more information.

Gospel, Jazz and Blues Sundays 1-3 p.m. New for 2008, the Jackson Zoo will be adding local entertainment for its visitors on Sunday afternoons during the fall months. Zoo Music showcases regional talent playing a variety of music.

• Sept. 14, Mississippi's smooth Jazz Sax sensation Jesse Primer III swings and grooves jazz standards and R&B favorites.

• Sept. 21, Virgil "Big Juv" Brawley and his bluesmen paint the zoo blue with juke-joint guitar and vocals and Delta shuffles.
Music in the City Sept. 9, 5:15 p.m., at Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). Designed for enjoyment on its own or as a warm-up for other evening obligations, this series features such entertainers as Lester Senter and John Paul, Marta and Danuta Szlubowska, and Sibyl Child and John Paul. Hors d'oeuvres at 5:15 p.m., music performance begins at 5:45 p.m. Specific entertainment announced each month. Free; call 601-354-1533 for more information.

Organist Todd Wilson Performance Sept. 12, 7:30 p.m., at Northminster Baptist Church (3955 Ridgewood Rd.). Todd Wilson, one of the world's leading concert organists, performs for the public. Free; call 601-924-7458 for more information.
Jazz, Art and Friends Sept. 18, 6 p.m., at The Palette Cafe by Viking in the Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St.). One Thursday a month, enjoy cocktails, listen to the best jazz Jackson has to offer and mingle with friends while surrounded by world-class art. $5 MMA members, $7 non-Members; call 601-960-1515 for more information.
Mississippi Symphony Orchestra Performances Ticket prices TBA; call 601-960-1565 for more information.

• Chamber I: "Suites and Brandenburg Too" Sept. 20, 7:30 p.m., at St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral (305 E. Capitol St.).

• Jackson Symphony League Sept. 27, 6:30 p.m., at Jackson Country Club (345 St. Andrew's Dr.).

• Bravo I: "Opening Gambit" Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m., at Thalia Mara Hall (225 E. Pascagoula St.).

• Benefit: "88x8" Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m., at Belhaven College Center for the Arts.

• Pops I: "The Magical Music of Disney" Oct. 25, 7:30 p.m., at Thalia Mara Hall (225 E. Pascagoula St.).

• Bravo II: "Serenade, Tango and More!" Nov. 5, 7:30 p.m., at Thalia Mara Hall (225 E. Pascagoula St.).

• Symphony at Sunset VIII Sept. 25, 7 p.m., at The Cedars Historic Home (4145 Old Canton Rd.). Corporate and friends tables available, or bring your blanket and picnic under the stars on the beautiful grounds. Free; call 601-981-9606 for more information.

"The Fall" Oct. 18, 6 p.m., at Belhaven College in the Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center (1500 Peachtree St.). The Mississippi Improv Alliance—in conjunction with Cynthia Newland of the Belhaven Dance Department and Duncan Dance, a modern dance company—presents an evening of dance-centered improvisation. A series of three directed dance-improvisations will focus on dissolution and the possibilities inherent within. Each presentation will be accompanied by a musical trio creating live music in response to the dance. Free; call 601-497-7454 for more information.

Verdi's Rigoletto Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m., at Thalia Mara Hall (225 E. Pascagoula St.). Based on Victor Hugo's stinging attack on the French court, the Mississippi Opera presents Verdi's masterpiece explores the darker motivations of the human condition: lust, betrayal and vengence. Sung in Italian with projected English subtitles. $20-$55, various discounts available; call 601-960-2300 for more information.

"Serenade to Music" Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m., at Thalia Mara Hall (225 E. Pascagoula St.). The Mississippi Chorus, under the artistic direction of Dr. Marc Ashley Foster, opens its 19th season with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra with the performance of Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Serenade to Music." Ticket prices TBA; call 601-278-3351 for details.

Three Kings: "King of Kings" Dec. 1, 7:30 p.m., at Wesley Chapel (787 E. Northside Dr.). "The King of Kings," a concert featuring Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Hodie," will open the Christmas season, with the Mississippi Girlchoir joining the Mississippi Chorus. Ticket prices TBA; call 601-278-3351 for more information.

[Community]

Pub Quiz Tuesdays, 8 p.m., at Hal & Mal's Restaurant. Flex your mental muscle at Jackson's premiere trivia battle royale with your hosts Shannon and Laura. $2 per person to play; call 601-948-0888 for more information.

Jackson Progressives Lunch Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m., at Peaches (327 Farish St.). What started on a whim is turning into a full-fledged tradition. In the interest of being the spark that ignites the rebirth of the Farish Historic District, JxnPro is calling on everyone to join them for some of the best soul food in the land (and they have veggie plates for vegetarians). Free event.

Fondren After Five First Thursday of every month beginning Oct. 2, 5 p.m., in Fondren. Formerly called "Fondren ARTmix," this monthly event showcases the local shops, galleries and restaurants of the Fondren neighborhood. Free; call 601-981-9606 for more information.

Citizens on Patrol (COPs) These monthly meetings are forums designed to help resolve community issues or problems, from crime to potholes.

• Precinct 1 First Thursday of the month, 6 p.m., at 810 Cooper Rd. Call 601-960-1878 for more information.

• Precinct 2 Second Thursday of the month, 6 p.m., at 215 W. Pearl St. Call 601-960-1467 for more information.

• Precinct 3 Third Thursday of the month, 6 p.m., at 3925 W. Northside Dr. Call 601-960-1447 for more information.

• Precinct 4 Fourth Thursday of the month, 5:30 p.m., at New Redeemer Church on Northside Drive. Call 601-960-1453 for more
information.

Champions of Justice Dinner Sept. 12 at Jackson Marriott. This dinner honors civil-rights activist Unita Blackwell and visionary public servant Dick Molpus. Call 601-352-2269 for more information.

AIDS Action in Mississippi Walk Against AIDS Sept. 13-23, at Freedom Corner in Jackson (Corner of Martin Luther King Dr. and Medgar Evers Blvd.). The Walk Against AIDS is a 10-day walk in collaboration with Stand Against AIDS, which will be three days of rallies, town-hall meetings and fellowship during the first presidential debate. The "Walk Against AIDS" is patterned after James Meredith's "Walk against Fear" in 1966. About 50-100 people from across the United States will walk from Jackson to Oxford to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS and advocacy in the state. The activists will converge in Oxford, on Sept. 23 for three days of action leading up to the first presidential debate between Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain. Call 601-944-1403 or 601-672-6564 for more information.

Fifth International Symposium on Recent Advances in Environmental Health Research Sept. 14, at the Jackson Marriott. The symposium seeks to contribute to global research and education in the fields of environmental science, biomedical science and public health. It is sponsored by Jackson State's College of Science, Engineering and Technology. Selected topics include ne